2-1 A Changing World

Where did the Renaissance take place?

• Eastern Europe

• Western Europe

• Northern Africa

• South America

Answer explanation

The Renaissance was a cultural movement that began in Italy and spread throughout Western Europe, emphasizing art, science, and humanism. Therefore, the correct answer is Western Europe.

What was one unplanned result of the Crusades for Europeans?

• They conquered all of the Middle East

• They met Arab merchants and gained interest in Asian goods

• They stopped trading with Asia

• They converted to Islam

Answer explanation

One unplanned result of the Crusades was that Europeans encountered Arab merchants, which sparked their interest in Asian goods like spices and silk, leading to increased trade and cultural exchange.

How did the growth of trade contribute to the Renaissance?

• It led to the decline of city-states

• It encouraged the spread of new ideas and wealth

• It caused wars between European countries

• It ended the influence of classical works

Answer explanation

The growth of trade during the Renaissance facilitated the exchange of ideas and wealth, leading to cultural and intellectual advancements. This environment fostered innovation and the revival of classical knowledge, essential for the Renaissance.

Which technological advancement in the 1450s made it easier for people to access books and knowledge?

• The steam engine

• The printing press

• The compass

• The telescope

Answer explanation

The printing press, invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the 1450s, revolutionized the production of books, making them more accessible and affordable, thus greatly increasing the spread of knowledge.

Imagine you are a merchant in Venice during the 1300s. How might your city’s location and trade connections influence its economic and cultural development? (DoK Level 3: Strategic Thinking)

• The city would remain isolated and poor

• The city would become a strong economic and cultural center due to trade with Asia and other regions

• The city would only trade with local farmers

• The city would lose influence because of its location

Answer explanation

Venice's strategic location as a trade hub connecting Europe and Asia facilitated commerce, leading to wealth and cultural exchange. This trade network allowed Venice to thrive economically and culturally, making it a center of influence.

Which invention helped sailors determine their direction more accurately during the 1200s?

• The telescope

• The magnetic compass

• The steam engine

• The printing press

Answer explanation

The magnetic compass, developed in the 1200s, allowed sailors to navigate more accurately by indicating true north, significantly improving their ability to determine direction at sea.

How did better ship design contribute to European exploration?

• It allowed ships to carry more cargo and sail faster

• It made ships invisible to enemies

• It enabled ships to fly over land

• It allowed ships to travel only in rivers

Answer explanation

Better ship design allowed for increased cargo capacity and faster sailing, which were crucial for long voyages during European exploration, enabling explorers to transport goods and navigate more efficiently.

Why did the decline of Ghana occur in the 11th century?

• The king died without an heir

• New trade routes bypassed Ghana after attacks by the Almoravids

• The land became infertile

• Ghana was conquered by the Songhai Empire

Answer explanation

The decline of Ghana in the 11th century was primarily due to new trade routes bypassing the kingdom after the Almoravids attacked, disrupting its economic power and influence.

Explain how the development of better maps and instruments improved European exploration.

• They made ships larger

• They allowed explorers to navigate more accurately using reports and scientific information

• They provided food for long journeys

• They helped explorers communicate with locals

Answer explanation

The development of better maps and instruments allowed explorers to navigate more accurately, utilizing reports and scientific information. This precision was crucial for successful voyages and discovering new lands.

Which of the following best describes the connection between an astrolabe and technology?

• An astrolabe is a type of technology used for navigation.

• Technology is only used for making maps, not navigation.

• An astrolabe is a type of map.

• Technology was not important during the Renaissance.

Answer explanation

An astrolabe is indeed a type of technology used for navigation, allowing users to determine their position by measuring the altitude of celestial bodies. This makes the first choice the correct answer.