midterm

What is systematic agriculture?

Deliberate, organized, and planned cultivation of crops and raising of livestock for specific purposes, not just survival.

What influenced the development of permanent settlements?

Beliefs, Economy, Social Organization, Traditions, Political Organizations, Arts, Language.

What purpose did religion serve in early civilizations?

Allowed civilizations to make sense of the world around them, often involving nature gods.

Define polytheism vs monotheism.

Polytheism is the belief in more than one god; Monotheism is the belief in one god.

What are the 6 characteristics common to early civilizations?

Cities, Government, Religion, Social Structures, Writing, Art.

How and where did Judaism emerge?

Judaism is a monotheistic 'Abrahamic' religion that originated in the Middle East around 1,500 BCE, with practices based on the Torah.

What are similarities and differences between Christianity & Judaism?

Similarities: Belief in the Old Testament, monotheism. Differences: Jews do not recognize Jesus as the 'Messiah', Hebrew is their sacred language.

What is an oligarchy?

A government led by a small group of people.

What are the origins and key beliefs/practices of Hinduism & Buddhism?

Hinduism and Buddhism originated in India, are polytheistic, and include beliefs in reincarnation and karma.

How are Hinduism and Buddhism different?

Hinduism has a caste system while Buddhism rejects it; Hinduism was founded between 5000 and 1500 BCE, Buddhism in the 5th century CE.

How are Hinduism and Buddhism similar?

Both are polytheistic, originated in India, and believe in reincarnation and karma.

How did the caste system emerge?

It was created to maintain order and keep elites at the top of the structure in Ancient Indian society.

What is the caste system's origin & impact on society?

It kept civilians in line with specific roles, leading to a desire for good karma for upward reincarnation.

Who was Confucius?

A Chinese philosopher.

Why did Confucius develop his philosophy?

To restore order in society during the end of the Zhou Dynasty.

What are the major principles of Confucianism?

Five key relationships; duty and humanity.

How were leaders chosen during Rome's time as a republic?

The Senate elected two consuls each year, one for government and the other for military.

What are the origins, practices & beliefs of Christianity?

Christianity is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion that teaches all are equal in the eyes of God.

What were the reasons for the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire?

Christianity threatened traditional Roman culture due to its monotheistic beliefs and emphasis on equality.

What are the reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire?

Barbarian invasions, decline in morals, military spending, inflation, political corruption, rise of Christianity, and urban decay.

What are similarities in beliefs of Christianity, Judaism & Islam?

All are monotheistic, Abrahamic religions founded in/near the Middle East.

What are differences in beliefs of Christianity, Judaism & Islam?

Different religious texts: Bible for Christianity, Torah for Judaism, Quran for Islam.

Where did Islam originate?

Islam originated in the 6th century in the Arabian Peninsula.

What are the major beliefs of Islam?

Islam is monotheistic, follows the Quran, and includes the Five Pillars.

What are the characteristics of the Islamic Golden Age?

Focus on culture, education, learning, and trade.

Why did Feudalism develop?

It developed when royal governments could no longer defend subjects, leading nobles to offer protection in exchange for service.

What is the Code of Chivalry?

An ideal of civilized behavior developed among the nobility in the Middle Ages.

What was the purpose of the Magna Carta?

To limit the power of the king (King John of England).

How is the Magna Carta similar to the English Bill of Rights?

Both limit the king's power and outline citizens' rights.

How did the Mongol Empire come to rule in China?

Mongols overthrew China using their strong military tactics.

What impacts did the Mongols have on the world?

Increased trade, conquered China, cultural diffusion, and spread of ideas and disease.

Who were the key people involved in the start of the Crusades?

Pope Urban II called for Christians to unite for the Crusades.

What were the motivating factors for the Crusades?

Spread Christianity, stop Islam, and regain control of the Holy Lands.

What were the effects of the Crusades on Europe?

Loss of life, increased trade, breakdown of feudalism, and greater king control.

What was the trade relationship between African kingdoms?

Trade of gold, salt, and ivory along the Trans-Saharan and East African routes.

What are similarities between the Aztecs, Inca, and Maya?

All were polytheistic, based their economies on farming, and built pyramids for religious purposes.

What are the differences between the Aztecs, Inca, and Maya?

Maya lived in Central America; Aztec in Central America and Mexico; Inca in South America without a written language.

What was the effect of the Renaissance of Western Europe?

Spread of ideas and art, revival of Roman culture, and focus on science.

How did Martin Luther impact the Reformation?

He challenged indulgences, saw church corruption, and started Lutheranism with the 95 theses.

How did John Calvin impact the Reformation?

He promoted predestination and developed Calvinism.

How did Henry VIII impact the Reformation?

He started the Anglican Church to gain control and divorce his wife.

What was the overall impact of the Reformation on religion in Europe?

It led to religious diversity and the end of religious unity.

What is the theory of mercantilism?

A nation's wealth is based on gold/silver; colonies provide markets and raw materials.

What was the major effect of the Columbian exchange?

Increased trade and introduction of new crops, but negatively affected indigenous people.

How did Catholic missionaries affect Latin America?

They spread Catholicism and contributed to the Spanish influence in language.

How did European contact impact indigenous people of the Americas?

Forced assimilation and significant population loss due to disease.

What factors influenced the development of social classes in the Americas?

Prestige of occupation, racial origins, and Spanish cultural hierarchy.

What effects did Triangular Trade have on Africa?

Devastation from the slave trade and depopulation due to constant supply demands.

What is absolutism?

When a ruler maintains all power without checks or limits.

How might an absolute monarch rule?

May lead to dictatorships and abuse of power.

What are the key ideas put forth by John Locke regarding government?

Advocated for constitutional monarchies and people's rights to life, liberty, and property.

Which Muslim Empire was the closest to the Christian world geographically?

The Ottoman Empire.

How did the Qing Dynasty handle British trade desires?

Limited European trading rights to specific cities and ports.

In what ways did Japan isolate itself from Europe?

Cut off almost all interactions with foreign nations, including trade and ideas.