Early Civilizations & Human Origins
What was the world's first writing system, created by the Sumerians using wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets?
Cuneiform
In ancient China, what specific philosophy was the focus of the difficult Civil Service Tests?
Confucianism
What was the main purpose of the Edict of Milan (313 CE) in the Roman Empire?
It was a Roman law that finally allowed people to practice Christianity freely without being punished
. What was Justinian's Code and what modern systems did it influence?
A collection of laws organized by Emperor Justinian that served as the empire's legal framework and influenced modern Western legal systems.
What is Nationalism and what desire did it drive globally?
A strong feeling of pride in and devotion to one's country. It drove desires for independence globally
Why did early cities start near rivers like the Tigris, Euphrates, or the Nile?
They provided fresh water, fertile soil for farming, and a way to travel
What is the ancient Chinese concept of the "Mandate of Heaven"?
The belief that the gods gave the emperor the right to rule, which explained why a new ruling family could take over if the old one became weak or corrupt.
What is the holy book of Islam, and what is specifically noted in your study guide as NOT being one of the Five Pillars?
The Quran is the holy book. Forced conversion is NOT a pillar
what were the main causes of the French Revolution?
Economic crisis (heavy debt, poor harvests) and the unequal tax burden placed entirely on the Third Estate
What system was established by Britain and France after the decline of the Ottoman Empire, and what did this spark in the Middle East?
The mandate system was established, which sparked Arab nationalism and the desire for self-rule
what was the major shift that occurred during the Neolithic Age (Agricultural Revolution)?
Humans learned to farm and domesticate animals, which created a food surplus.
What was the "Pax Mongolica" and how did it positively impact the Silk Road?
A long period of peace created by the Mongol Empire that made the Silk Road safe for travel and increased trade and sharing of inventions.
Why was the Byzantine capital of Constantinople considered so vital?
It was vital for its geographical location bridging Europe and Asia, making it a center for trade
Who were the Bourgeoisie?
The educated middle class in France (part of the Third Estate) who led the push for revolution
Unlike major powers that used military force, what kind of methods did Mahatma Gandhi use to fight for Indian independence? (Give one example)
He used peaceful methods like the Salt March.
How did the people of Mesopotamia view their gods compared to the people of Egypt? Why?
Mesopotamians saw their gods as harsh because their rivers flooded violently and unpredictably. Egyptians saw their gods as kind because the Nile flooded predictably.
Name two major achievements of the Islamic Golden Age mentioned in your guide.
Inventing Algebra (by Al-Khwarizmi) and huge advancements in Medicine
How were Islamic Caliphs different from ancient Egyptian Pharaohs regarding how they were viewed by their people?
Caliphs were political and religious leaders, but unlike Egyptian Pharaohs, they were not considered gods.
How did Napoleon Bonaparte seize government power?
Through a Coup d'état (a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of government power)
What does the term "Satyagraha" refer to?
Gandhi's policy of passive resistance and nonviolence.
What was Hammurabi's Code and why was it so significant for early societies?
It was the very first written set of laws. It was important because it was written down for everyone to see.
What was "The Hijrah" and what two things did it start?
Muhammad's journey from Mecca to Medina. It started the first Muslim community and the Islamic calendar
what were the main reasons Christianity spread so fast during the Roman Empire?
Because of the Roman road system, common languages, and a message of love and equality that appealed to poor people
What specifically began Napoleon's downfall in 1812?
His disastrous invasion of Russia, where the harsh winter and scorched-earth tactics destroyed his army
what event marked the very start of the French Revolution?
The Storming of the Bastille