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9th Grade World History Review

Units I & II - Basics and Ancient Civilizations

Definitions

Define: Primary and Secondary Source
Primary: A source that came directly from a person who experienced the event themselves.
Secondary: A source that came from someone's perspective who didn't experience the event themselves.

Neolithic Revolution

Define: Neolithic Revolution and compare it to the Paleolithic time period
Paleolithic Time: When nomads traveled from place to place.
Neolithic Revolution: When people learned agriculture and started to settle down.

River Valley Civilizations

Identify the main river valley civilizations associated with the Neolithic Revolution: Mesopotamia, India, Egypt, China.

Turning Points

Why was the Neolithic Revolution a turning point?: Because it was the discovery of a change of life, through agriculture which is how we live today.

Nomadic Lifestyle

Explain the common lifestyle of a Nomad: Traveling between places to hunt and search for shelter.

Traits of Civilization

Identify the 8 traits of a civilization:
1 - Cities
2 - Government
3 - Specialized workers
4 - Social ranking system
5 - Religion
6 - Art and architecture
7 - Public works
8 - Writings

Geography and Development

How did geography play a role in the development of Mesopotamia?: The Euphrates and Tigris rivers helped Mesopotamia excel in development as a civilization.

Code of Hammurabi

What is the impact of the Code of Hammurabi on Mesopotamia and civilization in general?: The Code of Hammurabi was the first set of recorded laws in a civilization.

Unit III - Belief Systems

Religious Differences

Identify the key difference between Polytheistic and Monotheistic Religions:
Polytheistic: Belief in many gods.
Monotheistic: Belief in one god.

Monotheistic Religions

List the 3 Monotheistic Religions:

  1. Christianity

  2. Islam

  3. Judaism

Reincarnation

Define: Reincarnation and the two main religions that believe in it:
Definition: To be reborn again.
Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism.

Codes of Behavior

Identify the codes of behavior for Judaism, Christianity, Confucianism, Islam, and Hinduism:

Religion

Code of Conduct

Judaism

Ten commandments

Christianity

Ten commandments

Confucianism

The Analects

Islam

5 pillars of faith

Hinduism

The Vedas

Siddhartha Gautama

How did Siddhartha Gautama propose to end human suffering?: Created the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path.

Legalism

Describe the political philosophy of Legalism: Han Feizi thought it would be great to stabilize China with strict laws.

Unit IV - Classical Civilizations

Silk Road

What regions did the Silk Road connect, and why was it critical to those areas?:
Connection: From China to current day Italy.
Critical Meaning: It was essential trade routes that were very impactful at that time. It caused cultural diffusion.

Enduring Issues

What major enduring issue can we connect the Silk Road with?: Impact of trade and cultural diffusion.

Achievements of Greece

Identify the achievements of Greece from its Golden Age:
Beliefs: Mythology.
Writing: Studied music, poetry, and philosophy.
Art & Architecture: Paintings and buildings to honor their gods and goddesses.
Olympics: Athletic award to honor gods.
Philosophers: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle - Socratic method.

Philosophers of Ancient Greece

Identify the 3 philosophers of Ancient Greece’s Golden Age:

  1. Socrates

  2. Plato

  3. Aristotle

Alexander the Great

Historically, what made Alexander great?: He was the prince and king of the Macedonian Empire and combined Persian, Greek, Egyptian, and Indian cultures.

Geography's Role

How does Geography play a role in the development of Greece and in Rome?:
Greece: Mountains separated city-states; water led to cultural diffusion.
Rome: Built on seven hills led to protection; controlled the Mediterranean Sea.

Fall of the Roman Empire

When and why did the Roman Empire fall?:
When?: 467 CE.
Political Causes: Weak leaders; Diocletian split Rome into East and West; tribal empires seized power from Rome; condition of the empire led to decline in loyalty; mercenaries (foreign soldiers) fought for money.
Rulers: Julius Caesar, Augustus Caesar, Diocletian, Constantine.
Economic Causes: Taxes and costs went up; minting money led to inflation.
Social Causes: 476 CE is when the Roman Empire fell; empire renamed to the Byzantine Empire; condition of the empire fell led to a decrease in loyalty.

