Module 14: Southern Europe

Big Ideas:

1. The peninsulas of Southern Europe have rocky terrains and sunny, mild climates.

• Southern Europe's physical features include rugged mountains and narrow coastal plains.

• The region's climate and resources support such industries as agriculture, fishing, and tourism.

2. Greece and Italy are home to two of the Western world's oldest and most influential civilizations.

• Early in its history, Greece was the home of a great civilization, but it was later ruled by foreign powers.

• The Greek language, the Orthodox Church, and varied customs have helped shape Greece's culture.

• In Greece today, many people are looking for new economic opportunities.

• Italian history can be divided into three periods: ancient Rome, the Renaissance, and unified Italy.

• Religion and local traditions have helped shape Italy's culture.

• Italy today has two distinct economic regions - northern Italy and southern Italy.

3. Spain and Portugal have rich cultures, stable governments, and struggling economies.

• Over the centuries, Spain and Portugal have been part of many large and powerful empires.

• The cultures of Spain and Portugal reflect their long histories.

• Having been both rich and poor in the past, Spain and Portugal today have struggling economies.

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