modern world history test 2

The Crusades

  • Objective: Military campaigns organized by the Pope and Western European Christians to regain control over Jerusalem from Muslims.

  • Motivations:

    • Defense of the Holy Land and Christianity.

    • Promises from the Pope of salvation, wealth, and titles.

  • Outcomes:

    • Early successes but lost territories.

    • Led to the Reconquista, ending in 1492 under Isabella and Ferdinand.

    • Increased trade to China via the Middle East.

The Black Death

  • Timeline: Bubonic plague (1346 - 1353).

  • Spread: Through Silk Road via parasites on rats.

  • Impact:

    • Killed 30-40% of Europe’s population.

    • Resulted in better pay and workers' rights for survivors.

    • Weakened faith in the Catholic Church.

Italian Renaissance

  • Concept: A rebirth of art, learning, and culture inspired by ancient Greece and Rome.

  • Humanism: Focus on human potential and achievements over religion.

  • Characteristics:

    • Secular in nature.

    • Growth of city-states due to trade.

  • Notable Cities:

    • Florence, under Medici family patronage.

Northern Renaissance

  • Features:

    • Use of vibrant oil-based colors in art.

    • Emphasis on realism and everyday life.

  • Key Figures:

    • Erasmus ("Praise of Folly"), Thomas More ("Utopia"), Shakespeare.

    • Christine de Pizan: Advocated for women's education and reform.

  • Printing Press:

    • Enabled the distribution of information, boosting literacy and discovery.

Protestant Reformation

  • Timeline: 16th century, major shifts in religion across Europe.

  • Key Issues:

    • Corruption in the Catholic Church (simony, pluralism, nepotism).

    • Sale of indulgences and fake relics.

  • Martin Luther:

    • Wrote the 95 Theses in 1517, criticizing the Church.

    • Promoted faith alone and individual interpretation of the Bible.

  • King Henry VIII:

    • Separated the English Church from Roman Catholicism in 1529.

    • Had multiple marriages that led to significant political and religious changes in England.

Calvinism and Counter Reformation

  • Calvinism:

    • Founded by John Calvin, emphasized predestination and reform principles.

  • Counter Reformation:

    • Council of Trent (1545 - 1563) addressed issues of church reform and reaffirmed doctrines.

    • Jesuits established to promote Catholic beliefs worldwide.

Early Peoples of the Americas

  • Migration: Early settlers from Asia (40,000 - 10,000 BCE) crossed Beringia.

  • Lifestyles:

    • Hunter-gatherer societies followed large animals; later adopted farming (circa 7000 BCE).

    • Maize became a staple crop.

Indigenous Cultures of North America

  • Northwest (Alaska to Oregon):

    • Tribes like Kwakiutl, Nootka, and Haida focused on salmon and shellfish.

  • Southwest (Arizona and New Mexico):

    • Hohokam and Anasazi built adobe homes and cultivated crops.

  • Northeast:

    • Iroquois Nations involved in hunting and gathering.

  • Midwest:

    • Adena and Mississippian tribes built burial mounds.

Indigenous Cultures of South America

  • Olmecs (1400 - 400 BCE):

    • First Mesoamerican civilization; known for large stone heads.

  • Mayans (250 - 1539 CE):

    • Advanced society with writing systems, mathematics, and astronomy.

  • Aztecs (1428 - 1521 CE):

    • Centralized city in Tenochtitlán with complex religious practices.

  • Incas (1438 - 1533 CE):

    • Developed governance that reflected modern communism, engaged in infrastructure.

European Exploration and the Columbian Exchange

  • Motivated by the desire for Asian goods post-Crusades.

  • Exploration led to wealth generation and power shifts between monarchies.

  • Treaty of Tordesillas (1494): Divided the New World between Spain and Portugal.

  • Columbian Exchange:

    • Transfer of goods, plants, animals, and diseases between the Old and New Worlds.

    • Significant impact on agriculture and demographics.

Transatlantic Slave Trade

  • Triangle Trade:

    • Africa → Americas: Slaves.

    • Americas → Europe: Raw materials.

  • Inhumane conditions on slave ships; commodification of Africans.

  • Societal impact and legal structures established around slavery in the Americas.

    • Example: Jamestown established in 1607, first slaves arrived in 1619.

  • Gradual abolition movements emerged, culminating in various laws across states.