Unit V - The Dark Ages

Feudalism

Define: Feudalism: A political system based on social ranking.

European Feudal System

Explain the European Feudal System and the role of each of the proceeding titles:
King: A king grants land and protection to people for loyalty and military service. Superior to all nobles, knights, peasants, and serfs.
Nobles: Supplied land and made law for the city, only inferior to the king.
Knights: Pledges loyalty to a king through military service. Embraced the code of chivalry which was a knight's morals of honor and courage. Educated in chess, dancing, and other skills for complex thinking skills.
Peasants: Peasants worked for land.
Serfs: Serfs are bound to the land and work for food production.

Purpose of Feudalism

What was the purpose of the European Feudal System?: It was to maintain stabilized societies within Europe by establishing a hierarchical structure.

Unit 6: Social Growth and Conflict in Europe and Asia

Key Differences Between Sunni and Shi’a Beliefs

  • Shi’a Muslims believe that the caliphs should be direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing a hereditary leadership.

  • Sunni Muslims advocate for a caliphate based on the Sunna, which refers to the practices and teachings of Muhammad, allowing for a broader selection of leaders.

  • This division has led to significant historical and contemporary conflicts within the Muslim community, affecting political and social dynamics in various regions.

Byzantine Empire's Influence on Russian Culture

  • The Byzantine Empire played a crucial role in spreading Orthodox Christianity to Russia through established trade routes.

  • Missionaries Cyril and Methodius were instrumental in creating the Cyrillic alphabet, which became the written language of Russia, facilitating literacy and cultural development.

  • The adoption of Byzantine religious practices and art forms significantly shaped Russian cultural identity.

Causes and Effects of the Crusades

  • The primary goal of the Crusades was for Christians to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control, leading to a series of military campaigns.

  • Knights were motivated by promises of wealth, land, and spiritual rewards, including forgiveness of sins.

  • Although Jerusalem remained under Muslim control, the Crusades resulted in increased cultural diffusion between Europe and the Middle East, introducing new goods and ideas.

The Black Death: Origin and Impact

  • The Black Death originated in China around 1331 and spread through trade routes to Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa.

  • Merchants and pilgrims inadvertently facilitated the spread of the plague, leading to devastating population declines.

  • The aftermath saw a significant reduction in feudalism, as manors were abandoned and labor shortages led to inflation and decreased agricultural production.

Causes and Effects of the Hundred Years’ War

  • The Hundred Years’ War (1338-1453) was primarily fought between France and England over claims to the French throne.

  • This conflict contributed to the development of the nation-state concept in Europe, fostering a sense of nationalism in both countries.

  • The war marked the decline of feudalism and the rise of towns and universities, leading to increased learning and cultural growth in Western Europe.

Unit 7: Powerful States in Eurasia, Africa, and the Americas

Locations of Major Civilizations

  • The Maya civilization was located in the Yucatan Peninsula, known for its advanced writing system and architectural achievements.

  • The Inca civilization thrived in the Andes Mountains of modern-day Peru, recognized for its extensive road systems and agricultural innovations.

  • The Aztec civilization was centered in the Valley of Mexico, famous for its complex social structure and monumental architecture.

Spanish Conquest of Indigenous Peoples

  • The Spanish were able to conquer indigenous populations due to their superior weaponry, ships, and technology.

  • Indigenous peoples lacked immunity to European diseases such as smallpox, which wiped out their populations.

  • The conquest led to significant cultural and demographic changes in the New World.

Legacy of Mansa Musa

  • Mansa Musa was the Islamic king of Mali, renowned for his pilgrimage to Mecca, during which he distributed gold, showcasing Mali's wealth.

