The Cosmopolitan Indian Ocean, c. 1450–1700 - Test A

Front

How did the Indian Ocean trade network appear to Europeans during the period of 1450-1700?

Back

Vibrant and diverse

Answer explanation

The Indian Ocean was a hub of trade and cultural exchange, connecting diverse civilizations. It was characterized by complex networks of commerce and interaction, making it cosmopolitan rather than isolated or under European control.

Front

If Avery and Lily traveled to the Indian Ocean region in the 1450s for their history project "Time Travel" prize they would discover a _______ world.

Back

cosmopolitan

Answer explanation

When Europeans arrived in the Indian Ocean, they found a cosmopolitan world, rich in trade and diverse cultures, contrasting with the options of simple, deserted, or primitive.

Front

How did Indian Ocean powers initially perceive the arrival of Portuguese naval forces in the Indian Ocean?

Back

They were considered a disruption.

Answer explanation

The initial reaction by the powers in the Indian Ocean to Portuguese gunboats in the Indian Ocean was to treat them as a nuisance, as their presence disrupted existing trade routes and posed a challenge to established powers in the region.

Front

During which century did Armenian merchants establish trade networks across Afro-Eurasia?

Back

17th

Answer explanation

Armenian communities began to spread across Afro-Eurasia significantly during the 17th century, driven by trade and migration, making this the correct answer.

Front

European traders found it beneficial to collaborate with ________.

Back

Trading ambassadors like the Armenians

Answer explanation

European merchants found that collaborating with established merchant networks like the Armenians facilitated trade and access to markets, making this choice more beneficial than working solely with local farmers, governments, or military forces.

Front

Why were Armenians considered ideal interlocutors between Europeans and Asian empires?

Back

Their language abilities and ties to many communities.

Answer explanation

Armenians were considered ideal interlocutors due to their language abilities and extensive ties to various communities, enabling effective communication and negotiation between Europeans and Asian empires.

Front

TRUE or FALSE; The silk road and Indian Ocean trading networks connected "world trade" before 1450 but after the European's arrived in the late 1400s and early 1500s, thing changed immediately and trade shifted toward European control.

Back

FALSE

Answer explanation

FALSE. While European arrival in the late 1400s influenced trade, it did not result in an immediate shift to European control. Trade networks like the Silk Road and Indian Ocean continued to operate with diverse participants for some time.

Front

What was the initial perception of European traders by the major Asian empires?

Back

As minor players in the global trade network

Answer explanation

Initially, large land-based empires in Asia viewed Europeans as a minor concern. Their presence was not seen as an immediate threat, and it took time for the potential dangers of European expansion to be recognized.

Front

Scarlett and Jackson were studying the impact of European arrival on Indian merchants. What was one reason they shared with their study group about how Indian merchants initially benefited from the arrival of European traders?

Back

They became wealthy selling India’s famous cotton cloth.

Answer explanation

Indian merchants benefited from the European arrival by selling India's famous cotton cloth, which was in high demand in Europe, leading to increased wealth and trade opportunities.

Front

TRUE or FALSE: The Ottomans fought naval battles with the Portuguese during the sixteenth century to maintain their dominance over the ocean.

Back

TRUE

Answer explanation

TRUE: The Ottomans engaged in naval battles with the Portuguese in the sixteenth century to assert their control over maritime trade routes and maintain dominance in the Indian Ocean against European powers.