Neolithic Revolution and Early River Valley Civilizations
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The Neolithic Revolution was a time period about 10,000 years ago when man changed from
hunting and gathering (which was dangerous) to settling down and domesticating plants and
animals.
Basically people changed from cave men to farmers.
When people settled down and farmed, they had more food and populations grew.
Eventually cities formed.
These cities formed in river valleys because river valleys had rich soil (silt) for farming.
There were 4 important river valleys: The Nile (Africa), The Tigris-Euphrates (Mesopotamia),
Yellow (China), and Indus (India) Rivers.
These were the places where organized, advanced civilizations began.
Sample Regents Question:
One reason for the development of an early civilization in the Tigris-Euphrates river valleys was that
1.
2.
3.
4.
the location protected the people from land invasion
periodic flooding left rich soil, which was ideal for farming
these rivers provided a direct trade route between Europe and Asia
these rivers flowed into the Mediterranean Sea
Code of Hammurabi
 King Hammurabi carved his list of 282 laws on an eight foot high stone.
 This is the first evidence of a written list of laws.
 This "Code of Hammurabi" is famous for the expression: "An eye for an eye - and a tooth for a tooth".
 The Code of Hammurabi is usually associated with the "Twelve Tables" (of Rome) and the "Justinian
Code" as early examples of a legal system
Sample Regents Question:
The code of Hammurabi is an example of :
1)written rules for legal procedures
2) the power of strong kings to control trade
3) regulations on the way to conduct wars against neighboring nations
4) the power of a legislature to veto laws passed by absolute monarchs
Greece - Rome - Silk Road
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Ancient Greece was the birthplace of democracy - which means that everyone in the society gets
an equal vote.
It was also famous for the great battles between Athens (which was a democracy) and Sparta
(which was a military dictatorship).
Athens experienced a "golden age" of culture because they excelled in government (the first
democracy), sports (the first Olympics), Architecture (those building with the pillars), and the arts
(sculpture, theater, literature, philosophy).
Rome was the largest civilization in the world.
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At its peak there were 70 million people in the Roman empire, 1 million lived in the city of Rome.
There are often Regents questions which ask about Roman roads.
The Romans had a great system of roads to transport goods, information, and soldiers around the
empire.
There are often Regents questions about Roman law, which was a very advanced system of law
that greatly influenced the US legal system.
The Silk Road was a road that connected China to the middle east and to Europe.
The Chinese were the only people in the world who knew how to make silk.
Silk was traded on the Silk Road but it also spread ideas and culture between China and the
Middle East.
Sample Regents Questions:
1) Which ancient civilization established the basis of western democracy?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Phoenician
Egyptian
Sumerian
Greek
2) The Ancient Romans’ most significant contribution to Europe has been in the area of
1.
2.
3.
4.
economics
poetry
drama
law
3) The Silk Road was important because it allowed for the
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
exploration of China by the Roman Army
development of agriculture by the nomadic people of Central Asia
movement of Chinese armies through Southeast Asia
exchange of goods between Asia and the Middle East
Religions
Buddhism
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Buddha came up with the "Eightfold Path", and the "Four Noble Truths".
Preached that people should give up their worldly desires.
Hinduism
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Dominant religion in India.
Believe in Reincarnation.
Believe in the Caste System.
Believe in levels of Gods, and Moksha - which is kind of like their version of heaven.
Judaism
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Was the worlds first monotheism.
Their book (The Old Testament), is the foundation for Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
Confucianism
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Not really a religion but is the dominant philosophy which guides the Chinese people.
Named after Confucius, who taught that harmony can be achieved if one maintains good
relationships with those around them.
He also taught a concept called Filial Piety, which urges people to respect their ancestors and
elders.
Islam
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Islam is the name of the religion.
Muslims are people who practice Islam.
This religion was founded by Mohammed about the year 600.
The Koran is its holy book and Mecca is its center.
It exploded throughout the Middle East and is now the worlds 2nd largest religion.
For some reason the Regents test's often contain a question about the great influence Muslims had
on math and science.
Christianity
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Founded in Rome after Jesus died.
It is based on his teachings and the belief that he is the son of God.
Is now the worlds largest religion.
The Religion split in the early 1500's during The Reformation.
