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:
Christianity
Islam
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:
Socrates
Plato
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.