Grade 7 Social Studies Benchmark 2

Why did the Arabic language become dominant as Islam spread throughout Southeast Asia and North Africa?

• A It became popular as it was the main language used by Muslim traders.

• B It became popular because it combined several native African languages.

• C It became popular because the region became isolated from its neighbors.

• D It became popular as it was a mandatory part of the Five Pillars of Islam.

What role did samurai play in Japanese society?

• A They taught Shinto practices.

• B They transported trade goods.

• C They supported alliances with China.

• D They protected lands controlled by feudal lords.

What role do kami play in Shintoism?

• A They wrote the original Shinto texts.

• B They make up the spiritual energy of all things.

• C They determine the person who leads the Shinto church.

• D They give divine powers to rulers.

Which historical figure is best known for starting the Norman Conquest of England?

• A Augustus Caesar

• B Charlemagne

• C Mansa Musa

• D William the Conqueror

How did the Inquisition impact different groups in Spain during the late Middle Ages?

• A It increased tensions between the monarchy and the Catholic Church.

• B It forced non-Christians into hiding.

• C It allowed non-Christians to hold positions of power.

• D It decreased the role of the Catholic Church.

How did Mansa Musa’s travels through North Africa impact the region? Select two that apply.

• A It decreased the popularity of Islam.

• B It showed the wealth of Mali.

• C It increased the popularity of Christianity.

• D It showed the natural resources available in Mali.

• E It decreased cultural interactions in North Africa.

Why did the merchant class develop into a role of great importance throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe during the 1500s?

• A Isolationist policies became more popular in these regions.

• B Military conflicts decreased in these regions.

• C Religious tensions decreased in these regions.

• D Economic growth allowed traders to create wealth and gain influence in these regions.

How did the expansion of Chinese influence in Asia impact Japanese culture?

• A Chinese religions like Buddhism became popular in Japan.

• B Japanese governments became more democratic in reaction to Chinese policies.

• C Japanese leaders banned all military training in reaction to Chinese policies.

• D Chinese building projects like the Great Wall became popular in Japan.

How did Justinian increase the power of the Byzantine Empire?

• A He blocked all trade along the Silk Road.

• B He decreased the influence of the Catholic Church.

• C He reconquered Italy and other parts of the Roman Empire.

• D He created alliances with the Ottoman Empire.

What was one outcome of the conquests of Genghis Khan?

• A They led to the Mongol conquest of the entire continent of Asia, including India and Japan.

• B They decreased the military power of the Mongol Empire.

• C They established Mongol influence on the cultures of Eastern Europe to Asia.

• D They prevented the Mongol Empire from accessing the Silk Road.