Week 7: Slides (5)

Question 1

What does Jared Diamond mean by “Farmer Power”?

A. The ability of farmers to wage wars

B. The economic influence of farmers over trade routes

C. The advantage gained by societies that developed agriculture early

D. The political power of agricultural leaders

Answer 1

C.

Explanation: “Farmer Power” refers to the societal advantages that come from having a stable food supply and the ability to support large populations, leading to greater resources for expansion and conquest.

Question 2

True or False: Diamond argues that European societies were able to dominate due to access to domesticable grains and animals.

Answer 2

True

Explanation: Access to domesticable grains and animals provided a reliable food source, allowing European societies to support large populations and develop technologies, ultimately contributing to their dominance.

Question 3

Fill-in-the-Blank

Diamond’s theory suggests that European dominance was partially due to the availability of __________ crops and animals, which allowed fewer people to feed a larger population.

Answer 3

Domesticable

Explanation: Domesticated crops and animals enabled surplus food production, allowing societies to support specialists and larger populations.

Question 4

How did the availability of domesticable grains contribute to European dominance, according to Diamond?

Answer 4

Domesticable grains allowed European societies to develop a stable and abundant food supply, supporting larger populations and freeing up individuals to specialize in other areas like technology, warfare, and governance, which ultimately strengthened their ability to dominate

Question 5

Define “Continental Axis” in the context of European agricultural spread.

Answer 5

The Continental Axis refers to the east-west orientation of Eurasia, which allowed crops and livestock to spread more easily across similar climates, aiding the development of complex societies and contributing to European advantages.

Question 6

Yes/No
Did the east-west orientation of Eurasia play a role in the spread of agricultural practices?

Answer 6

Yes

Explanation: The similar climates along the east-west axis facilitated the spread of agricultural practices, crops, and livestock, enhancing societal development across Eurasia.

Question 7

Why was “Farmer Power” significant for societal development, according to Diamond?

A. It allowed for faster trade routes across the continent

B. It decreased the need for technological advancements

C. It prevented the spread of diseases

D. It enabled a portion of the population to focus on tasks other than food production

Answer 7

D

With a stable food supply, societies could support specialized roles, such as soldiers, artisans, and leaders, which contributed to their advancement and dominance.

Question 8

Fill-in-the-Blank

According to Diamond, the ability of a small fraction of the population to produce enough food for everyone allowed for the development of __________, such as soldiers, craftsmen, and leaders.

Answer 8

Specialists

Explanation: A stable food supply enabled societies to diversify roles, allowing for advancements in various fields that contributed to societal complexity and strength.

Question 9

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

A. Farmer Power
B. Continental Axis
C. Domesticable Species

1. The spread of crops and animals across Eurasia due to similar climates.
2. The societal advantage gained from a stable agricultural base.
3. Plants and animals suitable for human use and breeding.

Answer 9

A-2
B-1
C-3

Question 10

Why did Diamond argue that societies with access to domesticable grains and animals had an advantage over those without?

Answer 10

Societies with access to domesticable grains and animals could develop stable, surplus-producing agriculture, which supported population growth, technological innovation, and specialization.

This foundation strengthened their societies, giving them a significant advantage in expansion and domination.