World History Final
Exam Review
POWERPOINT 2: NEW PATTERNS OF CIVILIZATION
ISLAM, EARLY AFRICA, EARLY ASIA, EARLY AMERICA, EUROPEAN MIDDLE AGES
Islam (600-1500)

Monotheistic religion (Allah is the only god)

Quran (holy book)

Mosque: Muslim house of worship

Founded in the Arabian Peninsula (Middle East)

Founded by Muhammad who is viewed as the last and greatest prophet

Five Pillars of Islam are the 5 practices of worship that help Muslims achieve
eternal paradise
After Muhammad’s death, it was unclear who should lead the faith.


Caliphs (successors) eventually led the faith to become not only a
growing religion, but also an empire.

Jihad

Sunni-Shia Split dealing with who should lead the faith

Sunnis (majority of Muslims throughout its history) believe any good Muslim
can be caliph

Shiite believe only descendants of Muhammad should lead the faith
Crusades

Christian leaders from the Byzantine Empire would ask for these holy
wars against the Muslims.

Purpose: Christians wished to retake the Holy Lands of the Middle East
into Christian territory

Had little lasting impact on the Muslims (as the Crusades were not
successful)

Opened the Muslim Empire to be invaded by Mongols

Had a larger impact on Europeans as they became aware of the
goods available from the east—European and Arab trade
increased as European merchants wanted Arab goods.
Mongols

Pastoral nomads who moved into the Muslim Empire (they were not
Muslims)

Destructive in conquests often burning cities and farms leading to
mass starvation

The Mongols conquered territory from Northern China throughout
Central Asia (including the Middle East)

The Mongols eventually converted to Islam and began to intermarry
with people throughout their empire.

Because of the Mongols conquest, the new center of Islamic civilization
became Cairo, Egypt.
Islam Recap

In 622, Muhammad began preaching the new religion of Islam.

The revelations of Allah (God) to Muhammad are written down in
the Quran (Islamic holy book)

Issues about who should be caliph led to a split between Sunni
and Shia Muslims.

Islam expanded to create an empire under various groups of
leaders.

Muslim scholars preserved Greek and Roman learning while
making significant advances in mathematics and medicine.

Mosques and palaces testified to Islamic architectural innovation.

Muslims are known for their invention of the astrolabe and
triangular sails.
Islam Test Practice
1.
2.
3.
What is common between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam?
a.
They were founded at the same time.
b.
They are all monotheistic.
c.
They were all founded by Muhammad
d.
Members of each religion were persecuted by the Romans.
Ramadan commemorates the time during which Muhammad received the Quran from Allah.
What is the Quran?
a.
Religious book
b.
Religious state
c.
Symbol for piety
d.
Wheel of Law
How was European society affected by the Crusades?
a.
Access to Asian luxury goods were limited by war.
b.
Invading Islamic armies destroyed farms and cities
c.
Importation of Asian luxury goods created a greater interest in trade.
d.
Peasant rebellions diminished as the power of the Church grew.
Answers
1.
B
2.
A
3.
C
With only three questions, you need ALL of these right to meet mastery
(85%). Islam has not previously been a major focus on the test, but I
can not assure that it will not be this year.
Early Africa (2000 BC-1500 AD)

Geography is very diverse with the Sahara (larges desert), mountains, coastlines, Nile
(longest river), and various other features.’

Early civilizations include Kush and Axum who became centers of trade between 1000 BC
and 1400 AD.

Islam grew in Africa after Muslim invaders took Egypt in 641.

Early kingdoms of Africa:


Ghana first to emerge in 500 AD known for salt trade, gold mining, iron ore, agriculture

Mali emerged in the mid 1200s and built their wealth on gold and salt trade

Songhai emerged in the 1400s and built their wealth on gold and salt (also focused on Islam)
Swahili (a mixed African and Arabian culture) emerged as people began to intermarry.

This also became the name of a major language in the eastern coast of Africa
Early African Culture

Kings were often close to the people and allowed them to voice their
complaints openly (however, the king still held higher position)

Most of Africa in the early period lived in small villages and therefore
depended on extended family as a lineage group.

Patrilineal: following male blood line (father)

Matrilineal: following female blood line (mother)

Education varied by village or region.

Slavery existed since the ancient period in Africa.

Captives from conquered lands were often sold into slavery

Slaves could include those captured in war, debtors, and criminals

African slaves in Africa were seen as trusted servants and some received a
lot of respect from their master
Early Africa Recap

Kush was an advanced civilization until 150 AD known for trade of ivory and
ebony.

Evolving from an Arab colony, Axum succeeded Kush as a major trading
power in East Africa.

Once Muslims captured Egypt, they began to set up Islamic states in
Northern Africa transforming the culture.

Ghana, Mali, and Songhai all were known for trade of salt and gold.

In Africa, extended families and lineage groups were the basic units for
village societies.

