How has the geography of Europe helped to shape its rich history? Europe's diverse geography includes many winding rivers, stark mountains, and vast plains. All these geographical figures play an important role in the occurrence of important historical events in Europe. The political geography of the continent also plays an important role. Perhaps it plays an even more important role than physical geography in some cases. The ever-changing political geography of Europe is responsible for creating several landlocked countries and forming serious tensions between governments. Some of the most important events in European history may never have happened if the geography of Europe had been different or had not changed so much over time. Whatever the obstacle, Europeans have managed to overcome just about everything. Europe itself is nothing more than a giant peninsula connected to the landmass of Eurasia. Europe is very diverse in terms of physical geography. There are rivers across the continent that provide borders and defense of countries. Rivers also constitute a means of transport which has contributed to the economic and cultural geography of Europe. The continent is also very rich in mountain ranges which have isolated some countries, allowing them to develop their own cultures. These mountains, like rivers, also provide natural defense to countries. In Eastern Europe, there are vast plains. These plains contribute to the large agricultural industry of Eastern Europe. However, while these features have advantages, they also have disadvantages. Mountains and rivers isolate many countries. This restricted the trade of goods and ideas, which ultimately negatively crippled the new country. Sometimes new governments reacted negatively to more political and cultural issues, such as in the former Yugoslavia, and ended up creating an endless cycle with ever-changing borders. In a country with diverse and harsh physical geography and complex political geography, people have evolved. into brighter, more modern people over time. The people of Europe are learning to overcome all obstacles that stand in their way to create the greatest union in the world. They overcame the barriers of rocky mountains and winding rivers, political tensions and much more. Of course, there will surely be more tensions to come, but the Europeans will eventually overcome them too. The geography of Europe is absolutely crucial to everything that happened there and still persists in society, not only in Europe, but throughout the world...