Africa & Asia (Unit 1)
What was the purpose of the imperial examinations during the Ming Dynasty (China)?
Determined an individual's status based on their education and knowledge. They allowed some social mobility in an otherwise strict social hierarchy while also seeking to maintain stability in the empire.
What were the positive and negative impacts of the Columbian Exchange?
The movement of peoples, cultures, technologies, plants, animals, diseases and other things between Europe and the Americas in the wake of Columbus’s voyages. Led to access to new technologies, resources and crops (especially for Europe), but also led to the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the spread of deadly diseases that disproportionately impacted the Americas.
Why were so many enslaved people taken from the coast of Africa?
Many enslavers did not venture into the interior for fear of not having immunity to diseases, though many were kidnapped from the interior nonetheless.
Why is the enlightenment considered "the age of reason"?
Due to the influence of the scientific revolution, reason and logic, philosophy and the questioning of absolute monarchy
What is the "divine right of kings" and how did it influence the start of the French Revolution
The idea of a divine hierarchy of god-monarchs-nobles-common people. The Revolution challenged this structure of power, especially with the fall of the French monarchy
How and why did the Trans-Saharan Trade Network expand and become so influential?
New means of travel (i.e. camels), increased demand for goods like gold, nuts, horses, and salt, which were specialized by various regions, creating economically powerful states and reliance on others for trade.
What is humanism? Why was it important? What was one of the important innovations that helped spread humanistic ideals?
Cultural, educational and philosophical movement, the study of humanities with man at the center (rather than God/the church). People should embrace human achievements in education, classical arts, literature and science to create useful citizens. Belief that poets, writers, and artists can lead humanity to a better way of living. The creation of the printing press helped spread this message.
What was the middle passage
It is estimated that by 1800 over 10 million Africans were transported to the Americas. The Middle Passage (6-8 weeks) was considered one of the most dangerous parts of the journey for enslaved people being transported from Africa. Millions died in the passage from diseases, lack of food, treatment and extreme trauma.
What was the significant document written by Martin Luther and how did it help to start the Reformation?
95 Theses, critiqued the practice of indulgences and corruption of the Roman Catholic Church. Prompted the establishment of the Protestant church and other new denominations, taking power and influence away from the Roman Catholic Church.
What are the three estates and how was this challenged by the French Revolution?
Clergy, nobles, common people. The three estates were challenged by the Creation of the National Assembly, representing the voice of the common people (the third estate), who were given the least say in French society of the three estates despite representing the majority.
Who was Mansa Musa?
The "king of kings" who ruled the African Empire of Mali. His pilgrimage to Mecca dramatically influenced local economies on his journey across various trade routes. His journey also led to urbanization, the spread of education and the increase of Muslim faith and culture across Africa.
What was the Great Chain of Being and why was it influential during the beginning of the Renaissance?
Although the renaissance was highly influenced by philosophy, classical tradition and Greco-Roman myth, the Great Chain of Being still showed the importance of religion, reinforcing a divine hierarchy, starting with God, angels, humans, animals, plants, minerals, etc...
What is the significance of figures like Olaudah Equiano and Queen Nzinga
They represent resistance during the Transatlantic Slave trade, with Equiano sharing his story and promoting abolition and Queen Nzinga using political strategy to protect the freedom of her people.
What was the Act of Supremacy and why was it important?
Henry VIII's act to make himself supreme head of the church of England (to get a divorce), represented a break from previous Roman Catholic influence in England and the British Empire
Who is Jean-Paul Marat?
A radical journalist, known for his newspaper L’Ami du Peuple which advocated for revolution at all costs (even through violence), who was assassinated by Charlotte Corday and became a martyr for the cause
What (and where) was the Ashikaga Shogunate?
Japan's military government, in which society was primarily a hierarchical feudal system with military lords (shogun) at the top followed by the warrior class and then commoners. The daimyô (other military lords) built bureaucratic governments in each province under their military rule.
What are the 3Gs of the age of exploration and how did they impact the world?
Glory, god and gold - forces that drove European colonization and exploitation of colonized regions. This also influenced the rise of mercantilism, an economic system based on the idea that a nation's wealth and power grew by increasing exports and reducing imports.
Provide 2 examples of resistance during the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Answer to be confirmed by teacher
What was the signicance of French Salon culture during the Enlightenment?
Used as intellectual gathering places to share modern ideas on philosophy, politics, critical thinking and society, often organized by noble women, granting them new intellectual and social influence
What was the main promise made by the National Assembly during the Tennis Court Oath?
Not disband until they had created a new constitution for France
What is Confucianism and why was it so influential in the Joseon dynasty (Korea)?
A philosophical belief system with emphasis on respect for elders/parents (filial piety), education, social hierarchy, order, peace, harmony in relationships, and personal conduct. Confucianism was often linked to the rise in Buddhism during this period.
What was the encomienda system?
Spanish Labour system in the 16th and 17th century where a conquistador (a conqueror, especially one of the Spanish conquerors of Mexico and Peru in the 16th century) would receive a number of forced Indigenous labour workers by the Crown. In “exchange” for labour Indigenous peoples were taught about religion.
What was the significant trial that was used to highlight the inhumanity of the slave trade and to promote abolition?
The Zong Ship Massacre Trial
Provide examples of 2 enlightenment philosophers and what they believed
Answer to be confirmed
What was the Reign of Terror and who was associated with it?
A period of extreme violence during the French Revolution, marked by mass executions of perceived enemies of the revolution. It was led by the radical Jacobins, especially Maximilien Robespierre.