Europe Review Questions

Europe has many different cultures across the continent. Which geographical feature below contributes most to these differences?

• mountains

• plateaus

• seas

• valleys

Where is one fifth of the world’s supply of freshwater located?

• Lake Baikal

• Lake Superior

• Lake Victoria

• Lake Michigan

The Greek Peninsula is very mountainous. The land is rocky and the soil is generally poor, with few large trees. In ancient times, the rugged mountain terrain made overland travel and communication very difficult. However, the peninsula's long coastline allowed travel by water. As a result, the ancient Greeks became excellent sailors and developed an economy based on trade.

Which of the following developments in ancient Greek history was a direct result of the physical geography described above?

• In 1776 B.C., Greeks throughout the region gathered to compete in the first Olympic games to honor gods believed to live on Mount Olympus.

• About 700 B.C., the Greeks began to form independently governed city-states around the most important village in each area.

• In 499 B.C., some Greek city-states united to fight a war against the Persians who controlled what is now the nation of Turkey.

• About 330 B.C., Alexander the Great conquered areas of the Mediterranean region and spread Greek culture as far east as India.

Which of these factors affected Irish migration to the United States in the 1840s?

• A fungus wiped out the potato crop

• Excessive floods destroyed all types of crops.

• Low temperatures destroyed most of the wheat crop.

• Population increased due to the cultivation of new crops

Which of the following is true about Europe?

• Europe has a strong lumber industry that accounts for much of its exports.

• More than one/half of Europe’s land area is used for agriculture

• Europe has small coal reserves, but large gas and oil deposits

• Europe's fishing industry is just starting to grow larger.

Throughout history, the harsh climate in Russia has --

• caused a great deal of problems for citizens

• served as an excuse for political unrest

• served as protection from foreign invaders

• caused a great deal of anguish for leaders

Italy is a modern country with an ancient history. It was the seat of the Roman Empire, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and the center of the Catholic Church. Today, Italy is known for the architecture and art that remain from past centuries.

Based on the description above, what is the BEST characterization of modern Italy?

• agrarian and democratic

• urban and Industrial

• traditional and historical

• secular and progressive

This type of architecture is common across the South western US as well as Latin America. What might a geographer conclude about the cultural character of these regions based on this style of architecture?

• Spread of religion shaped the architecture in these regions.

• Many cultural groups have migrated to the area

• Spanish cultural influences are common in the area.

• Newer buildings are being constructed in the area.

Which historical events caused the greatest change to the settlement patterns in much of Europe?

• War and Industrialization

• War and Peace

• Industrialization and manufacturing

• Industrialization and diplomacy

To increase wealth, a nation’s exports should be greater than its imports. For many nations the best strategy was to set up colonies where their products could be sold more easily. Between the 1500s and 1800s, the countries of Europe set up colonies in the Americas, Africa, and Asia to increase trade.

The economic term for the process outlined above is .....

• Socialism

• Mercantilism

• Marxism

• Fascism