land based empires
What were two major advantages land-based empires had over smaller neighboring states?
→ Strong militaries and centralized governments.
What were the three major trade networks that connected Europe, Africa, and Asia before 1500?
What were the three major trade networks that connected Europe, Africa, and Asia before 1500?
What is the difference between history and prehistory?
Prehistory is history before writing, history is everything else
What was the main motivation behind European sea exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries?
→ To find new trade routes, acquire wealth, and spread Christianity.
Who united the Mongol tribes and created the Mongol Empire?
→ Genghis Khan (Temüjin).
How did the Ottoman Empire use the devshirme system to maintain control?
→ They recruited Christian boys, converted them to Islam, and trained them as loyal soldiers and administrators (Janissaries).
How did the Silk Road promote cultural diffusion?
→ It spread ideas, religions (like Buddhism and Islam), technologies, and goods between civilizations.
How did the Agricultural Revolution change human societies?
→ It led to permanent settlements, population growth, and the rise of civilizations.
How did Portugal establish its trading empire in the Indian Ocean?
→ By building forts along African and Asian coasts and controlling key ports like Goa and Malacca.
How did the Mongols promote trade and communication across Eurasia?
→ They protected the Silk Road and created the Yam system (relay stations for messages).
What role did gunpowder play in the rise of land-based empires during the 1450–1750 period?
→ It gave them powerful cannons and firearms that helped conquer and control large territories.
What technological innovations helped increase trade along the Indian Ocean routes?
→ The lateen sail, magnetic compass, and astrolabe.
What types of tools did early humans develop during the Stone Age?
→ Stone tools like hand axes, spears, and later, farming tools.
What was the Columbian Exchange, and how did it affect global populations?
→ The exchange of plants, animals, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds; it boosted global diets but caused population decline in the Americas due to disease.
What impact did the Mongol Empire have on the Silk Road?
→ It revived and secured trade, allowing safe passage for merchants and travelers.
How did the Mughal Empire blend cultures and religions under Akbar’s rule?
→ Akbar promoted tolerance, abolished the jizya tax on non-Muslims, and encouraged cultural and artistic fusion.
How did merchants and caravans ensure safety along long trade routes?
→ They traveled in large groups, built caravanserais (rest stops), and relied on protection from local rulers.
Why did early humans form permanent settlements?
→ To farm the land and domesticate animals for food and resources.
How did naval technology like the caravel and compass contribute to sea empires?
→ They made long-distance sea travel faster, safer, and more accurate.
How did the Mongols govern such a vast and diverse empire?
→ Through tolerance of different religions and cultures, and by appointing local administrators.
What methods did the Qing Dynasty use to consolidate power over its vast territory?
→ They expanded through military conquest, required loyalty to the emperor, and maintained Confucian bureaucratic systems.
What were some major goods traded along the Trans-Saharan routes?
→ Gold, salt, ivory, and slaves.
How do archaeologists learn about prehistoric humans?
→ Through artifacts, fossils, cave paintings, and ancient tools.
What role did Spain play in the creation of the first global empire?
→ Spain colonized the Americas, linking Europe, Africa, and Asia through transoceanic trade.
What were the long-term effects of the Mongol conquests on Europe and Asia?
→ Increased cultural exchange, spread of technologies and ideas, and transmission of diseases like the Black Death.