Glencoe World Geography

Chapter 11: The Physical Geography of Europe

Student Web Activities


Introduction
Most of Europe lies within 300 miles of a seacoast. The Netherlands, located on the North Sea, is one of the most densely populated countries in the world-yet about 25 percent of the country lies below sea level! Over the centuries the Dutch have learned how to protect their land and how to reclaim it from the sea. The Delta Plan Project is one of the largest marine engineering projects in the world.

Destination Title: History of the Netherlands

Directions
Start at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Web site.
  • Click on one of the languages displayed. From the menu on the left side of the screen, click on The Dutch Struggle Against the Waters: 1953. Read the blurb and then click on More Info.
  • Scroll down the page, taking notes as you read.
  • After you have browsed the information, answer the following questions.

1
What disaster occurred in 1953?
2
What was the purpose of the Delta Plan Project?
3
What are some of the ways inhabitants of the Netherlands have attempted to control water throughout history?
4
Why were environmentalists opposed to the closing of the last estuary, and what compromise was reached?
5
After browsing through this site, pretend that you are an editor for one of the Netherlands' major newspapers. Write an editorial describing the positive effects of the Delta Plan Project.
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