Before The Reformation, all Christians were Catholic. After the Reformation - Protestants
(Baptists, Methodists, Calvinists, Episcopalians, etc.) - split off from the Catholics.
The two divisions of Christianity are very similar, but Protestants do not recognize The Pope.
1) The Buddhist religion teaches that salvation is earned by
1.
2.
3.
4.
following the Ten Commandments
worshiping Allah as the one true god
learning to give up selfish desire
being baptized and confirmed
2) Judaism, Islam, and Christianity share a belief in
1.
2.
3.
4.
the central authority of the Pope
a prohibition of the consumption of port
reincarnation and the Four Noble Truths
monotheism and ethical conduct
3) The teachings of Confucius encouraged people to
1. put their own interests first
2. reject government authority
3. believe in reincarnation
4. follow a code of moral conduct
4) The Koran, jihad, and the hegira are most closely associated with the practice of
1.
2.
3.
4.
Islam
Judaism
Shinto
Buddhism
Medieval Times
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The Medieval age was dominated by Feudalism and the Catholic Church.
Feudalism is the idea that the King grants land to the Nobles.
The Nobles had serfs (peasants) work the land and pay the king with what was produced on the
land.
Knights worked for the Nobles as a source of protection. Kind of like a neighborhood army to
protect the manor.
When the King went to war with another King - he got all the Knights from his Nobles to help him
in battle.
There was a strict social order - with the poor serfs (peasants) on the bottom.
Since the serfs had very little to look forward to during their life - they placed a great emphasis on
religion - which promised them a great life in heaven.
The Catholic Church was very important during this time - it provided order and unity (This is a
common Regents Question!)
Knights were bound by the code of chivalry - they had to be nice to the ladies and act with honor
and dignity.
Sample Regents Questions:
1) All things were under its domain...its power was such that no one could hope to escape its scrutiny
Which European institution during the Middle Ages is best described by this statement?
1. the Guild
2. Knighthood
3. the Church
4. the nation-state
2) Feudal societies are generally characterized by
1. an emphasis on social order
2. a representative government
3. many economic opportunities
4. the protection of political rights
The Crusades (1096-1291)
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The religion of Islam grew very fast and the Muslims took control of the Middle East.
The Middle East is a place of many important religious sites (like the birthplace of Jesus).
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The Christian Europeans decided to go on various "Crusades" - to free these holy sites from
Muslim control.
The Crusades (there were several of them) didn't really work - the Christians never really took the
land from the Muslims.
But Europeans and Muslims gained new ideas and products as they traded with each other and
were exposed to each others culture.
Sample Regents Questions:
1) Which statement best describes the result of the Crusades?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Europeans maintained a lasting control over much of the Middle East
Islamic influence dominated Europe
Europeans developed tolerance of Non-Christian religions
trade between Europe and the Middle East was expanded
2) A major goal of the Christian Church during the Crusades (1096–1291) was to
1.
2.
3.
4.
establish Christianity in western Europe
capture the Holy Land from Islamic rulers
unite warring Arab peoples
strengthen English dominance in the Arab world
Early Japan
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Regents questions about early Japan usually involve comparing European and Japanese
Feudalism.
They were similar systems - offering little social mobility.
If you were born a peasant - you remained a peasant.
Knights were the warriors during European feudalism.
Samurai were the warriors during Japanese feudalism.
Both warrior groups had codes of honor and conduct that they had to live by.
Knights had the code of chivalry.
Samurai had the code of bushido.
Japan was also a very isolated country - they kept to themselves and tried to minimize contact with
others (which was kind of easy to do since it is a group of islands).
Sample Regents Questions:
1) The code of bushido of the Japanese samurai is most similar to
1.
2.
3.
4.
belief in reincarnation and karma of Hindus
practice of chivalry by European knights
teachings of Judaism
theory of natural rights of the Enlightenment writers
2) In Japan between 1603 and 1868, the most notable action taken by the Tokugawa Shogunate was the
1.
2.
3.
4.
military conquest of China
development of extensive trade with the Americas
formation of cultural links with Europe
virtual isolation of the country from the outside world
The Mongols
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Most Regents Questions about The Mongols are based on maps.
The most important thing to remember about The Mongol empire is that it was giant - stretching
from the East coast of China - all the way to Eastern Europe.
