Topic 2 Lesson 2 A Changing World

Which of the following first caused Europeans to become more interested in Asia?

• the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 C.E.

• military expeditions made by Europeans to the Holy Land beginning in the 1000s C.E.

• the spread of Islam throughout the Middle East and Africa beginning in the 600s C.E.

• the rise of Italian city-states as economic centers in the 1300s C.E.

Which explorer’s stories of China’s fabulous wealth inspired other Europeans to search for sea

routes to Asia?

• Kublai Khan

• Prince Henry

• Marco Polo

• Bartolomeu Dias

What was a major characteristic of the Renaissance?

• a renewed interest in culture and learning

• a “turning inward” and a loss of interest in exploration

• a renewed reliance on religious belief rather than reason

• a sharp decline of trade between Europe and Asia

During the Renaissance, which of the following contributed to Europe’s desire to explore?

• Strong monarchs sought ways to increase trade to make their countries wealthier.

• Scientists wanted to establish once and for all that the Earth was round.

• A system of national laws increasingly replaced local rule

• Small, weak city-states needed additional income to compete with larger nations

By the 1400s, which nations began to rival Italy as leaders in trade and exploration?

• England and Portugal

• Greece and Spain

• Portugal and Spain

• France and England

Which technological innovation allowed sailors to use the position of stars to plan a course?

• telescope

• caravel

• compass

• astrolabe