  • His reign established strong ties with neighboring Muslim countries, enhancing trade and cultural exchange.

  • Mansa Musa's efforts turned Timbuktu into a prominent Islamic cultural center, attracting scholars and traders.

Importance of Zheng He in Chinese History

  • Zheng He was a Chinese admiral who led extensive maritime voyages to Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, and Africa.

  • His expeditions aimed to demonstrate Chinese superiority and expand trade networks.

  • The voyages facilitated cultural diffusion and the exchange of exotic goods, enhancing China's global influence.

Benefits of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire

  • The conquest of Constantinople allowed the Ottomans to establish a powerful Muslim Empire, controlling key trade routes between Europe and Asia.

  • The city served as a cultural and political center, facilitating the spread of Islam and the integration of diverse cultures.

  • Its strategic location contributed to the Ottomans' economic prosperity and military strength.

Unit 8: The Transformation of Western Europe

The Renaissance in Italy

  • The Renaissance began in Italy due to its strategic location along the Mediterranean Sea, which fostered trade and cultural exchange.

  • This period saw significant achievements in art, literature, and science, transforming societal perspectives from religion to realism and humanism.

  • Key figures included Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, who exemplified the era's artistic innovations.

Key Ideas from Machiavelli’s The Prince

  • Machiavelli's The Prince emphasizes the notion that 'the ends justify the means,' advocating for pragmatic and sometimes ruthless political strategies.

  • The work serves as a guide for rulers on maintaining power and navigating political landscapes.

  • It reflects the shifting attitudes towards governance during the Renaissance, prioritizing effectiveness over morality.

Key Figures of the Scientific Revolution

  • Nicolaus Copernicus proposed the heliocentric theory, challenging the geocentric view endorsed by the Catholic Church.

  • Galileo Galilei utilized the telescope to provide empirical evidence supporting Copernicus' theory, leading to significant scientific advancements.

  • Isaac Newton's contributions to mathematics and physics laid the groundwork for modern science, while René Descartes emphasized rationalism and skepticism.

Impact of Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation

  • Martin Luther, a German monk, initiated the Protestant Reformation by publishing the 95 Theses in 1517, criticizing the Catholic Church's practices.

  • His opposition to indulgences and church corruption led to widespread religious reform and the fragmentation of Christianity in Europe.

  • The Reformation sparked conflicts and debates that diminished the Catholic Church's power and influence.

Unit 9: Age of Exploration

Impact of Spanish Arrival in the New World

  • The Encomienda System allowed Spanish settlers to exert control over indigenous populations, demanding tribute and labor in exchange for protection and Christian teachings.

  • This hierarchical system placed Peninsulares at the top, followed by Creoles, Mestizos, and Mulattos, leading to social stratification.

  • The Spanish conquest resulted in significant cultural and demographic changes, including the spread of Christianity and European customs.

Effects of the Columbian Exchange

  • The Columbian Exchange involved the large-scale transfer of people, foods, plants, animals, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds.

  • New crops such as potatoes and corn were introduced to Europe, transforming diets and reducing starvation rates.

  • The exchange also had profound ecological and social impacts, reshaping global trade patterns.

Motivations for the Age of Exploration

  • The primary motivation for the Portuguese and Spanish during the Age of Exploration was economic, seeking faster trade routes to Asia and new markets for goods.

  • Additionally, there was a strong desire to spread Christianity and convert indigenous populations.

  • These explorations led to the establishment of colonies and the expansion of European influence worldwide.

Changes Brought by the Commercial Revolution

  • The Commercial Revolution in the 16th and 17th centuries marked a period of increased colonization, wealth accumulation, and trade expansion in Europe.

  • This era saw the rise of capitalism, characterized by private ownership and investment for profit.

  • Mercantilism emerged as a dominant economic policy, emphasizing the importance of national wealth and resources.