Silk Road and Marco Polo's Influence

The video explores the causes of the Renaissance, focusing on the Silk Road's role. It discusses China's historical isolationism, the Mongol conquests under Genghis Khan, and the reopening of the Silk Road. Marco Polo's travels to China, his imprisonment, and the writing of his autobiography are highlighted. The video examines the short-term effects of the Silk Road, such as the introduction of new inventions to Europe, and the long-term effects, including inspiring explorers like Christopher Columbus. The construction of the Great Wall of China is also mentioned as a response to Mongol invasions.

What was the term used to describe China's historical tendency to avoid foreign interactions?

• Isolationism

• Colonialism

• Imperialism

• Globalism

What was the name given to China by Europeans during Marco Polo's time?

• Cathay

• Siam

• Indochina

• Persia

Who was the leader of the Mongols that conquered China and reopened the Silk Road?

• Marco Polo

• Genghis Khan

• Kublai Khan

• Alexander the Great

What was the name of Marco Polo's cellmate who helped him write his autobiography?

• Rustichello da Pisa

• Christopher Columbus

• Niccolò Machiavelli

• Leonardo da Vinci

Which of the following was NOT a short-term effect of the Silk Road?

• Invention of the printing press

• Demand for Marco Polo's book

• Introduction of the postal service

• Introduction of paper money

Which of the following was a new invention introduced to Europe through the Silk Road?

• Electricity

• Gunpowder

• Eyeglasses

• Steam engine

Which explorer was inspired by Marco Polo's writings to find a quicker route to China?

• Amerigo Vespucci

• Ferdinand Magellan

• Christopher Columbus

• Vasco da Gama

What was one of the long-term effects of the Silk Road on European exploration?

• Isolation of European countries

• Decline of European trade

• End of the Renaissance

• Discovery of new lands by Europeans

What structure did China build to prevent Mongol invasions?

• The Summer Palace

• The Terracotta Army

• The Forbidden City

• The Great Wall of China

What was the primary reason Marco Polo's travels were significant?

• He became a Mongol leader

• He invented the compass

• He wrote about his experiences

• He discovered America