Modern Europe

GLOBAL STUDIES

GPS - CCBOE #3

MODERN EUROPE

Enduring Understandings

Essential Questions

CONFLICT & CHANGE: The student will understand that when there is conflict between or within societies, change is the result.

	How did the differing philosophies of the United States and the Soviet Union after WWII lead to the Cold War?
	Why is the Holocaust a significant event of WWII?
	What led to the collapse of the Soviet Union ?
	What led to the reunification of Germany ?
	What is the relationship between the collapse of the Soviet Union , the reunification of Germany , and the end of the Cold War?

CULTURE: The student will understand that the culture of a society is the product of the religion, beliefs, customs, traditions, and government of that society.

	How does the diversity of languages in Europe (German, English, Russian, French, and Italian) reflect its unique cultural characteristics?
	How do the people of Europe overcome the barriers created by the diversity of cultures?
	What are the characteristics of the three major religions in Europe (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam)?
	What is the relationship between literacy rate and standard of living?

GOVERNANCE: The student will understand that as a society increases in complexity and interacts with other societies, the complexity of the government also increases.

	How is power distributed in different forms of government (unitary, confederation, and federal)?
	How do citizens participate in different forms of government (autocratic, oligarchic, and democratic)?
	What are the important democratic features of parliamentary and presidential forms of government?
	How are the governments of the United Kingdom , Germany , and Russia different and how are these governments similar?
	What is the purpose of the European Union?
	What is the relationship of the member nations of the European Union?

LOCATION: The student will understand that location affects a society’s economy, culture, and development.

	How do the factors of climate, access to water, and natural resources affect where Europeans choose to live and work?
	How did the location of the United States and the Soviet Union contribute to their rise as Superpowers after World War II?

What's it all about?

In this unit students will explore modern Europe. Students will describe the location of major countries and analyze the location’s impact on its people. Students will explain the diversity of European culture by examining languages, religions, and literacy rate. They will also investigate the forms and organizational structures of modern European governments and the purpose of the European Union (EU). Students will explain how conflict and change in the 20th century impacts Europe in the 21st century.

GEORGIA PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

SS6H7 The student will explain conflict and change in Europe to the 21st century.

b. Explain the impact of WWII in terms of the Holocaust, the origins of the Cold War, and the rise of Superpowers.

c. Explain how the collapse of the Soviet Union led to the end of the Cold War and German reunification.

SS6G10 The student will explain the impact of location, climate, natural resources, and population distribution on Europe .

a. Compare how the location, climate, and natural resources of the United Kingdom and Russia affect where people live and how they trade.

b. Compare how the location, climate, and natural resources of Germany and Italy affect where people live and how they trade.

SS6G11 The student will describe the cultural characteristics of Europe .

a. Explain the diversity of European culture as seen in a comparison of German, English, Russian, French, and Italian.

b. Describe the major religions in Europe ; include Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

c. Explain how the literacy rate affects the standard of living in Europe .

SS6CG4 The student will compare and contrast various forms of government.

a. Describe the ways government systems distribute power: unitary, confederation, and federal.

b. Explain how governments determine citizen participation: autocratic, oligarchic, and democratic.

c. Describe the two predominant forms of democratic governments: parliamentary and presidential.

SS6CG5 The student will explain the structure of modern European governments.

a. Compare the parliamentary system of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (United Kingdom), the federal system of the Federal Republic of Germany(Germany), and the federation of the Russian Federation (Russia), distinguishing the form of leadership and the role of the citizen in terms of voting and personal freedoms.

b. Describe the purpose of the European Union and the relationship between member nations.

WWII

CIA World Factbook

CIA Kid's Page

Owl & Mouse Interactive Maps

GeoSpy