Short Answers Flashcards
Why did some Paleolithic peoples abandon earlier, more nomadic ways and begin to live a more settled life?
- By being able to settle and develop food needed for survival, this made life easier
- Civilization growth
What was revolutionary about the Agricultural Revolution?
The Agricultural Revolution was the first time in history that nomads and hunter-gathers could develop surplus amount of food rather than hunting for it
What developments led to the rise of the First Civilizations?
Agricultural Revolution and Industrial Revolution
In what respects did the various civilizations of the pre-1200 world share common features?
- Imperial settings
- Highly competitive city states
- Religious cultural traditions
- Class divisions
- Patriarchy
To what extent were Buddhist teachings similar to Hindu beliefs?
Both religions highlight nirvana and enlightenment to avoid rebirth and reincarnation
What is the difference between the Theravada and Mahayana expressions of Buddhism?
Theravada portrayed the Buddha as a wise teacher but not divine. Mahayana saw him as divine, and emphasized spiritual wisdom and compassion unlike Theravada
In what ways was Christianity transformed in the five centuries following the death of Jesus?
- It became official Roman state religion
- Bishop of Rome was the dominant leader in Western Europe
- Denominational splits
In what ways did cross-cultural interactions drive change in the pre-1200 world?
Networks of exchange and commercial exchange, like the Silk Roads, Sea Roads, and Sand Roads, changed the lives of people, class levels, the creation of new states, and the diffusion of culture, religion, innovation, and disease.
Why are the centuries of the Song Dynasty in China sometimes referred to as a “golden age”?
Because it brought about excellence in the arts, rapid population growth, urbanization, economic specialization, and increase in technological and economic innovation.
In what ways did women’s lives change during the Song Dynasty?
Since Confucianism became the state religion, women were seen as inferior to men. Men, instead of women, began working in factories dedicated to silk which meant women lost the income-generating part of that work. Women also began to be foot-binded.
Evaluate the similarities in the influence China had on Korea, Vietnam, and Japan
- Korea, Vietnam, and Japan paid tribute to China (Japan stopped though)
- Korean and Vietnam maintained political independence
- Korea, Vietnam, Japan created their own alphabets
Why did the Byzantine Empire collapse?
They endured several harsh invasions by foreign powers. Attacks by Western European powers, Catholic Crusaders, and Turkic Muslim territory weakened the Empire sending into a terminal decline. It came to an end in 1453 when Ottoman Empire took over Constantinople.
Why was Europe unable to achieve the same level of political unity that China experienced in this era?
Europe’s geographic barriers and ethnic/linguistic diversity prevented it from reaching the same level of unity as China would did not have many geographic barriers or ethnic/linguistic diversity.
In what ways did the rediscovery of Greek philosophy and science affect European Christianity?
The rediscovery of Greek Philosophy made European scholars seek out Aristotle’s texts. Aristotle’s philosophies were introduced to the Christian’s beliefs. His writings became the basis for European education and “scientific temperament.” His ideas were integrated into a logical and systematic presentation of Christian doctrine. The arts during the European Renaissance looked at ancient Greece and Rome, as a cultural standard.
What different kinds of societies inhabited the Americas in the 15th century?
- Aztec and Inca Empires
- Village farming people
- Chiefdoms