Renaissance, 9/11, and Constitution Day Quiz 9/26/2025

World History II

history

The study of humanity's past.

3 aspects of history

Political (government), Economical (trade/money), Social (daily life and culture).

Renaissance

A European cultural rebirth from the 14th-16th centuries that brought advances in art, literature, science, and education.

humanism

Focus on human potential and classical learning from Greek and Roman texts.

humanities

Subjects like grammar, rhetoric, poetry, and history.

vernacular

The everyday language of ordinary people.

patron

A financial supporter of artists and scholars.

Why did the Renaissance begin in Italy?

Italy was wealthy, a center of trade, had political stability, access to classical texts, and a strong merchant class.

Why was Florence important to the Renaissance?

Florence was wealthy, had influential patrons like the Medici family, and became a hub for art and culture.

key Renaissance artists

Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Shakespeare, Machiavelli, Baldassare Castiglione.

perspective in art

A technique to give paintings a three-dimensional effect.

realism in Renaissance art

Creating lifelike representations of people, emotions, and everyday life.

significance of the printing press

Invented by Gutenberg, it allowed mass production of books, cheaper books, increased literacy, and spread ideas quickly.

Petrarch

A poet and humanist who inspired Renaissance thought.

Machiavelli

Political philosopher and author of The Prince, known for political realism.

Castiglione

Author of The Courtier, influencing Renaissance manners and culture.

famous Renaissance paintings

Mona Lisa and Creation of Adam.

technology in the Renaissance context

Tools and skills used to meet human needs, like printing or advances in art and science.

How did the Renaissance spread?

Trade, travel, printing revolution, cultural diffusion, and artists' works.

Main characteristics of the Renaissance

Humanism, individual achievement, curiosity, exploration, advances in art, education, politics, and technology.

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed

Planner of the 9/11 attacks.

Mohammed Atta

Ringleader of Flight 11 hijackers.

Osama bin Laden

Executed and financed the 9/11 attacks; leader of Al Qaeda.

Patriot Day

September 11, a day of remembrance for 9/11 victims.

George W. Bush

43rd president during 9/11.

War on Terror

A global counterterrorism campaign by the U.S. after 9/11 (2001-2021).

Locations hit during 9/11

Manhattan, NY (World Trade Center), Arlington, VA (Pentagon), Shanksville, PA (field).

Effects of 9/11

~2,977 deaths, destruction of buildings and planes, increased patriotism, creation of DHS, TSA security changes, War on Terror.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. constitution; weak central government, states had most power.

Article 1 - Legislative Branch

Congress makes laws; Senate = equal representation; House = by population; powers include taxes, declare war, coin money.

Article 2 - Executive Branch

President enforces laws, Commander-in-Chief, final step in law-making.

Article 3 - Judicial Branch

Supreme Court interprets laws; original and appellate jurisdiction.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments protecting citizens' rights.

Constitution Day

A celebration of the adoption of the U.S. Constitution.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Allows Congress to make laws needed to execute its powers.

Supremacy Clause

Federal law takes precedence over state laws.

Why do we study history?

To learn from past successes and mistakes, understand human development, and improve the future.

How did the Renaissance change world history?

Promoted humanism, advanced art, science, education, inspired exploration, and laid foundation for modern science and global cultural exchange.

How does the printing press compare with modern technology?

Both spread information widely; the printing press made books accessible and increased literacy, while modern technology (internet, digital media) spreads knowledge instantly worldwide.

3 key effects of the Printing Revolution

Mass production of books, cheaper books, increased literacy and access to information.

Causes of the Renaissance

Move out of Dark Ages, rediscovery of classical texts, rise of humanism, wealthy patrons supporting arts and learning.