SS Test 10/18 Flashcards
Was Columbus a brave hero or a greedy conqueror?
‘Brave hero’ answer: Christopher Columbus is often celebrated as a brave hero for his bold and groundbreaking voyages across the Atlantic in 1492. At a time when most Europeans believed that a westward route to Asia was either impossible or too dangerous, Columbus ventured into uncharted waters with limited navigational tools, risking his life and the lives of his crew. His persistence paid off after years of rejection, when he finally convinced Spain’s King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella to support his mission. Despite facing harsh conditions, mutiny, and the vast unknown of the Atlantic, Columbus remained determined and led his crew to the discovery of the Americas, although he believed he had reached Asia. This discovery connected Europe to the New World, sparking an era of exploration that would forever change global trade, economies, and cultures. His leadership and visionary determination laid the foundation for future explorers and reshaped the world, securing his place as a key figure in history. While modern perspectives critique the negative impact of his actions on indigenous populations, Columbus’s courage and the historical significance of his voyages continue to be seen as monumental achievements.
‘Greedy conqueror’ answer: Christopher Columbus is widely criticized for his greed and exploitation during his voyages to the Americas. Driven by a desire for wealth, he negotiated lucrative deals for himself, securing a share of the profits and titles like Admiral of the Ocean Sea. Once in the Caribbean, he prioritized extracting resources, particularly gold, often using violence and intimidation to force indigenous populations into labor. When gold was scarce, he resorted to enslaving the native peoples, shipping many to Spain and initiating the transatlantic slave trade. His governance of Hispaniola was marked by extreme brutality, including the implementation of a tribute system where failure to meet gold quotas resulted in mutilation or death. He treated the indigenous people as a disposable workforce, causing massive population decline due to overwork, disease, and violence. Columbus’s actions laid the foundation for the encomienda system and set the tone for future European imperialism, contributing to the destruction of indigenous cultures and the long-term exploitation of the Americas for wealth and resources. His legacy is one of greed, cruelty, and the suffering of native populations.
Did Pocahontas save John Smith?
‘She saved him’ answer: The narrative of Pocahontas saving John Smith is supported by several pieces of evidence, primarily from John Smith’s own accounts, where he describes how Pocahontas intervened during his capture by Powhatan’s men, placing her head on his as a protective gesture. Other contemporary writings, such as those by William Strachey, also suggest her involvement in securing Smith’s life. Pocahontas had a close relationship with the Jamestown settlers, often bringing them food during times of famine, indicating her willingness to foster diplomatic ties. Additionally, her actions can be viewed in the context of Powhatan’s strategic interests in maintaining peace with the settlers. As a daughter of Powhatan, Pocahontas held significant influence, and her later marriage to John Rolfe further solidified her role as a bridge between the two cultures. Overall, her intervention exemplifies the complexities of early colonial interactions, showcasing her agency and commitment to fostering cooperation.
‘She didn’t save him’ answer: While the story of Pocahontas saving John Smith is widely recognized, several factors challenge its authenticity. John Smith’s own accounts, published years later, often exhibit inconsistencies and embellishments, raising questions about their reliability. Other contemporary writings do not corroborate the dramatic rescue, and Powhatan’s records lack mention of the event, suggesting it may not have been significant. Additionally, Pocahontas was only around 11 or 12 years old at the time, casting doubt on her role as a protector. The narrative has been romanticized over time, often overlooking the complexities of indigenous diplomacy and the actual dynamics of their interactions. Furthermore, cultural misunderstandings of Powhatan practices may have contributed to the misinterpretation of the event. Overall, the lack of evidence, emotional testimony from Pocahontas, and the evolution of historical memory indicate that the story may be more myth than fact.
What happened to the Roanoke colony?
Use evidence, reasoning, and commentary to support your answer based on your belief on what happened to the Roanoke Colony.
Was the Columbian Exchange good or bad?
‘It was good’ answer: The Columbian Exchange had several positive impacts, particularly in agriculture and global trade. It introduced essential crops like potatoes, maize, and tomatoes from the Americas to Europe, Asia, and Africa, which improved diets, increased food security, and contributed to population growth. The introduction of European livestock like horses and cattle transformed indigenous agricultural practices in the Americas. Economically, the exchange led to the rise of profitable cash crops like sugar and tobacco, fueling global trade networks. Additionally, the transfer of plants with medicinal properties, such as quinine for malaria, and technological innovations in farming enriched societies on both sides of the Atlantic, helping to shape the modern global economy.
