A Guide to Western Europe History
Western Europe has a fascinating history, and the landscape is dotted with historical sites. From prehistoric Cro-Magnon caves and other-worldly passage tombs to crumbling Greek temples and Roman bathhouses, you’ll find plenty of interesting sites to visit. However, to fully appreciate the history of the countries, you must have a thorough understanding of Europe’s past.
In addition to its varied cultures, history, and art, Western Europe also has a rich culinary culture. The people of Western Europe have embraced many traditions from their native regions, and yet, many have kept their traditions even while incorporating new trends and values. For example, those living in Russia and the Ukraine are more likely to practice the Orthodox religion than those living in Western Europe.
After World War II, European statesmen worked hard to unify the continent peacefully, based on equality. The goal was to deter further conflicts. The aim was to counterbalance the political and economic influence of the new superpowers. This meant introducing common rules and institutions to promote the common interests of European citizens.
The Middle Ages in Western Europe were characterised by warfare. In the first century, wars were fought between European nations, and this continued until the 13th century. During this period, Western Europe had to face the Vikings, as well as the Magyars from Eastern Europe. Muslim forces were also exerting pressure in the north, but the threat of external attacks diminished after this point. This period of history is known as the Central Middle Ages.
During World War II, France was occupied by the Nazis. Hitler had plans to conquer eastern Europe, but his first concern was France. The French government was a potential rival to Germany, and the Nazis hoped that France would defend its interests. However, France refused to join the Nazis, and France was the only country in the region to resist the Nazis.
The political system in France and England was different. The French monarchy was a monarchy, while the English had a parliamentary system. The English parliament, on the other hand, was a representative state. It had a powerful monarch. Its parliament was a representative body that recognized the needs of the people.
Citizenship is a legal recognition that you belong to a specific nation, state, or commonweath. It may help you form an identity, but it also comes with responsibilities to follow local laws. Moreover, different nations and states have different procedures for naturalization. If you want to teach your students about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, consider purchasing some citizenship classroom resources.