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This unit is the history of Europe, and the development of nationalism that led to world wars I and II. It also examines postwar Europe and the origins of the cold war during the late 20th Century. Students explore the political, technological and social changes that Europe contributed to the modern era. Students compare and contrast the political, economic, and cultural aspects of life in Eastern Europe before and after the breakup of the Soviet Union. Students examine the European Union and the rise of economic systems like capitalism, communism, free market economies, factors of production, labor and supply and demand. Students learn the systems of government such as monarchy, democracy, oligarchy and dictatorship. Students investigate the diversity of the European region compared to other world regions.
Important Vocabulary for this Unit
Important Vocabulary for this Unit
Alliance/ally: Two or more nations (countries) forming a political, and often military, relationship to protect each other in some way
- During WWI and WWII, the United States formed alliances with Great Britain and France.
Communism/communist: An economic system in which the government controls all areas of industry and production with the goal to make everyone equal.
- Although there are many benefits of equality, communism fails to encourage people to work hard so it usually doesn't benefit the country or the people.
Conflict: A serious disagreement or argument
- Two of the biggest conflicts in European history are WWI and WWII.
Genocide: The systematic, mass killing of a particular group of people/ethnic group
- There have been many genocides throughout history, but the Holocaust was the worst one.
Globalization: Connecting the economies and cultures of countries around the world.
- The Internet has increased globalization, which has led to greater cultural diffusion.
Immigration/immigrate: To permanently move from one country to another.
- People from developing economies in Asia and Africa sometimes choose to immigrate to Europe for more opportunities.
Imperialism/imperialist: When a country takes over new territories (lands) to become richer and more powerful
- Germany’s imperialist policies made it want to conquer all of Europe during WWI and WWII.
Industrialism/industrialize: The process of creating more and more factories in an area.
- Europe began to industrialize in the 18th and 19th centuries; this marked a shift from products being made by hand to now being made in factories.
Innovation: The action or process of inventing (or making better) a product, method, or idea
- The scientific revolution led to innovation and discovery.
Nationalism/nationalist: When a person is so deeply loyal to their home country that they are willing to do anything for their country.
- A Serbian nationalist assassinated the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, which led to World War I.
Refugee: Someone who has fled (left) their native country to escape violence or persecution.
- Germany was very welcoming to the thousands of Syrian refugees who left to escape their country’s civil war.
Revolution/revolt/revolted: To overthrow, or replace, the current government
- French citizens were inspired by the American Revolution when they revolted against their king and queen.
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