‘It was bad’ answer: The Columbian Exchange had several negative impacts, particularly for indigenous populations in the Americas. The introduction of European diseases like smallpox, measles, and influenza devastated Native American communities, leading to massive population declines. European colonization, fueled by the exchange, also resulted in the exploitation and displacement of indigenous peoples. The introduction of invasive species disrupted local ecosystems, and the establishment of plantation economies led to the rise of the transatlantic slave trade, which forced millions of Africans into slavery. Additionally, the environmental changes brought by European livestock and crops often led to soil degradation and altered indigenous ways of life.
What are the main differences/similarities between the 3 religions?
‘Similarities’ then ‘Differences’ in bullet points answer: Similarities:
-Monotheism: All three religions—Christianity, Islam, and Judaism—believe in one God.
-Abrahamic Faiths: They trace their spiritual lineage back to Abraham.
-Sacred Texts: Each religion has holy scriptures (Bible for Christians, Qur’an for Muslims, Torah for Jews).
-Moral Codes: They emphasize ethical living, charity, justice, and compassion.
-Prophets: All three recognize prophets like Moses, though they differ in their views of others (e.g., Jesus).
-Afterlife Belief: Each religion teaches the existence of an afterlife with divine judgment.
Differences:
-Jesus: Christians see Jesus as the Son of God; Jews reject him as the Messiah, while Muslims view him as a prophet.
-Salvation: Christians believe in salvation through Jesus; Jews through following God’s law; Muslims through submission to Allah and good deeds.
-Religious Practices: Christians practice sacraments (baptism, communion); Muslims follow the Five Pillars (prayer, fasting, pilgrimage); Jews observe Shabbat and dietary laws (kosher).
-Influence: Christianity was dominant in European colonization (e.g., Spain); Islam shaped the Ottoman Empire; Judaism was a minority often facing persecution in Europe.
-Role in Society: Christianity drove European exploration, Islam was influential in the Middle East and Africa, and Judaism existed within both Christian and Muslim societies.
‘Similarities + Differences’ in a short paragraph answer: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism share similarities as monotheistic Abrahamic faiths, believing in one God, following moral codes, and recognizing prophets like Moses. Each religion has sacred texts— the Bible for Christians, the Qur’an for Muslims, and the Torah for Jews— and all believe in an afterlife with divine judgment. However, they differ in key areas: Christians view Jesus as the Son of God, while Jews reject him as the Messiah, and Muslims see him as a prophet. Religious practices also vary, with Christians observing sacraments, Muslims following the Five Pillars, and Jews observing Shabbat and dietary laws. During the age of exploration, Christianity played a dominant role in European colonization, Islam was influential in the Ottoman Empire, and Judaism existed as a minority often facing persecution.
What are similarities and differences between Roanoke & Jamestown?
‘Similarities’ then ‘Differences’ in bullet points answer:
Similarities:
-English Colonies: Both Roanoke and Jamestown were established by England as early attempts to create permanent settlements in North America.
-Economic Motivation: Both colonies aimed to expand English influence and seek economic opportunities, like discovering valuable resources or establishing profitable trade.
-Initial Hardships: Both colonies faced severe challenges, including starvation, disease, and difficult relations with Native American populations.
Differences:
-Founding Dates: Roanoke was founded in 1587, while Jamestown was established in 1607, twenty years later.
-Outcome: Roanoke mysteriously disappeared, becoming known as the “Lost Colony,” whereas Jamestown survived and became the first permanent English settlement in America.
-Leadership and Survival: Jamestown benefited from the leadership of John Smith and the success of tobacco farming, which secured its economic future, whereas Roanoke lacked such leadership and vanished without a clear explanation.
-Mystery vs. Historical Record: Roanoke’s fate remains a mystery, while Jamestown’s survival and growth are well-documented, influencing future English colonization efforts.
‘Similarities + Differences’ in a short paragraph answer: Roanoke and Jamestown were both early English attempts to establish colonies in North America, but they had distinct outcomes and challenges. Both colonies were motivated by the desire to expand England’s influence and seek economic opportunities, such as finding gold or establishing profitable trade routes. Roanoke, founded in 1587 under Sir Walter Raleigh, became famously known as the “Lost Colony” after its settlers mysteriously vanished, with little evidence explaining their fate beyond the cryptic word “CROATOAN” carved on a tree. Jamestown, established in 1607 by the Virginia Company, faced its own severe hardships, including starvation, disease, and tense relations with Native American tribes. Despite these difficulties, Jamestown ultimately survived, thanks largely to the leadership of John Smith and the eventual success of tobacco as a cash crop, which provided the colony with an economic lifeline. Unlike Roanoke, which ended in mystery, Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in North America, laying the foundation for future English colonization.
Was Jamestown a successful colony?
Use evidence, reasoning, and commentary to support your answer based on your belief on what happened and if this means it was/wasn’t successful.
