Social Studies End of Year Review

How did innovations such as irrigation, aqueducts, and improved farm techniques transform civilizations?

• Innovations made it possible to expand settlements at arid locations.

• Innovations increased the numbers of hunters and gatherers.

• Innovations required smaller herds and less livestock.

• Innovations decreased the size of cities.

In 711 CE, the Moors invaded Spain and established Islamic rule. During this period, philosophy, mathematics, and science flourished in the nation. For instance, Ibn Zuhr, a physician and surgeon, tested medical procedures on animals before using them on humans. His work was translated into Latin and Hebrew and had a significant impact on the medical field. Spain remained closely connected to Baghdad for 200 years before becoming independent. Spain was one of the wealthiest areas of Europe during the period of Moorish rule.

Based on the passage, how did the Moorish invasion of Spain affect civilization in the region?

• It forbade the advancement of philosophy and emphasized religion.

• It led to the development of new scientific and mathematical techniques.

• It created an isolated area of economic development and trade.

• It transformed Spain into a society primarily concerned with military power.

Hammurabi was the King of Babylon from 1792 BCE to 1750 BCE. Hammurabi wrote The Code of Hammurabi, the oldest set of laws known to exist, which was made up of 282 laws. The code was carved in stone for all to see and read.

Facts about The Code of Hammurabi

• This was the first written code—people could see it. This increased people’s ability to read.

• The code treated women fairly.

• The harsh punishments made civilizations safer.

• The code reinforced class structure—punishments were different for the different classes.

Based on the information provided, how did Hammurabi help to transform society?

• His laws got rid of the existing class system.

• He required that every class be punished equally.

• He continued the practice of treating women differently from men.

• His laws were written to include women.

Trade routes linking West Africa and North Africa required the shipment of goods across the hot, dry Sahara Desert. It was difficult for the traders to carry these goods along these trade routes. Domesticated camels were brought to the Sahara. The camels could go for long stretches without drinking, survive extreme temperatures, and haul heavy loads.

How did the camels affect the transport of goods across the Sahara Desert?

• Traders were able to use camels to stop trans-Saharan shipments of goods.

• Traders were able to drink the milk from camels during their journey.

• Camels made travel across the desert more reliable and safer.

• Camels slowed transport by requiring frequent drinks of water.

The Roman Forum

The Roman forum was located at the center of Ancient Rome. It was a gathering place where public events were held. Soon the forum grew to also include merchant shops, temples and government buildings. The forum became the religious, economic, and government center for Rome.

Based on the information, how did the forum contribute to Roman civilization?

• Instead of being solely focused on commerce, the forum also fulfilled cultural needs of the Romans.

• The forum provided cheaper prices for Romans than other markets.

• Government buildings were the focus of the forum, showcasing the power of the Roman government.

• Forum ruins still can be found today, because they were so well built.

As restrictions and prohibitions are multiplied in the Empire, the people grow poorer and poorer. When the people are subjected to overmuch government, the land is thrown into confusion . . . . The greater the number of laws and enactments, the more thieves and robbers there will be. Therefore the Sage says:

“So long as I do nothing, the people will work out their own reformation. So long as I love calm, the people will right themselves. If only I keep from meddling, the people will grow rich. If only I am free from desire, the people will come naturally back to simplicity.”

The Sayings of Lao-Tzu: “Government” translated by Lionel Giles, 1904

What were Lao-Tzu’s views on government?

• Lao-Tzu thought that people were naturally evil and needed many laws to govern their behavior.

• Lao-Tzu advocated for limited government involvement in people’s everyday lives.

• Lao-Tzu believed that only people from the upper class were fit to govern.

• Lao-Tzu felt that regulations on trade would lead to more people becoming rich.

Timeline of Legal Codes

1700 BCE

Hammurabi’s code in Babylon created strict laws and punishments.

550 BCE

Solon’s code in Greece created less strict laws and punishments.

1215 CE

Magna Carta in England limits a king’s power and protects citizens’ rights.

How has the role of legal codes evolved through time in human societies?

• Laws have become stricter over time.

• Legal codes have been based on religious beliefs.

• Governments have never supported the rights of citizens.

• Legal codes have gradually given more protections to citizens.

How did innovations that developed over time—such as writing, trade routes, schools, and the printing press—affect societies?

• They increased the spreading of ideas.

• They reduced the construction of buildings.

• They limited contact between peoples.

• They lowered literacy rates.

The Chinese civilization began along the Yellow River basin around 1700 BCE and soon spread along other rivers in China. Yellow River floods enriched the surrounding soils, allowing farmers to produce surplus crops and domesticate animals. Yellow River floods often destroyed early settlements and ruined crop production for years.

How did geography affect the development of Chinese civilization?

• The growth of Chinese civilization depended on the Yellow River, but the Yellow River also brought suffering to Chinese people.

• The growth of Chinese civilization was slowed by the Yellow River and it only flourished when people moved away from rivers.

• The natural resources of China encouraged Chinese people to build massive public works projects to benefit the poor.

• The natural resources of China encouraged Chinese farmers to create artificial rivers, like the Yellow River, where they could produce crops.

Based on the map, which best describes how the physical features of Egypt affected its development?

• The Mediterranean Sea bordered the major cities.

• Large cities were created in the Western Desert.

• Many large cities developed along the Nile River.

• The Red Sea provided Lower Egypt with a barrier from attack.