Origins of the Renaissance

Which of the following describes one effect of Marco Polo’s journey to China?

• a. Marco Polo became the emperor of China.
• b. Marco Polo was made a government official in China.
• c. Marco Polo helped protect travelers and traders on the trade route to China.
• d. Marco Polo became an important banker.

The printing press affected the spread of ideas during the Renaissance the same way that

• a. the Internet affects the spread of ideas today.
• b. the cellular phone affects the spread of ideas today.
• c. digital photographs affect the spread of ideas today.
• d. e-mail allows people to exchange ideas today.

Which of Cosimo dé Medici’s personal values helped to bring about the Renaissance?

• the belief that Italy’s major cities should unite to form one democratic body of government
• b. the belief that Italy’s port cities could be as important as Asia’s Silk Road
• c. the wish that Florence should be the world’s most beautiful city
• d. the belief that Italian art and wealth should be shared with northern Europe

How do prices affect trade?

• a. When prices are low, trade decreases.
• b. When prices are high, trade does not change.
• c. When prices are high, trade increases.
• d. When prices are low, trade increases.

  One important feature that Venice and Genoa shared was that

• a. both were located near the Silk Road.
• both were important port cities on the Mediterranean Sea.
• c. both produced fine glass, weapons, and silk.
• d. both were centers of learning during the Middle Ages.

The Mongols helped to increase trade between Europe and Asia by

• a. staying isolated from people from other countries.
• b. increasing the prices of goods.
• c. making the Silk Road safe to travel again.
• d. building ports and harbors.

Which event occurred first?

• a. Marco Polo and his family travel from Venice to China.
• b. Marco Polo visits India and Southeast Asia.
• c. Kublai Khan appoints Marco Polo to be a government official.
• d. The Mongol dynasty takes over China and makes the roads safer.