9R Midterm Exam Review 2024 KEY

Midterm Examination Overview

  • Date: Wednesday, January 24, 2024

  • Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

  • Location: ROOM ______________

Breakdown of the Midterm Exam

  • SECTION PERCENTAGE OF GRADE

    • Part I: Multiple Choice (50 questions) 80%

    • Part II: Two (2) Constructed Response Questions 20%

  • Coverage: All lessons covered during the first semester (Lessons 1-25)

Exam Preparation Tips

  • Bring both pens and pencils to the exam.

  • Study all review sheets from the first semester.

  • Review all chapter quizzes online.

  • Follow the instructions provided in the packet for review items.

  • All responses in Part II must be written in ink!

Civilizations and Cultural Diffusion

  • Origin of Civilizations: Most civilizations developed near water bodies (rivers).

  • Cultural Diffusion: The spread of beliefs and social activities from one culture to different ethnicities, religions, and nationalities.

    • Factors Influencing Cultural Diffusion:

      1. Trade

      2. Migration

      3. Warfare

  • Crossroads of Civilization: The Middle East, home to original Mesopotamian settlements.

Prehistoric Developments

  • Prehistory: The era before the invention of writing systems.

  • Significance of Lucy: Donald Johanson’s discovery of "Lucy" in 1974 provided insight into early human development and timeline.

Differences Between Eras

  • Paleolithic Era (Old Stone Age):

    • Nomadic life, hunting, and gathering in clans of 30-40 people.

  • Neolithic Era (New Stone Age):

    • Settled communities, agriculture, towns, domesticated animals.

Mesopotamian Challenges

  • Tigris and Euphrates Rivers:

    • Challenges: Flooding, transportation issues, and reliance on fresh water.

    • Solutions: Infrastructure like irrigation, trade routes.

  • Code of Hammurabi:

    • A code of laws from Babylon emphasizing justice ("an eye for an eye").

    • Positives: Deterrent to crime, public laws.

    • Negatives: Inequality based on social class and gender.

Ancient Egypt

  • "Gift of the Nile":

    • Annual floods provided irrigation and fertile silt.

  • Major Contributions of Egyptians:

    • Irrigation systems, surgery knowledge, calendar creation, hieroglyphics, and architectural advancements.

Indus Valley Civilization

  • Monsoons:

    • Seasonal wind patterns affecting agriculture.

    • Winter: Hot, dry air; Summer: Moist, rainy winds.

Harappan Society

  • Characteristics of Well-Planned Cities:

    • Organized roads, protective walls, grid patterns, standardized homes, and plumbing systems.

Chinese Civilization

  • Dynasty: A sequence of rulers from the same family.

  • Mandate of Heaven: The divine right to rule and a method to justify the rise and fall of dynasties.

Confucianism and Buddhism

  • Filial Piety: Respect for elders; fundamental to Chinese society.

  • Buddhism:

    • Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha).

    • Teaches wisdom, kindness, and the path to enlightenment (nirvana) through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Five Pillars of Islam

  • Core Beliefs:

    1. Profession of Faith (shahada)

    2. Prayer (salat)

    3. Alms (zakat)

    4. Fasting (sawm)

    5. Pilgrimage (hajj)

Major Civilizations Contributions

  • Zhou Dynasty:

    • Cultural introductions (philosophies, calendar), writing systems, and infrastructure development.

  • Silk Road:

    • Trade routes connecting China and the West, enhancing technology, science, and arts.

The Americas and Early Civilizations

  • Bering Land Bridge Theory: Explains early human migration from Siberia to Alaska.

  • Olmecs and Mayans:

    • Civilization development in Mesoamerica with achievements in agriculture, writing, and cultural practices.

The Inca and Aztec Societies

  • Aztec Government and Achievements:

    • Organized cities with military rule, social services, and cultural practices like education and agriculture.

  • Inca Road System:

    • Unified society through extensive trade routes.

Persian Growth and Greek Development

  • Achaemenid Empire:

    • Expansion under Cyrus II and Darius I, impactful government model, and cultural tolerance.

  • Greek Geography:

    • Diverse city-states due to mountains; reliance on maritime trade.

Review of Key Historical Figures and Events

  • Homer: Greek poet; major works include the Iliad and the Odyssey.

  • Peloponnesian War: Conflict between Athens and Sparta, lasting 27 years, ending with Spartan victory.

Religious Belief Systems Overview

  • Judaism: Monotheistic, with significant texts and teachings focused on ethical behavior.

  • Christianity and Islam: Central beliefs including salvation, monotheism, and important texts.