The Mongols - led by Kubla and Ghangis Khan - were fierce warriors.
They invented the stirup - which allowed them to control their horses and use them in battle.
The Mongols were also famous for allowing the people they conquored to maintain their culture
and identity.
Sample Regents Question:
Which factor contributed to the success of the vast empire created by the Mongols?
1) employing superior military skills.
2) avoiding contacts with the west.
3) paying monetary tribute to local rulers.
4) converting conquored peoples to Confucianism.
The Renaissance
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The Renaissance was a re-birth of culture which started in Italy.
Art, architecture, and literature all flourished during the Renaissance.
It started in Italy because Italian city-states were making a lot of money through trade (you need a
lot of money to finance art).
Renaissance artists and thinkers looked back to the golden age of the Greeks for inspiration.
Humanism was a big part of the Renaissance - artists celebrated human achievement and form
(think statue of David).
The Renaissance was mostly a "secular" (non religious) movement.
"By any means necessary" - this famous quote by Malcolm X is taken from the ideas of
Machiavelli's book "The Prince".
Sample Regents Questions:
1) In Europe, a major characteristic of humanism was
1. a belief in the supremacy of the state in relation to individual rights
2. a rejection of ancient civilizations and their cultures
3. an emphasis on social control and obedience to national rulers
4. an appreciation for the basic worth of individual achievement
2) One factor that enabled the Renaissance to flourish in Northern Italy was that the region had
1. a wealthy class that invested in the arts
2. a socialist for of government
3. limited contact with the Byzantine Empire
4. a shrinking middle class
The Reformation
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The Reformation: think Martin Luther.
Martin Luther was upset over the corruption within the Catholic Church.
Catholic clergy were selling "indulgences" - kind of like a 'get into heaven free card'.
He hung a list of 95 thesis, or ideas, protesting the Catholic Church, on the door of a church in
Germany.
Because of the new printing press - these ideas were printed up and spread all over Europe.
Because of this movement Protestants were born - and the Catholic Church lost power.
Now Christians are split between Catholics and Protestants.
Sample Regents Questions:
1) Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses were a call for
1.
2.
3.
4.
religious revolt against the German princes
reforms within the Roman Catholic Church
greater papal authority
crusades to spread Christianity
2) Which was a major result of the Reformation?
1.
2.
3.
4.
new Christian denominations emerged
religious teachings were no longer allowed in the universities
the Crusades were organized
the power of the Pope was strengthened
MesoAmerica
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MesoAmerica is the term for American civilizations before the arrival of Europeans.
The main civilizations here are The Aztec's, The Inca's, and the Mayan's.
The Regents Exam often has a questions relating to the fact that there were advanced, complex
civilizations in the America's before the arrival of Europeans.
The Aztec's were in present day Mexico.
They built giant stair stepped pyramids where they made human sacrifices to the Sun God.
The Inca's lived in the Andes Mountains of South America and were famous for their terraced
farming.
But once the Europeans came with their guns, cannon, metal weapons and diseases - they quickly
overran these civilizations.
Sample Regents Questions:
1) A study of the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations of Latin America would show that these
civilizations
1.
2.
3.
4.
developed advanced and complex societies before the arrival of the Europeans
established extensive trade with Pacific Rim nations
were strongly influenced by their contact with Asian and African civilizations
were relatively large, but not well organized
2) In Latin America, the Maya and the Aztec civilizations were similar in that they
1.
2.
3.
4.
showed little evidence of urbanization
lacked a strong central government
developed complex mathematical and calendar systems
used military weapons superior to those of Europeans
European Exploration and Cortez
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With the invention of the compass and the astrolabe, Europeans began sailing and exploring all
over the world.
And when they got to these far away places they realized they had better weapons than the local
people - so they killed and enslaved them.
The Spanish (led by Columbus and Cortez) easily defeated the native people in the New World.
They had better weapons, and they carried diseases that devastated the New World people.
Once they established contact in the New World - both sides started trading with each other.
This is called the Columbian Exchange - Europeans got new world goods (corn and potatoes), and
the New World people got Old World goods (horses, and eventually slaves).
Chistopher Columbus started a vast cultural exchange between the two hemispheres.
