Social Studies Midterm Quiz Practice 6

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

• Paleolithic: nomads, hunting

• Neolithic: settled, farming

• Mesolithic: fishing, gathering

• Neolithic: nomads, hunting

What is the difference between a primary and secondary source?

• Secondary: culmination of primary sources

• Primary: eyewitness (diary, photographs)

• Secondary: eyewitness (diary, photographs)

• Primary: culmination of primary sources

Why did the first civilizations develop in river valleys?

• Abundance of natural resources

• Annual flooding provided silt/nutrients

• Access to advanced technology

• Strategic military advantage

Where did the first ever complex civilization develop?

• China

• India

• Mesopotamia

• Egypt

How did the Maurya empire under Ashoka unite India?

• Cultural assimilation

• Economic sanctions

• Religious tolerance

• Military conquest

What was the key to the dynastic cycle in China?

• Democratic elections

• Divine right of kings

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

• Military conquest

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

• Positive: encouraged individualism, Negative: discouraged education

• Positive: brought order to China based on filial piety (respect for elders), Negative: women did not have rights

• Positive: promoted equality for all, Negative: led to social unrest

• Positive: emphasized military strength, Negative: promoted corruption

Feudalism is characterized by:

• Democratic elections, free market economy, social equality

• Religious tolerance, cultural diversity, strong military

• Centralized government, equal distribution of wealth, high social mobility

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

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

• Constantine: encouraged trade, Diocletian: expanded territory

• Constantine: promoted education, Diocletian: improved infrastructure

• Constantine: weakened military, Diocletian: strengthened economy

• Constantine: converted to Christianity, Diocletian: partitioned east/west

What is the importance of Athens?

• Center of gold/salt trade

• Controlled Mediterranean sea for 1000 years

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

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