An Introduction To Western Europe

A brief look at the countries that are part of Western Europe and the role they have played throughout history up to the present day.

Western Europe is perhaps the easiest of the regions in Europe to define, as its nations are commonly  understood to be the developed, capitalistic nations that are part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

One of the borders of Western Europe is clearly defined by the Atlantic Ocean, though the precise location of the Eastern border remains vague.

Western Europe is understood as the part of the continent that has been heavily influenced by the United States, rather than the former Soviet Union.

Western Europe is generally understood to include the nations of the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg and Monaco.

Historically, Western Europe is dominated by Roman culture and language. The Roman Empire spread even as far as Britain before finally collapsing under the weight of warring nations.

Western Europe has not stopped being a site of great  historical events since. The French Revolution of 1789 forced governments to be held accountable for their actions and lavish lifestyles.

The Industrial Revolution in the late 17th century changed the way business and trade was conducted and paved the way for current-day market systems and capitalistic economies.

More recently, the vast majority of Western Europe allied itself with the United States during World Wars One and Two in order to stop the advance of the Germans armies.

The United Kingdom is the country of note in Western Europe. Besides having a massive present day influence over the socio, political and economic output of the world, Great Britain has always been a global power player since its settlement.

Britain made an effort at colonizing a great part of the lesser developed nations of the world, though most have now gained their independence.

The first industrialized country and once the top army in the world, Britain has since fallen behind the United States partly because of the impact of the Second World War on the nation.

France is one of the founding members of the European Union. Besides being a strong competitor with Britain during the colonization period,

France also has enjoyed a strong economy for much of its history. Tourism is a great industry in the country, as France is the most visited nation in the world.

Belgium and Netherlands were also fully active during the colonial ages, claiming territories all across the map. Belgium often goes unnoticed, surrounded as it is by mighty powers, but the nation is the host nation of both the European Union and NATO.

The whole of Western Europe has been wealthy and powerful for the entirety of modern times and there are no signs to suggest that this trend will change.

As the world continues to progress towards a great and bright future, Western Europe will surely be leading the charge.