Communication with a creator god through rituals and ancestors typified
many African religions.

Arab merchants brought Islam to Eastern and Southern Africa in the 1300s.
Early Asia (400-1500)


Dynasties (families of rulers) dominated China in this period.

Sui 581-618—unified China and built the Grand Canal linking the Yellow and Chang Jiang Rivers
making it easier to ship goods

Tang 618-907—restored the civil service exams, focused on education, expanded the borders of
China

Song 960-1279—economic prosperity, invasions from the north, lost land, and formed a
defensive alliance with the Mongols (who eventually defeated all of China)

Throughout these three dynasties, life became more complex in China.

Manufacturing and trade improved the economy (but they still focused on farming)

Technological advances added new products and stimulated trade

Tang are known for developing steel tools and gunpowder.

Also exported tea, silk, and porcelain

Silk Road was renewed as a great long-distance trade route

Buddhism and Daoism began to challenge Confucianism.
Marco Polo (an Italian merchant) visited China in the 1200s and recorded information
about the goods and riches increasing European interest in trade with Asia.
Early Japan and Korea
Japan




Geography: chain of islands,
mountainous, with little farmland
available, volcanoes and earthquakes
Developed the role of the samurai
(those who serve) to protect the security
of their employers following the
“Bushido” (“way of the warrior”)
Development of Shintoism (“sacred way
of the gods”) in which spirits of ancestors
are present in the air around them
Zen Buddhism (teaching of
enlightenment through strong selfdiscipline and meditation) became
popular among the wealthy.
Korea

Geography: peninsula, relatively mountainous,
close to China and Japan influencing their culture

109 BC, China ruled northern Korea, but the
Koreans drove them out by the 200s

Separate kingdoms developed in Korea lead by
monarchs

Buddhism was introduced

Periods of civil war occurred between the
different kingdoms (China often got involved)

In the 1200s, the Mongols took control of northern
part of Korea leading to much suffering for the
Koreans.

Korea regained complete self-rule by 1392 under
the Yi Dynasty.
Early India



Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam all influenced the development of India.

Buddhism’s popularity declined in India during the 600s.

Islam began to become popular in the northwestern portion of India as early as the 700s.
Society and Culture

Muslim rulers during this period considered themselves the highest class, but Hindus also
prospered.

Most people lived on the land and farmed their own tiny plots paying a share of their harvest to
the landlord (owner of the land/farm).
India was also a center for trade (even as far back as ancient times!)

Internal trade may have slowed during the period due to internal conflict, but international trade
continued and increased as other countries became more aware of the resources available in
Asia.
Early Asia Recap

China’s dynasties in this period renewed and increased trade over the Silk Road.

The Mongols invaded and took control of China in 1270.

Japan is isolated due to its geography.

Civil wars occurred often in Japan due to competing noble families and their samurais.

Korea was dominated by nearby China, but gained independence in the 900s.

India remained predominantly Hindu, but Islam was introduced during this period.

Trade, especially in spices, was profitable for many areas in southeastern Asia.
The Early Americas

The Americas were likely the last continents to be inhabited by people.

The earliest settlers in the Americas traveled across the Bering Strait land
bridge from Asia during the Last Ice Age. (That bridge disappeared as
temperatures warmed.)

Various early Americans had different lifestyles based on where they settled.

The Maya, Aztec, and Inca are the most famous of early American civilizations.

Polytheistic religions
 Aztec
performed human sacrifice to appease their gods to ensure good
harvest and prevent natural disaster


Advanced buildings and societies
Americans began dying out in large part due to war and disease (such as
smallpox) after the arrival of the Europeans toward the end of 1400s and into the
1500s.
Early Americas Recap

During the last Ice Age, hunters and gatherers from Asia may have
crossed the land bridge in the Bering Strait to North America.

In North America these first Americans formed distinct cultures
including the Inuit, Mound Builders, Iroquois, Plains Indians, and
Anasazi.

The Maya (300-900) built temples and pyramids in Central America.

The Aztec flourished from the 12th century until the Spanish conquests
in the 1500s.

The Inca conquered a large land area in South America and had a
highly structured society with an extensive road system linking the
empire.
Early Africa, Asia, and Americas
Test Practice
1.
2.
______ are societies in which descent is traced through the mother, not the father.
a.
Patrilineal societies
b.
Matrilineal societies
c.
Lineage group
d.
Ashanti groups
______ was the name of the strict code of behavior followed by the warrior class of early
Japan?
a.
Bushido
b.
Shogunate
c.
Daimyo
d.
Mahayana
3.
Which major empire was established along the Andes
Mountains in South America?
a. Moche
b. Mayan
c. Aztec
d. Incan
4.
Which disease, brought by the Spanish to the Americas,
devastated entire Incan villages?
a. Smallpox
b. Chicken
c. Black
pox
plague
d. dysentery
Answers
1.
B
2.
A
3.
D
4.
A
With only four questions, you need ALL of these right to meet mastery
(85%). These topics (Early Africa, Asia, and America) have not
previously been a major focus on the test, but I can not assure that it
will not be this year.
Middle Ages in Europe
(Medieval Period 500-1500)

Society in the High Middle Ages

Farming inventions and efficient use of land contributed to population growth.