Sample Regents Questions:
1) The Native American population of Mexico in 1492 has been estimated at 25 million; the population
in 1608 has been estimated at 1.7 million. This decrease in population was mainly a result of
1.
2.
3.
4.
crop failures brought on by poor weather conditions
emigration of Native Americans to Europe and Africa
wars between various native groups
diseases introduced by the Spanish
2) A major result of the Age of Exploration was
1.
2.
3.
4.
a long period of peace and prosperity for the nations of Western Europe
extensive migration of people from the Western Hemisphere to Europe and Asia
the fall of European national monarchies and the end of the power of the Catholic Church
the end of regional isolation and the beginning of a period of European global domination
Slave Trade
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When the Europeans went to the New World they enslaved many of the local people to work in
the gold mines and the sugar cane, cotton, and tobacco plantations.
However, the local population died rapidly when exposed to European diseases.
So the Europeans began importing slaves from Africa to work in their New World colonies.
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African slaves were part of a system called the "Triangle Trade" - this was a system of trade
between Europe, the New World and Africa.
Many African slaves died on their way across the Atlantic in a brutal journey called "The Middle
Passage".
Many think of African slavery as an American (US) event - but the vast majority of African slaves
were brought to the Caribbean and South America.
Sample Regents Questions:
1) Which statement best describes a result of the scarcity of native Indian labor in Latin America
during the colonial period?
1.
2.
3.
4.
unskilled laborers were imported from Asia
many people from Spain and Portugal immigrated to the region
Native American Indians from the British colonies went south to work
large numbers of African slaves were imported
2) In the 1600’s, the interest of Europeans in Africa was based mainly on Europe’s need to
1.
2.
3.
4.
market its surplus agricultural products
obtain workers for its colonies in the Americas
establish collective security arrangements
settle its surplus population on new lands
Mercantilism
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Mercantilism is a concept that came out during the Age of Exploration.
Mercantilism is the idea that a nation is more powerful and wealthy if it has overseas colonies.
The overseas colonies provide gold and silver for the home country.
The Colonies also provide raw materials and will also buy manufactured goods from the home
country.
Under the system of Mercantilism the colonies exist for the benefit of the imperial power.
Sample Regents Question:
1.)According to the theory of mercantilism, colonies should be
1.
2.
3.
4.
acquired as markets and sources of raw materials
considered an economic burden for the colonial power
grated independence as soon as possible
encouraged to develop their own industries
Absolutism
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Absolutism is the concept that a ruler has absolute rule over his nation.
Absolute rulers are usually kings such as Louis XIV of France, or Henry VIII of England.
Absolute rulers had "divine right" - meaning that their power to rule came from God.
Louis XIV is the classic Absolute ruler with his giant palace at Versailles and his famous quote, "I
am the State".
Sample Regents Question:
“. . .The person of the King is sacred, and to attack him in any way is an attack on religion itself. Kings
represent the divine majesty and have been appointed by Him to carry out His purposes. Serving God
and respecting kings are bound together.” —Bishop Jacques Bossuet
1.)This statement describes the philosophy that existed during the
1.
2.
3.
4.
Golden Age of Athens
Age of Absolutism
Renaissance
Industrial Revolution
Scientific Revolution
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The Scientific Revolution was a huge turning point in the creation of our modern world.
It brought us from a world where religion provided nearly all the answers - to a world where
science provides answers.
Before the Scientific Revolution people got their ideas about science from the ancient Greeks
(Aristotle), or the Catholic Church.
But then scientists such as Galilieo, Copernicus, and Isaac Newton began using the Scientific
Method in search of the real scientific truth.
The Scientific Method is the use of experimentation and observation (over and over again) to
come up with an accurate conclusion.
Galileo and Copernicus proved that the sun was the center of the universe, while the Catholic
Church still believed that the earth was the center of the universe.
The Church put Galileo on trial and made him say that he was wrong or they would kill him.
He admitted he was wrong even though he knew he was right.
Sample Regents Questions:
1) Francis Bacon, Galileo, and Isaac Newton promoted the idea that knowledge should be based on
1.
2.
3.
4.
the experiences of past civilizations
experimentation and observation
emotions and feelings
the teachings of the Catholic Church
2) Which statement best describes the effects of the works of Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, Sir
Isaac Newton, and René Descartes?
1.
2.
3.
4.
