civilizations of the fite

Question 1

What were the key aspects of China’s recovery from Mongol rule under the Ming Dynasty?

Answer 1

China, under the Ming Dynasty, recovered from the disruptions caused by a century of Mongol rule and the plague.

Question 2

Describe the cultural emphasis during the Ming Dynasty.

Answer 2

Emphasis on Confucian learning, orthodox gender roles, and a return to traditional Chinese values.

Question 3

Explain the political structure implemented by the Ming Dynasty.

Answer 3

Reestablished the civil service examination system, created a highly centralized government, and concentrated power in the emperor’s hands.

Question 4

How did the Ming Dynasty address economic recovery?

Answer 4

The state took measures to repair damage, r(ding to widespread famines, epidemics, and wars.

Question 5

Discuss the significance of Zheng He’s maritime expeditions.

Answer 5

Undertook massive maritime expeditions led by Zheng He, exploring Southeast Asia, India, Arabia, and East Africa, contributing to Chinese power and prestige in the Indian Ocean.

Question 6

What factors contributed to the demographic recovery in Western Europe?

Answer 6

Western Europe, having escaped Mongol conquest but devastated by the plague, experienced demographic recovery in the second half of the fifteenth century.

Question 7

Describe the political structure in Europe during the fifteenth century.

Answer 7

Fragmented system with multiple states (Spain, Portugal, France, England, Italian city-states) focused on state building, efficient taxation, and standing armies.

Question 8

c. What characterized the Renaissance in Europe?

Answer 8

Cultural blossoming known as the Renaissance celebrated classical Greco-Roman traditions, reclaiming lost knowledge, and promoting individualism.

Question 9

d. Explain the role of humanism in cultural matters.

Answer 9

Humanism: Humanist scholars focused on secular topics, challenging religious dominance in cultural matters.

Question 10

e. How did European maritime voyages contribute to their dominance in exploration?

Answer 10

Maritime Voyages: Initiated maritime expeditions for wealth, spices, and Christian converts. Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama marked major breakthroughs, leading to European dominance in oceanic exploration.

Question 11

a. Compare the size of Chinese and European maritime expeditions.

Answer 11

Size of Expeditions: Chinese maritime expeditions led by Zheng He were massive, while European expeditions were smaller in scale.

Question 12

b. What were the motivations behind Chinese and European voyages?

Answer 12

Motivations: Chinese voyages aimed at establishing Chinese power and prestige, while European expeditions sought wealth, spices, and Christian converts.

Question 13

c. Explain the differences in the end of Chinese and European voyages.

Answer 13

End of Voyages: Chinese voyages were abruptly and deliberately ended, possibly due to changing leadership and views on their utility. European voyages continued and expanded.

Question 14

d. Contrast the political structures of China and Europe during this period.

Answer 14

Political Structure: China had a centralized government, while Europe had a fragmented system of competitive states.

Question 15

a. Describe the Ottoman Empire’s territorial extent and significance.

Answer 15

Ottoman Empire: Dominated much of Anatolia, southeastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, representing a significant Islamic state.

Question 16

b. What was the Safavid Empire’s impact on religion and its conflicts with the Ottoman Empire?

Answer 16

Safavid Empire: Emerged in Persia, imposing Shia Islam as the official state religion, leading to religious and territorial conflicts with the Ottoman Empire.

Question 17

c. Identify the Songhay Empire and its Islamic influence.

Answer 17

Songhay Empire: West African state with growing Islamic influence, especially in urban centers like Timbuktu.

Question 18

d. What characterized the Mughal Empire in India?

Answer 18

Mughal Empire: In India, blended Hindu and Muslim populations, achieving political unity and laying the foundation for subsequent colonial rule.

Question 19

e. Explain how Islam spread in Southeast Asia.

Answer 19

Islamic Spread: Islamic states brought political coherence, military power, economic prosperity, and cultural brilliance to the Islamic world, fostering a “second flowering of Islam.”
Southeast Asia: Islam spread through trade, with Malacca becoming a major Muslim port city, blending Islamic traditions with local and Hindu/Buddhist influences.

Question 20

a. How did China’s withdrawal from maritime voyages impact European exploration?

Answer 20

Chinese Withdrawal and European Expansion: China’s withdrawal from maritime voyages facilitated European entry and expansion, leading to European dominance in global exploration.

Question 21

b. What were the motivations driving European expansion?

Answer 21

European Motivations: European expansion driven by rivalry, economic opportunities, religious conversion, and a fragmented political system.

Question 22

c. Discuss the spread of Islam to new regions and its influence.

Answer 22

Frontier of Islam: Islam spread to new regions like oceanic Southeast Asia through trade and cultural interactions.

Question 23

d. Why did Europe’s commitment to oceanic expansion persist?

Answer 23

Continued Expansion: While China withdrew, Europe’s commitment to oceanic expansion persisted, shaping the course of world history.