Under the manorial system, serfs were legally bound to the land they worked for the lord.





Feudalism
Revival of trade changed the economy from a barter system to one based on money.
Catholicism, Innovations, and Intellectual Revival

Rulers claimed “divine right” (chosen by God) which strengthened their political power

Political power of the Catholic Church peaked during the papacy of Pope Innocent III.

Advances in technology allowed the building of impressive Gothic cathedrals.

Europe’s first universities were founded.
Disruptive Forces

Black Death (Black Plague/Bubonic Plague) spread through Europe, devastating societies and economies.

The Great Schism damaged the Church’s power and divided Europe.

Recovery began in the late 1400s as new monarchies emerged in France, England, and Spain.
MAGNA CARTA in England

Signed by King John (because he was forced by the English Barons)

63 clauses

Listed rights to landholders

Vowed the Church would remain free

Recognized the rights of the Barons, limiting the power of the monarch
Middle Ages Test Practice
1.
2.
3.
A ____ was an agricultural estates that a lord ran and peasants worked.
a.
Castle
b.
Guild
c.
Carruca
d.
Manor
What new architectural style appeared in the 12th century?
a.
Neoclassical
b.
Romanesque
c.
Baroque
d.
Gothic
What was the most significant effect of the Great Schism.
a.
The removal of the pope to Avignon
b.
The conversion of the Czechs
c.
The decline in the Roman’s Catholic Church’s political power.
d.
The renewal of lay investiture.
4.
5.
6.
King John did not want to sign the Magna Carta. Which answer best explains why?
a.
Because it would end the Battle of Runnymeade before he could gain an advantage
b.
Because it would transfer power from the Carolingians to the Capetians
c.
Because it would give the nobles nearly unlimited power over the serfs
d.
Because it would strengthen the idea that the monarch’s power was limited
In the Middle Ages, European monarchs claimed to rule by divine right. What purpose
did this serve?
a.
It enabled the separation of church and state.
b.
It enabled rulers to seize church lands.
c.
It demonstrated that religion was stronger than political power.
d.
It strengthened the monarch’s authority to rule.
How did the printing revolution contribute to increased global interaction?
a.
By making texts available to broader audiences, leading to the spread of new ideas
b.
By creating interchangeable parts that made repairing the printing press easier.
c.
By mass producing the press to make it available to small towns.
d.
By using color to gain the interest of more people.
7.
“All merchants, unless they have been previously and publicly forbidden, are to have
safe and secure conduct in leaving and coming to England and in staying and going
through England by both land and by water to buy and sell…”
Based on this excerpt from the Magna Carta, which basic rights were improved by the
English Barons?
a. Trading rights
b. Rights of the accused
c. Civil rights
d. Religious rights
8.
Effects of the Black Plague included Europe lost a third of its population, labor shortages
brought higher wages for workers, and peasants left their manors weakening feudalism.
Which conclusion can be drawn from this information?
a.
Catastrophic events can trigger changes in human institutions
b.
Tragic events strengthen religion as people seek answers in their faith
c.
People seek the comfort of traditional, familiar ways following traumatic events
d.
Societies flourish during many types of disasters and epidemics
9.
“No freeman is to be taken or imprisoned…of his free tenement or of his liberties or free
customs, or outlawed or exiled in any way ruined, nor will we go against such a man or
sent against him save by lawful judgment of his peers or by the law of the land.”
Which right had King John most likely abused, according to this excerpt from the Magna
Carta?
a. Right to privacy
b. Right to fair trial
c. Right to free speech
d. Right to petition
10.
What was an important effect of the Black Death (bubonic plague epidemic) on the
populations of Europe in the late 1340s?
a.
Decrease in public confidence in the Church
b.
Decline in average worker wages
c.
Elevated position of lesser nobles
d.
Increase in medical and pharmaceutical research
11.
12.
A social structure that divided their citizens into groups such as monarch,
lords/nobles, knights, and serfs is most likely which of the following?
a.
Socialism
b.
Feudalism
c.
Matrilinealism
d.
Caste system
How did technology change communication in the 13th century?
a.
It helped citizens learn to read.
b.
It allowed people to quickly contact others around the world.
c.
It enabled people to get information about other places and ideas.
d.
It helped people to improve the living conditions in their societies.
Answers
1.
D
2.
D
3.
C
4.
D
5.
D
6.
A
7.
A
8.
A
9.
B
10.
A
11.
B
12.
C
To make an 85% (mastery) you need
11 correct.
**This topic IS heavy on the released
exams. If you did not make an 85%,
you need to study this topic.
Chapter 9 in the blue textbook.