Unit 2-5: CULTURAL Effects of Connectivity

What is cultural syncretism?

• The rejection of foreign beliefs in favor of local traditions

• The blending of different cultural or religious traditions

• The isolation of cultures from outside influences

• The destruction of cultural artifacts

Which Chinese innovation had a significant impact on literacy worldwide?

• Compass

• Paper

• Silk

• Porcelain

What was the House of Wisdom in Baghdad primarily known for?

• Military training

• Translation and preservation of classical texts

• Religious ceremonies

• Trade negotiations

Which civilization’s rise was closely linked to the adoption of Islam and increased trade?

• Byzantine

• Swahili

• Mongol

• Aztec

How did the writings of travelers like Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo contribute to history?

• By inventing new trade routes

• By providing critical insights into the cultures and societies of their time

• By leading military conquests

• By translating ancient texts

Explain how merchants acted as cultural agents in global history.

• They only traded goods and had no influence on culture.

• They facilitated the exchange of ideas and traditions between societies.

• They isolated their own cultures from others.

• They destroyed cultural artifacts during trade.

What was one effect of the spread of gunpowder technology from China?

• Decreased military power in Europe

• Profound changes in military capabilities and global power dynamics

• The end of all wars

• The decline of literacy rates

Why did the rise of trading cities contribute to urbanization during the period discussed?

• Trading cities attracted people due to economic opportunities, leading to population growth and urban development.

• Trading cities were isolated and discouraged migration.

• Trading cities only focused on agriculture.

• Trading cities banned foreign merchants.

Analyze how the translation of classical texts in the House of Wisdom influenced later European developments.

• It had no impact on Europe.

• It set the stage for the Renaissance by reintroducing ancient philosophies to Europe.

• It led to the decline of European universities.

• It caused the loss of ancient knowledge.

Evaluate the impact of military conquests on major cultural centers like Baghdad and Constantinople.

• Military conquests led to the growth and prosperity of these cities.

• Military conquests led to the decline of significant cultural centers, disrupting their roles in trade and knowledge transmission.

• Military conquests had no effect on these cities.

• Military conquests improved cultural exchange in these cities.