Social Studies Midterm Quiz Practice 10

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

• Paleolithic and Neolithic; nomads vs settled farming

• Neolithic and Iron Age; stone tools vs metal tools

• Mesolithic and Neolithic; hunting vs fishing

• Paleolithic and Mesolithic; cave dwelling vs nomadic lifestyle

What is the difference between a primary and secondary source?

• Primary: original documents, Secondary: interpretations of primary sources

• Primary: written records, Secondary: oral traditions

• Primary: ancient artifacts, Secondary: modern technology

• Primary: eyewitness, Secondary: culmination of primary sources

Why did the first civilizations develop in river valleys?

• Access to advanced technology

• Strategic military advantage

• Annual flooding provided silt/nutrients

• Abundance of precious metals

Where did the first ever complex civilization develop?

• India

• China

• Egypt

• Mesopotamia

What is the key to the dynastic cycle in China?

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

• Democratic elections

• Military conquest

• Divine right of kings

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

• Positive: emphasized individualism, Negative: discouraged education

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

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

• Positive: encouraged artistic expression, Negative: limited economic growth

Feudalism is characterized by:

• Democratic elections, separation of powers, checks and balances

• Farming, land = power, fighting, no social mobility

• Religious tolerance, cultural diversity, strong military

• Centralized government, free trade, social equality

How did Constantine and Diocletian contribute to the fall of Rome?

• Constantine: promoted education, Diocletian: expanded territory

• Constantine: embraced diversity, Diocletian: implemented democratic reforms

• Constantine: weakened military, Diocletian: increased trade

• Constantine: converted to Christianity, Diocletian: partitioned east/west

What is the importance of Athens?

• Controlled Mediterranean sea for 1000 years

• In control of trade/navy/taxes, leading to a golden age in Greece

• Located on strategic land, controlling trade

• Center of gold/salt trade, leading to a golden age in Greece

What were the causes and effects of the Persian Wars?

• Causes: Gold discovered in Timbuktu, Effects: Islam spread to West Africa

• Causes: China was isolated, Effects: Han dynasty golden age

• Causes: Empire too large/expensive to protect, Effects: Rome fell to the German invaders

• Causes: Athens/Sparta vs Persia over trade/freedom, Effects: Athenian golden age