Honors World History Midterm Questions To Answer and Describe

Effects of the Reformation on Europe

It ended religious unity, strengthened state authority over religion, spread literacy and education, and emphasized hard work, uplifting the middle class through Protestant ideals.

Religious conflicts during and after the Reformation

Conflicts like the Thirty Years' War and French Wars of Religion arose due to divisions between Catholics and Protestants, reshaping political and religious alliances across Europe.

Overarching ideas and themes of civilizations

Common themes include the rise of centralized governments, the influence of religion on society, and cultural advancements in art, science, and trade.

Peace of Augsburg

It allowed German princes to choose either Lutheranism or Catholicism for their territories, granting religious autonomy and ending conflicts temporarily.

Countries responsible for exploration

Spain and Portugal explored the Americas, Africa, and Asia; France focused on Canada; England colonized parts of North America, and the Dutch explored the Indian Ocean and parts of Southeast Asia.

Peace of Westphalia

It ended the Thirty Years' War in 1648, recognized state sovereignty, and allowed nations to determine their own religions.

Causes of the Thirty Years' War

Religious divisions, Protestant-Catholic tensions, and political power struggles between European states.

Why the Italian Renaissance was a 'Rebirth'

It revived classical Greek and Roman art, culture, and knowledge, emphasizing humanism, science, and the arts.

Impact of Martin Luther

Luther's 95 Theses challenged Church corruption, leading to the Protestant Reformation, which reshaped religion, politics, and education in Europe.

Renaissance ideas and the New World

Exploration spread Renaissance ideals like humanism, science, and art to new regions, as printing presses and trade networks disseminated ideas across Europe.

Significance of the Enlightenment

It promoted reason, individual rights, and scientific inquiry, laying the foundation for modern democracy and societal reform.

Hobbes vs. Locke

Hobbes advocated for strong central authority, while Locke emphasized natural rights (life, liberty, property) and limited government.

Role of religious institutions during the Enlightenment

They faced challenges as scientific discoveries undermined traditional doctrines, leading to a more secular outlook.

Secular outlook from discoveries

Scientists like Galileo and Newton advanced knowledge based on reason and evidence, challenging religious explanations of natural phenomena.

Governments studied this year

Systems ranged from monarchies (absolutism) to republics (Renaissance Italy) to early democracies (Enlightenment-era ideas).

Ming & Qing dynasties' location

Located in modern-day China.

Hongwu's reforms

He strengthened the Ming Dynasty by reinstating Confucian traditions and removing Mongol influences.

Importance of literacy in Ming government

Literacy improved administrative efficiency and helped disseminate Confucian ideals.

China's isolationism

It withdrew due to fears of foreign influence; silk and porcelain were dominant exports, often traded illegally with Europe.

Chinese economic policies

Favored agriculture to sustain the population.

Dominant religion of Ming dynasty

Confucianism, supplemented by Buddhism and Taoism.

Ming religions in politics

Confucian principles guided governance, while Buddhism and Taoism influenced cultural and spiritual life.

Reasons for the Ming dynasty's failure

Weak rulers, corruption, financial crises, and rebellions caused its collapse.

Qing dynasty's rise

The Manchus overthrew the Ming, expanding into Taiwan, Tibet, and Mongolia.

Manchus and Confucianism

They preserved Confucian ideals and maintained Ming social structures to stabilize rule.

Qianlong's influence

He expanded territory, promoted culture, and strengthened Qing economic policies.

Dutch trade with Qing

The Dutch complied with Chinese trade restrictions, unlike the British.

Challenges for explorers

Disease, starvation, and harsh weather; sailors often ate salted meat, hardtack, and spoiled food.

Resources sought by explorers

India for spices, Americas for gold and crops, Africa for gold and slaves.

Columbus

Arrested for mismanagement, treated indigenous populations brutally, sponsored by Spain, and enslaved Tainos in the Caribbean.

Explorers' impact on the New World

Spain and Portugal established colonies, France engaged in trade, and England built settlements.

Economics and the New World

Exploration created global trade networks; the Columbian Exchange transformed economies, while mercantilism emphasized colonies' resources for the mother country.

Netherlands and Portugal

The Dutch used superior naval power to dominate trade routes in Africa and the Indian Ocean.

Conquistadors and indigenous populations

They defeated the Incas and Aztecs with superior weapons and disease, leading to cultural destruction.

Encomienda system

Indigenous populations were forced into labor in agriculture and mining, suffering exploitation.

Impact on indigenous populations

Diseases like smallpox decimated populations, while forced labor and conquest reduced numbers further.

Interactions with indigenous people

Largely negative, marked by cultural destruction, forced labor, and exploitation.

Exploration and slavery

Exploration increased demand for enslaved labor to exploit resources in the New World.

Africa and Indian trade routes

Nations established ports in Africa to resupply and navigate around the continent.

Challenges of exploration

It raised moral questions over slavery and conquest, while religion justified colonization and missionary efforts.