History Basics
The study of past events and how they shape the present is called what?
History
A diary written during the American Revolution is what kind of source?
Primary source
Which theme of geography describes the physical and human features that make one place different from another?
Place
What does BCE stand for?
Before Common Era
A government where citizens vote on every law themselves is called what?
Direct democracy
Name two reasons why learning history helps people today.
Answers may vary:
- To learn from past mistakes and successes
- To understand how the past shapes the present and future.
A history textbook about World War II is what kind of source?
Secondary source
The statement “Our school is two miles east of the city library” is what kind of location?
Relative location
If an event took place in 500 BCE, did it happen before or after year 0?
Before year 0
What type of government is ruled by a king or queen with unlimited power?
Absolute monarchy
What is the term for putting events in the order they happened?
Chronology
Explain why using both primary and secondary sources gives a clearer picture of an event.
Primary sources provide firsthand evidence; secondary sources give analysis and context, so together they show both details and interpretation.
What type of map shows mountains, rivers, and lakes?
Physical map
Name one reason historians divide the past into different eras.
To organize history into easier sections for study and understanding.
Which form of government is run by a small group of powerful people?
Oligarchy
What is a long block of time that historians use to organize the past called?
Era
A painting made during a battle is found in a museum today. Is it primary or secondary and why?
Primary source, because it was created during the event by someone who witnessed it.
Describe one way people have changed the environment where you live.
Answers will vary, for example building dams, cutting down forests, or creating parks.
The year 1400 CE belongs to which century?
15th century
A nation ruled by one person who took power by force is a
Give an example of how a historical event has influenced something in the modern world.
Answers will vary.
Example: Ancient Greek democracy influenced modern democratic governments.
What is bias and how does it impact sources?
This is when an author shows personal opinions or favoritism that can affect how facts are presented, causing some information to be emphasized or left out and making a source less neutral.
Name three different types of maps we have learned about and describe what each shows.
Examples: Climate map (average weather), Population map (people per area), Economic map (types of industry or income), Land-use map (farming or industry), Tourist map (attractions). Any three with correct descriptions.
Why did historians switch from using "BC" and "AD" to "BCE" and "CE"?
To take the religious factor (Jesus) out of the study of history
Compare an absolute monarchy with a constitutional monarchy. Give one difference.
In an absolute monarchy the monarch has unlimited power. In a constitutional monarchy the monarch’s power is limited by a constitution and elected leaders share authority.