Social Studies Midterm Quiz

What were the two eras of prehistory and what was the difference between them?

• Paleolithic and Neolithic; nomads vs settled farming

• Mesolithic and Neolithic; hunting vs gathering

• Paleolithic and Neolithic; gathering vs settled farming

• Mesolithic and Neolithic; nomads vs settled farming

What is the difference between a primary and secondary source?

• Primary: eyewitness, Secondary: culmination of primary sources

• Primary: hearsay, Secondary: firsthand account

• Primary: firsthand account, Secondary: hearsay

• Primary: culmination of primary sources, Secondary: eyewitness

Why did the first civilizations develop in river valleys?

• Access to advanced technology

• Annual flooding provided silt/nutrients

• Abundance of natural resources

• Strategic military advantage

Where did the first ever complex civilization develop?

• India

• Egypt

• Mesopotamia

• China

How did the Maurya empire under Ashoka unite India?

• Implemented a strict caste system

• Enforced a policy of isolationism

• Conquered neighboring empires

• Converted to Buddhism and promoted tolerance

What was the key to the dynastic cycle in China?

• Mandate of Heaven (right to rule China, blessing from the gods)

• Divine right of kings

• Military conquest

• Democratic elections

How did Confucianism impact Chinese culture in positive and negative ways?

• Positive: promoted equality, Negative: led to social unrest

• Positive: emphasized military strength, Negative: promoted corruption

• Positive: encouraged individualism, Negative: discouraged education

• Positive: brought order to China based on filial piety, Negative: women did not have rights

What is hellenism?

• A self-sufficient economic system

• A decentralized government based on the acquisition of land

• The study of the physical features on the earth

• The spread of Greek culture/Cultural diffusion

What were the causes and effects of the fall of the Roman Empire?

• Causes: empire too large/expensive to protect, Effects: decentralized government in Western Europe

• Causes: trade network, Effects: self-sufficient economic system

• Causes: military discipline, Effects: siege tactics

• Causes: isolation, Effects: militaristic culture

What were the causes and effects of the opening of the Silk Road?

• Causes: China was isolated, Effects: China open to trade and cultural diffusion

• Causes: gold discovered in Timbuktu, Effects: Swahili culture developed in East Africa

• Causes: moors invaded Europe, Effects: Christians won and Europe remained Christian

• Causes: empire too large/expensive to protect, Effects: decentralized government in Western Europe