HUMAN GEOGRAPHY OF EASTERN EUROPE AND RUSSIA EASTERN

HUMAN GEOGRAPHY OF EASTERN EUROPE AND RUSSIA

EASTERN EUROPE • Eastern Europe is located between Asia and the rest of Europe –shaping the region’s history • Many groups migrated into the region, creating cultural diversity • Strong empires ruling parts of the region delayed the creation of independent nations • Today the region of Eastern Europe includes: Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Serbia.

VIDEO • Answer questions on notes • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=V zzdwq. Cd-Zo

RELIGION • Many different religions also comprise the region. • The Roman Empire introduced Catholicism. • The Byzantine Empire spread Eastern Orthodox Christianity. • Some countries also have a Protestant minority, and under the Ottoman Empire, some Eastern Europeans converted to Islam. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

SOCIETY • Countries have faced economic challenges in the transition to democratic governments. • The majority of people live in urban areas, although there are large populations along the Danube and Vistula Rivers. • Eastern Europe experienced large migrations during and after World War II with people leaving to escape war and poor conditions.

VIDEO • Answer questions on notes • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=R m. Q 5 vza. JWXc

ECONOMY • Over the past 20 years, Eastern Europe has transitioned to a market economy. • The region is known for low-cost, high quality electronic and automotive manufacturing, but still maintains its agricultural roots. • As political stability has improved, the region has become increasingly linked to Western Europe through trade and, more recently, by joining the European Union.

CULTURE • The family is the basic social unit and serves to reinforce social values. • Religious beliefs, rural customs, and Byzantine art have all influenced Eastern European folk art. • In general, folk art is produced by rural people with traditional lifestyles instead of professional artists. • Pysanka is a Ukrainian Easter egg decorated with traditional folk design. They are usually made with hard boiled eggs. • Fabergé egg are from the country of Russia. They are made of glass & are bejeweled. They can be very pricey! The average price is $14, 000, but they can go up to $3 million!

HUMAN GEOGRAPHY OF RUSSIA

RISE OF THE SOVIET UNION • Bolsheviks Overthrew the Republic in 1917 known as the Russian Revolution • USSR was a one party, totalitarian state • The USSR followed a policy of autarky- producing all the goods it needs, limiting trade • Soviet leaders tried to stop religious worship • Believing religion would take away loyalty from the state

FALL OF THE SOVIET UNION • Due to Political and economic changes in the 1980 s the Soviet Union began to fall apart in 1990 and had collapsed by the end of 1991. • The USSR is splits into 15 different countries • Communism was replaced with capitalism

FACTS ABOUT RUSSIA • Answer questions on notes • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=h 4 fh. H 1 f. SL 3 c

GOVERNMENT • Russia has a popularly elected president and a Federal Assembly divided into 2 chambers (Federation Council and the State Duma)

ETHNIC GROUPS • About 80 percent of Russians live west of the Ural Mountains where there is rich soil, waterways, and a milder climate. • After the fall of the Soviet Union, people were free to migrate, and many settled in cities, such as the capital city of Moscow. • The region is facing a population decline, with death rates increasing while birth rates are falling, resulting in a smaller, but older population.

RELIGION • The Soviet government promoted atheism • In the late 1980 s the government began to loosen its restrictions on religion and the arts, leading people to rediscover both. • Mostly Orthodox Christianity • Buddhism and Islam • Judaism declined due to persecution

ECONOMY • With the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia experienced a rocky transition from a command economy to a market economy. • Natural resources account for most of Russia’s exports, such as crude oil, minerals, and lumber. • Although a key trading partner with Russia, Ukraine remains wary of Russia’s former power and is considering joining the European Union. • Belarus remains industrially integrated and closely allied with Russia.

VIDEO • Answer question on notes • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=y o. N 9 d. Oxfg. X 4

CULTURE • Since collapse of USSR, society is now open to western influence • Today Russian culture is known for Ballet, Nesting dolls, music, and architecture • Native traditions in food still survive: • Rye is used heavily • Kasha • Vodka

FABERGE • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=M 67 LPSU_vdk