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Although vastly different in many ways, Austria, Croatia, and Slovenia together form the heart of Central Europe. Austria has historically been much more visible in European politics than either Croatia or Slovenia, but as with the latter two, it has also been a part of various alliances over the centuries. Despite that, however, all three have retained their own sense of national identity through it all, weathering the fall of Austria-Hungary,
...Despite being known as the Low Countries, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands are far from insignificant. The Benelux Economic Union, which sought economic integration between the three countries, in fact served as the model for the European Union. Additionally, each of the three boasts rich histories, and what they lack in size or population, they make up for in thriving cultural climates. This absorbing volume pays each country its due,
...Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia share a remarkably similar trajectory on their individual paths to becoming the nations they are today. Each had ties to the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires in earlier times, all became Eastern-bloc countries in the 20th century, and all successfully emerged from Communist rule in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. These multi-layered lands—where folk traditions still
...For centuries islands of the Mediterranean served as a cultural crossroads, with the Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs variously settling and colonizing the area. Cyprus, Greece, and Malta in particular were subject to the influence of foreign powers, and remained so for much of their histories. Today, each has gained its independence and gone on to become an active member of the European Union. This lively volume examines the historical events that
...The Nordic region of northern Europe is indelibly linked in the minds of many with the Viking cultures that populated the area eons ago. Yet, as this intricate study of Denmark, Finland, and Sweden attests, there's so much more to the story than that. These nations have emerged from the long shadow of their early days in the Viking era to become vibrant societies with proud traditions, distinct customs, and promising futures. Readers will learn
...After emerging from the long shadow cast by the Soviet Union, the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and neighboring Poland transitioned from communism to market economies and instituted democratic reforms in a remarkably short time. Although each continues to contend with various economic and political issues, their successes have allowed them to become some of the few former Eastern bloc states to join the European Union. The journeys
...8) France
France's cultural and historical legacies are numerous and diverse. It has long played a dominant role on the world stage, and as one of the largest countries of the European Union, its global influence shows no signs of dying down. But despite its cultural, economic, governmental, and historical achievements, France has experienced trials and tribulations, perhaps most memorably during the French Revolution, but throughout history as well. This
...9) Germany
Germany's complex past is riddled with both stunning triumphs and staggering failures. Once little more than a federation of tribes, over the course of its history, it formed various alliances, some of which were broken while others survived and allowed Germany to become a significant power in Europe and the world. And although a sense of German national identity was centuries in the making, folk traditions, regional culture, and a robust intellectual
...10) Ireland
Although the independent Irish republic emerged only relatively recently, its rich history and cultural bounties date back centuries. The Irish have long endured strife, struggling against external control—notably English rule—as well as against infighting, often between Roman Catholics and Protestants. Yet even amidst such conflict, Ireland has continued to be known as the "land of saints and scholars," with writers such as James Joyce
...11) Italy
It is almost impossible to think about Italy without recalling its Renaissance art masterpieces, its spectacular landscapes, or its widely loved cuisine. Although these combined elements hint at a united Italian culture, Italy is truly a country comprised of individual regions, each with their own identities, histories, and traditions. Readers will follow Italy's trajectory from a land of disparate barbarian kingdoms to a republic, discovering
...As neighbors and early rival nations, Portugal and Spain have been associated for much of their histories. Yet despite their geographic proximity on the Iberian Peninsula and shared past, each boasts distinct social, cultural, and economic identities. Readers will examine the evolution of each country, witnessing the rise of their earliest civilizations, their dramatic rivalry during the Age of Discovery, their days as empire-builders, their struggles
...Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales—storied lands that have sparked the global imagination through their legends and centuries-old traditions—often seem to be eclipsed by the neighboring England. While there are many similarities between them, each is culturally distinct, with languages, traditions, and identities not shared by the others. But even as Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales each work to safeguard their unique heritages,
...Despite its comparatively small size, England has been a nation of considerable stature on the international stage for much of its history. As the home of parliamentary government, William Shakespeare, and the English language, England has been an influential player in the political and cultural development of nations the world over. The story of England is captured in this compelling volume, which provides an overview of its rich past, remarkable
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