European Expansion and Calvinism Flashcards

Question 1-4: Christopher Columbus Landing in the West Indies

• Image: Engraving circa 1592 by Theodore de Bry, published in Frankfurt, 1602.

Question 1:

• Question: By the time the engraving was produced, the event portrayed had resulted in which of the following?

• Options:

  • A) The large-scale migration of Native American peoples to Europe

  • B) The transfer of plants, animals, and diseases between Europe and the Americas

  • C) The establishment of colonies in the Americas by all major European powers

  • D) The creation of an extensive plantation system in the West Indies that relied on Native American coerced labor

• Correct Answer: B) The transfer of plants, animals, and diseases between Europe and the Americas (Columbian Exchange)

Question 2:

• Question: The image could best be used to illustrate which of the following general aspects of the initial encounters between Europeans and Native Americans?

• Options:

  • A) European explorers were often outnumbered by Native Americans.

  • B) Advances in military and maritime technology usually gave Europeans an advantage over Native Americans.

  • C) Lack of knowledge of Native American languages hindered the Europeans' ability to understand Native American cultures.

  • D) The arrival of Europeans often threatened existing hierarchies in Native American societies.

• Correct Answer: B) Advances in military and maritime technology usually gave Europeans an advantage over Native Americans.

Question 3:

• Question: The image provides the most reliable information about which of the following?

• Options:

  • A) European attitudes toward non-European peoples

  • B) Stylistic features of Native American tools and artifacts

  • C) The exact geographic location of Columbus' first landing in America

  • D) The willingness of Native Americans to welcome the arrival of Europeans

• Correct Answer: A) European attitudes toward non-European peoples

Question 4:

• Question: The image provides the clearest evidence of which of the following features of European expansion in the early modern period?

• Options:

  • A) The spread of Christianity as a justification for the subjugation of indigenous peoples

  • B) The reliance of European colonists on indigenous peoples as sources of information about new territories

  • C) The rapid adoption of some European technologies by indigenous peoples

  • D) The creation of hybrid cultures that incorporated both European and indigenous elements

• Correct Answer: A) The spread of Christianity as a justification for the subjugation of indigenous peoples

Questions 5-8: Ordinances of Calvinist Geneva

• Source: Ordinances of Calvinist Geneva

Ordinance Summary:

• Church Attendance: Churches closed outside service times to prevent superstitious acts. Those found engaging in unauthorized devotion would be warned or chastised.

• Drunkenness: Taverns closed during sermons; tavern keepers and intoxicated individuals fined. Repeat offenders faced the consistory.

• Popular Festivals: No "roiaumes" (popular festivals) allowed, penalty of 10 sous.

• Songs and Dances: Immoral songs/dances (virollet) lead to imprisonment (3 days) and referral to the consistory.

• Usury: Interest limited to 5%; violators faced confiscation and restitution.

Question 5:

• Question: The ordinances in the passage best exemplify which of the following aspects of Calvinism?

• Options:

  • A) The rejection of Roman Catholic sacraments

  • B) The recognition of the desirability of religious toleration in mixed-faith communities

  • C) The belief that laws must be based on religious principles

  • D) The belief in the predestination of the elect to salvation

• Correct Answer: C) The belief that laws must be based on religious principles

Question 6:

• Question: A historian could best use the ordinance about usury as an example of…

• Options:

  • A) an attempt to implement mercantilist policies

  • B) a traditional restriction on market activities

  • C) an attack on the financial policies of the Roman Catholic Church

  • D) an effort to stimulate economic growth

• Correct Answer: B) a traditional restriction on market activities

  • Explanation: The restriction on usury (interest on loans) reflects a long-standing moral and religious concern about profiting from lending money, a concept that predates mercantilism. 5\% interest rate suggest that loans were allowed with a capped interest.

Question 7:

• Question: In non-Calvinist areas, many early modern town ordinances were similar to the Geneva ordinances in their…

• Options:

  • A) discouragement of popular festivals and other entertainments

  • B) prohibition of alcohol consumption

  • C) oversight of civil affairs by religious authorities

  • D) regulation of public morals and behavior

• Correct Answer: D) regulation of public morals and behavior

  • Explanation: Many towns and cities, regardless of their religious orientation, had ordinances aimed at regulating public morals and behavior. This included things like regulating dress, controlling public displays of affection, and punishing activities deemed immoral.

Question 8:

• Question: In the sixteenth century, Geneva and most other European towns and cities experienced which of the following demographic transformations?

• Options:

  • A) Significant migration from the countryside

  • B) Significant immigration from overseas colonies

  • C) Declining populations as a result of diseases from the New World

  • D) Rapid growth largely driven by an increase in the birthrate of the urban population

• Correct Answer: A) Significant migration from the countryside

  • Explanation: During the 16th century, many European cities experienced significant migration from rural areas as people sought economic opportunities in urban centers. This was a major factor in urban growth during this period. Diseases from the New World resulted with decline in population; and rapid growth by increase in the birthrate of the urban population can be discarded.