The acceptance of traditional authority was strengthened.
The scientific method was used to solve problems.
Funding to education was increased by the English government.
Interest in Greek and Roman drama was renewed.
The Enlightenment
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Enlightenment Thinkers were inspired by the scientists of the Scientific Revolution.
They came up with new ideas about government by applying scientific theories to government.
The Enlightenment thinkers were tired of kings ruling - they wanted to give political power to the
people.
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They thought that people had the ability to govern themselves.
John Locke is the most famous of the Enlightenment thinkers.
He came up with the idea that "all men are created equal ... and have unalienable rights of Life,
Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness".
The Enlightenment thinkers greatly influenced the American and French Revolutions and laid the
groundwork for the modern democracies of today.
Sample Regents Questions:
1.) Writers of the Enlightenment were primarily interested in
1.
2.
3.
4.
changing the relationship between people and their government
supporting the divine right theory
debating the role of the church in society
promoting increased power for European monarchs
2.) Which statement reflects an argument of Enlightenment philosophers against the belief in the
divine right of kings?
1.
2.
3.
4.
god has chosen all government rulers
independence is built by military might
a capitalist economic system is necessary for democracy
the power of the government is derived from the governed
French and Latin American Revolutions
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The French Revolution in 1789 happened when the lower and middle classes (the third estate),
revolted and took power from the upper classes who had ruled France for centuries.
They eventually kidnapped the king and cut of his head (and the head of the queen also).
The third estate (98% of the population), were inspired by the democratic ideas of the
Enlightenment thinkers and by the American Revolution.
They set up a government that focused on the rights of the people rather than the power of the
king.
Latin American Revolutions were led mainly by Simone Bolivar who helped South American
people win their independence from Spain.
Spain had ruled Latin America for a couple of hundred years (since Columbus and Cortez came
over), but the local people grew tired of being governed by a nation from across the ocean.
Latin American people were inspired by the successes of the American and French Revolutions.
They saw the Americans and French defeat their kingly rulers and give power to the common
citizen.
Sample Regents Questions:
1.) In France, which was a major result of the French Revolution?
1.
2.
3.
4.
the king was restored to unlimited power
the clergy dominated government
the middle class gained political influence
the tax burden was carried by the lower class
2.) I will never allow my hands to be idle nor my soul to rest until I have broken the chains laid upon
us by Spain..
This statement was most likely made by
1. a Latin American nationalist
2. a Portuguese explorer
3. a Roman Catholic bishop
4. a Spanish conquistador
Global Nationalism
The concept of nationalism is kind of difficult to explain simply because modern people (which is
you) are so familiar with nationalism. Nationalism is everywhere, it is so common and so accepted
that we take it for granted.
Nationalism is basically belonging to, rooting for, and fighting for, your own country. The world is
made up of a couple of hundred countries - but it was not always that way.
What is Nationalism?
These are the things that contribute to Nationalism in America:
- We all live within the same well defined borders (if we go to far north or south, we cross a line into
someone else's nationalism, Mexico or Canada).
- We all speak a common language (English)
- We use a common currency (The almighty dollar)
- We have a history that defines our country (Pilgrims and the Mayflower, the Revolutionary War, the
Civil War, etc.)
- We have a common religion (America is about 80% Christian).
- We have symbols that define our nation (the flag, the eagle, Uncle Sam, statue of liberty, etc.)
- We have a common culture (blue jeans, shopping malls, fast food, suburbs, Hollywood, cars)
- We pay taxes to the same government which in turn protects us and our land.
- We feel a connection to other Americans, a feeling of belonging and togetherness.
Not only do we belong to our country; we support our country in competition against other countries
(the Olympics for example, or perhaps the little league world series when a team from New Jersey
plays a team from Taiwan). We also pay the ultimate support for our country by joining the military
and possibly dying for our country. We think it perfectly normal to have an army of Americans ready
and able to fight and die for our nation and flag.
What does this have to do with global studies you may be asking? The thing is - it was not always like
this. Nationalism is a relatively modern concept. Today people are French, American, Vietnamese,
Brazilian, etc. They live within the borders of these countries and consider themselves citizens of
these countries. But a few hundred years ago people in France did not think of themselves as French.
