WG.7 d - Cultural Influences and Landscapes of Europe

The student will analyze the characteristics of the European region by 

d) recognizing cultural influences and landscapes. 

Europe’s cultural landscape has been and is currently being changed by its settlers and by global, religious, and ethnic conflicts. As a result, diversity has increased. 

Cultural influences 

• Birthplace of western culture: Greece and Rome 
• Spread of European culture to many other parts of the world (through exploration, colonization, imperialism) 
• Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution 
• Highly urbanized 
• Many ethnic groups with different languages, religions, and customs 
• Sporadic conflict among groups (wars, revolutions) 
• One of the world’s most densely populated areas 
• North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) 

• Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Tower of London 
  
• Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Eiffel Tower 
• Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa, St. Peter’s Basilica 
• Parthenon 
• Windmills 
• Neuschwanstein Castle