Foundations of Civilization
What feature did all early civilizations depend on to support large populations?
Rivers to have reliable agriculture that produced food surpluses
What belief made Judaism historically unique among ancient religions?
Belief in one God (monotheism)
What type of government did Athens develop?
Direct democracy
What idea justified the ruler’s power during the Zhou Dynasty?
Mandate of Heaven
What was traded along the Silk Roads?
Luxury goods like silk, spices, and ideas
What is the difference between a primary and secondary source?
Primary sources are from the time period; secondary sources analyze the past
How did surplus food change the structure of early societies?
It allowed job specialization, trade, and social classes
According to Hinduism, what concept guides moral duty and behavior?
Dharma
How did Sparta’s values differ from Athens’?
Sparta emphasized military discipline; Athens emphasized education and civic life
Which empire is known as India’s “Golden Age” and why?
Gupta Empire due to advances in math, science, and culture
Why did trade cities grow along major routes?
Trade increased wealth and urban development
Why do historians compare multiple sources?
To reduce bias and increase accuracy
Why were rivers essential to civilizations like Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, and China?
Rivers provided fertile soil, water, trade routes, and predictable farming cycles
What is the ultimate goal of Buddhism and how is it achieved?
Nirvana, achieved by ending suffering through right understanding and behavior
Why were Socrates’ teachings seen as dangerous by Athenian leaders?
He encouraged questioning authority and traditional beliefs
Why were civil service exams important in China?
They selected officials based on merit rather than family status
How did the Mongols promote trade across Eurasia?
They protected trade routes and maintained stability
What does cause and effect analysis help historians understand?
How events lead to specific outcomes
Explain one way religion influenced government in early river valley civilizations.
Rulers often claimed divine approval or ruled on behalf of gods
Why did Christianity initially face persecution in the Roman Empire?
Christians refused to worship Roman gods and the emperor
What role did the Roman Senate play in the Republic?
It advised officials and controlled finances and foreign policy
How did Legalism differ from Confucianism?
Legalism emphasized strict laws; Confucianism emphasized moral behavior and relationships
Why was the Indian Ocean trade network important?
It connected Africa, Asia, and the Middle East through bulk goods and spices
Why is context important when analyzing historical actions?
People’s decisions are influenced by beliefs, geography, and time period
How did geography shape both opportunity and limitation for early civilizations?
Geography aided farming and protection but could also limit resources or contact
Compare Buddhism and Hinduism.
believe in reincarnation, but Hinduism seeks moksha through dharma while Buddhism seeks nirvana by ending desire
What change marked the transition from Roman Republic to Empire?
Octavian becoming Augustus centralized power under one ruler
Identify one reason why major dynasties declined in China.
Corruption, peasant revolts, invasions, or loss of Mandate of Heaven
How did trade lead to cultural diffusion?
Ideas, religions, and technologies spread between societies
How does evidence-based reasoning strengthen historical arguments?
It supports claims with facts rather than opinion