They would have been more loyal to their local lord than anyone or anything else. There wasn't that
feeling that everyone that lived within certain borders was French and all belonged to and supported
the same country.
Technically Nationalism is the belief that one's greatest loyalty should not be to a king or an empire
but to a nation of people who share a common culture and history. And a nationalist is someone who
thinks that people of a single "nationality," or ancestry, should unite under a single government.
Let me give you an example. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was a huge empire in central Europe. But
it was made up of a bunch of different people each with their own languages and culture. Eventually
the empire broke up as each area created its own nation. People with common languages and cultures
wanted to have their own country, they no longer wanted to be part of a giant empire. The nations
created out of the Austro-Hungarian Empire were: Hungary, Germany, Austria, Poland, Serbia, the
Czech Republic, Croatia, etc.
Previously in Europe there was no clear border between countries, because there were no countries,
there were kingdoms. It was hard to tell exactly where one kingdom ended and another began. But
during the 1800's nations began forming as people recognized their own common language and
heritage. They made their own countries.
Another good example of Nationalism was Greece. Greece was part of the Ottoman Empire (an
Islamic Empire centered in the Middle East). But eventually the Greek people looked to their
common history and their common language and formed their own country. They broke off from the
Ottoman Empire and became Greece.
The Industrial Revolution
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The Industrial Revolution was a shift from small scale home manufacturing to large-scale
industrial manufacturing done in factories.
Many new machines were invented that could make products much faster; and new sources of
power (steam and coal) helped to run these machines.
People began to move from farms to cities in order to work at these new factory jobs.
The sudden growth of these cities led to overcrowding, pollution and unsanitary conditions.
Child labor was also a problem as factories hired children and paid them less than adults.
But the Industrial Revolution also allowed people to acquire more products as goods became
cheaper and more plentiful.
Sample Regents Questions:
1.) A major result of the Industrial Revolution was the
1. concentration of workers in urban areas
2. increased desire of the wealthy class to share its power
3. formation of powerful craft guilds
4. control of agricultural production by governments
2.) ''With the new methods that used mass production, division of labor, the
assembly line, and interchangeable parts, prices came down. A greater number and
variety of goods became available to more people. The domestic system was
disappearing and a new revolution was sweeping across Europe."
Which revolution does this quotation describe?
1.
2.
3.
4.
French
Commercial
Russian
Industrial
Karl Marx and Communism
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Karl Marx lived during the early days of the Industrial Revolution and did not like what he saw.
He viewed the Industrial Revolution as an extension of feudalism, where factory workers were
like peasants and factory owners like nobles.
Marx believed that these two classes; the working class (which he called the proletariat) and the
owning class (which he called the bourgeoisie) would be constantly in conflict with each other.
He felt that the rich would get richer and the poor poorer, and the common worker would be
forever enslaved by industry and those who owned the industry.
Marx wanted the proletariat (workers) to rise up and start a world wide revolution.
He wanted the workers to take control of the means of production, then they would make only
what they needed and share everything.
He called this system Communism.
Under Communism the government would own all property and everyone would be paid the same.
According to Marx, this would end the evils of Industrialization and Capitalism.
Russia eventually tried a system of Communism, but this system failed after about 70 years.
Sample Regents Questions:
1.) .The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains.Workers of the world, unite!.
This statement was made in response to conditions resulting from the
1. Protestant Reformation
2. Counter-Reformation
3. Commercial Revolution
4. Industrial Revolution
2.) According to Karl Marx, history is the record of the
1.
2.
3.
4.
granting of more political liberties to all people
struggle between classes in society
wars and conflicts between national leaders
increasing prosperity brought about by industrialization
Japan and the Meiji Restoration
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For Centuries Japan was an isolated island country.
The Japanese did not trade or associate with others.
But in the mid-1800's Commodore Perry, an American, sailed into Japan with a steam powered
ship.
The Japanese were amazed at the technology of the ship and quickly realized that they better begin
keeping up with the Western (European and American) nations.
Thus began the Meiji Restoration - where the Japanese began to rapidly modernize and
industrialize.
The Japanese began to copy Western models of industry and began to become imperialistic to gain
resources for their industry.
Japanese domination in the electronics industry is a product of the Meiji Restoration which began
about 150 years ago.
Sample Regents Questions:
1.) The arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry in Japan in 1853 signaled the end of Japanese
1.
