Geography of Europe Natural Barriers and Protection What

Geography of Europe: Natural Barriers and Protection What are some examples of natural barriers that could determine the boundary lines of an empire or country? In what way(s) could those natural barriers influence the economy (trade) of an area?

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Geography of Europe • The continent of Europe is a huge peninsula, with many smaller peninsulas branching out from it. • As a result, most land in Europe lies within 300 miles of a seacoast. What are major bodies of water that surround Europe? List them on your guided notes. How could this effect the economy of Europe?

Rivers and Seas • Major rivers flow from inland mountains into the oceans and seas surrounding the continent. • These rivers are navigable. Navigable means… wide and deep enough for ships to use. List 4 major rivers in Europe on your guided notes. Why are navigable rivers and seas important for the economy of Europe?

Protection • Europe’s seas and rivers provided protection as well as possibilities for trade. • The English Channel separates the islands of Britain & Ireland from the rest of Europe. • Wide rivers also kept groups of people separated.

Mountains • The Pyrenees isolated what is now Spain & Portugal from the rest of Europe. • The Alps separated Italy from central Europe. • The Carpathians cut off what is now Ukraine & Russia from southeast Europe. • The Ural Mts. Separate Europe from Asia. How do these natural boundaries affect people on different sides of the rivers or mountains?

Europe before and after the Fall of Rome The Roman Empire Kingdoms of Europe after Rome fell. Which Empire is the only one remaining?

Assignment • Using page 242 -243 of your textbook, label and color the map of Medieval Europe. Follow the directions on the map. • This map will be page 21 of your comp. book.