Social Studies Midterm Quiz Practice 2

What were the two eras of prehistory and what was the difference between them?

• Paleolithic: nomads, hunting

• Neolithic: nomads, hunting

• Neolithic: settled, farming

• Mesolithic: fishing, gathering

What is the difference between a primary and secondary source?

• Primary: eyewitness (diary, photographs)

• Secondary: eyewitness (diary, photographs)

• Primary: culmination of primary sources

• Secondary: culmination of primary sources

Why did the first civilizations develop in river valleys?

• Annual flooding provided silt/nutrients

• Abundance of natural resources

• Strategic military advantage

• Isolation from other civilizations

Where did the first ever complex civilization develop?

• Egypt

• China

• Sumer

• India

What is the key to the dynastic cycle in China?

• Military conquest

• Divine right of kings

• Mandate of Heaven (right to rule China, blessing from the gods)

• Democratic elections

How did Confucianism impact Chinese culture in positive and negative ways?

• Positive: promoted individualism and freedom of expression

• Negative: brought chaos and disorder to China

• Negative: promoted individualism and freedom of expression

• Positive: brought order to China based on filial piety (respect for elders), education, civil service, 5 Relationships

Feudalism is characterized by:

• Religious tolerance, cultural diversity, artistic flourishing

• Democratic elections, separation of powers, checks and balances

• Centralized government, social equality, free trade

• Farming, land = power, fighting, no social mobility

How did Constantine and Diocletian contribute to the fall of Rome?

• Constantine: converted to Christianity -> weak military (pacifists), Diocletian: partitioned east/west

• Constantine: strengthened military, Diocletian: implemented economic reforms

• Constantine: promoted peace and prosperity, Diocletian: reduced corruption in government

• Constantine: expanded trade routes, Diocletian: improved infrastructure

What is the importance of Athens?

• Controlled Mediterranean sea for 1000 years

• In control of trade/navy/taxes -> golden age in Greece

• Capital of Byzantine, located on strategic land, controlled trade

• Center of gold/salt trade

What were the causes and effects of the Persian Wars?

• Athens/Sparta vs Persia over trade/freedom, Battle 300, Marathon, Salamis Greeks win because of strategy

• Steppes of Asia: harsh climate, Genghis Khan: universal leader, Largest land empire ever created

• China was isolated, Han dynasty golden age, Silk created wanted gold from ME

• Gold discovered in Timbuktu, Salt needed by Timbuktu, Camel caravans used to cross the Sahara