2.
3.
4.
cultural contacts with the West
policies of isolationism
militarism in Southeast Asia
trade relations with the United States
2.) In Japan, the Meiji Restoration resulted in the
1.
2.
3.
4.
division of the nation between the European powers
modernization of the nations industry
abolition of the position of emperor
government being controlled by the samurai
European Imperialism
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During the Industrial Revolution Europeans began to mass produce goods.
To do this they needed resources (coal, wood, gold, rubber, sugar, cotton) - often times resources
that they did not have.
They began to go oversees to Africa, India and China in search of these resources.
Since Europeans had better technology and better weapons - they easily defeated and controlled
these areas - forming them into colonies that would provide resources.
There was a racist component to Imperialism also as Europeans often felt it was there duty to
civilize and Christianize the "savage" people they encountered in these lands.
The British even went so far as to trade opium that they bought in India to the Chinese so that the
Chinese would become addicted to the opium and continue trading with the British. Previously
China was an extremely isolated nation and did not trade with foreigners.
Sample Regents Questions:
1.) After 1880, European nations sought colonies in Africa primarily because the Europeans were
1.
2.
3.
4.
in need of land for their surplus populations
competing for raw materials and markets
determined to bring Christianity to the Moslem world
interested in completing their geographic knowledge of the world
2.) The 19th century term "White Man's Burden" reflects the idea that
1.
2.
3.
4.
Asians and Africans were equal to Europeans
Asians and Africans would be grateful for European help
imperialism was opposed by most Europeans
Europeans had a responsibility to improve the lives of the colonial peoples
The Russian Revolution
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The Russian Revolution of 1917 - also called the Bolshevik Revolution - was the first time a
nation adopted communism as its political and economic system.
The Russian people were tired of fighting and dying during WW I.
The German army was much better equipped than the Russians and millions of Russians were
dying.
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The Russian people also resented the power of the Czar - who was becoming an ineffective ruler.
Additionally - Russian peasants at home were starving.
The Russian Revolution was led by the cry "Peace, Land, Bread."
Vladimir Lenin was the leader of the Communists (Bolsheviks) during the revolution.
Communism lasted in Russia from 1917 - 1989.
Sample Regents Questions:
1.) Which slogan expressed the ideals of the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity
Bread, Land, and Peace
Land and Liberty
Nationalism, Democracy, and the People.s Livelihood
2.) Which statement best describes a relationship between World War I and the Bolshevik Revolution?
1.
2.
3.
4.
World War I created conditions in Russia that helped trigger a revolution.
World War I postponed the revolution in Russia by restoring confidence in the Czar.
Opposing Russian forces cooperated to fight the foreign invaders.
World War I gave the Czar.s army the needed experience to suppress the revolution.
Joseph Stalin and Totalitarianism
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Stalin took control of Russia after Lenin died.
He became the classic totalitarian dictator.
Stalin ruled Russia completely - he controlled the media and decided what information the
Russian people should have.
Freedom in Russia was very limited - Stalin also "purged" (killed) anyone that opposed him.
Stalin used a force of secret police to control the nation.
Stalin also introduced a five-year plan to rapidly industrialize Russia, which was mainly an
agrarian (farming based) society.
Sample Regents Questions:
1.) Under Joseph Stalin, life in the Soviet Union was characterized by
1.
2.
3.
4.
an abundance of consumer goods
political instability and numerous civil wars
support for small family-run farms
the use of censorship and the secret police
2.) Under Josef Stalin, the Soviet Union emphasized centralized economic planning and Five-Year Plans
primarily to
1.
2.
3.
4.
produce more consumer goods
expand exports
create a demand for high-quality imports
develop heavy industry
World War I 
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World War I began with the assassination of Franz Ferdinand - the Archduke of Austria.
At the time Europe was a tense mix of nationalistic powers, it only took a little incentive to set
them off toward war.
Europe was divided up between the triple alliance of Germany, Italy and Austria-Hungary - and
the triple entente of France, Britain and Russia.
These countries were building up their militaries in anticipation of war.
When war came it was devastating. Trench warfare and modern weapons (machine guns, tanks,
planes, cannon, etc.) made causalities high.
Sample Regents Questions:
1.) A major cause of World War I was
1. a decline in the policy of imperialism
2. the existence of opposing alliances
3. an increase in acts of aggression by England
4. the spread of communism throughout Europe
2.) .Archduke Franz Ferdinand Assassinated!.
.Germany Declares War on Russia and France!.
.Peace Treaty Signed at Versailles!.
Which event is referred to in these headlines?
1. Franco-Prussian War
2. Crimean War
3. World War I
4. Cold War
Treaty of Versailles
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The Treaty of Versailles ended WW I.
Since Germany was the major power on the losing side of WW I - they took most of the blame.
Germany was blamed for all of the loss and damage incurred by the allies (England and France).
Germany was also blamed for being the aggressor in the war.
The treaty forced Germany to pay huge fines, lose sections of land to France and Poland, and to
give up all of its colonial holdings overseas.
The Treaty of Versailles is very important because it punished Germany so much that it could
never recover - and this defeated Germany became ripe for Adolph Hitler and his fascist politics of
hate and blame.
Hitler tried to regain the land and power that were taken away from Germany.
One could say that the Treaty of Versailles led to WW II.
Sample Regents Questions:
1.) The major impact of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany was that the treaty led to
1. an era of peace and international good will in Germany
2. a stable Germany that was both democratic and strong
3. an increase in Germanys desire to regain its power and prestige
4. a leadership position for Germany in the League of Nations
2.) The harsh conditions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles after World War I helped lay the foundation
for the
1.
2.
3.
4.
rise of fascism Germany
uprisings during the French Revolution
division of Korea along the 38th parallel
Bolshevik Revolution in Russia
Fascism
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After WW I many European countries were devastated.
The economies and social structures of nations like Germany, Italy, Spain were in ruins.
The people were desperate for leadership that would offer a solution.
Into this void stepped the fascist governments of Adolph Hitler and Benito Mussolini.
These fascist dictators rebuilt their countries but were brutal and ruthless in doing so.
They denied basic human rights and limited freedoms of their citizens.
In Hitlers case, he tried to take over the world.
Fascism is very similar to totalitarianism.
Sample Regents Questions:
1.) Fascism in Europe during the 1920.s and 1930.s is best described as a
1. demonstration of laissez-faire capitalism that promoted free enterprise
2. form of totalitarianism that glorified the state above the individual
3. type of economic system that stressed a classless society
4. set of humanist ideas that emphasized the dignity and worth of the individual
2.) In the 1920.s and 1930.s, the rise of totalitarian governments in Germany, Italy, and Spain was largely
the result of
1. the success of the Communists in establishing a command economy in the Soviet Union
2. severe economic and social problems that arose in Europe after World War I
3. the active support of the United States
4. movements demanding the return of the old monarchies
Japanese Imperialism
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Japan is a chain of islands (archipelago) about the size of California.
But Japan is very populated (130 million people).
Japan has few natural resources and very little land for farming.
So after Japan became industrialized during the Meiji Restoration - it had to look elsewhere for
raw materials for industry.
Japan became imperialistic and began to control areas of Korea and Manchuria (China) for raw
materials.
This Japanese expansion led to Japan's attacking the US during WW II to control the Pacific
ocean.
Sample Regents Questions:
1.) The imperialist policies followed by Japan after World War I were based on a desire to
1.
2.
3.
4.
convert people to Shinto
acquire markets for its oil industry
compete with Chinese trade policies
obtain natural resources for manufacturing
2.) After World War I, Japan attempted to solve some of its economic problems by
1.
2.
3.
4.
establishing extensive trade with the Soviet Union
expanding its influence in Asia
practicing the principles of Marxism
refusing to rely on Western technology
Appeasement
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After WW I Hitler took control of Germany.
He began to build up the German army - in direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles.
Other European leaders - mainly the British - still did not see the danger in Hitler.
They believed they could reason with him; give him a little of what he wanted - and then he would
be satisfied.
This policy was know as "Appeasement".
British Chancellor Neville Chamberlain went to Munich to meet with Hitler.
He though that Hitler would not start a war.
They were wrong and Hitler was lying to them the entire time.
The policy of appeasement was a failure.
Sample Regents Question:
1.) Which policy shows that appeasement does not always prevent war?
1.
2.
3.
4.
British policy toward Germany in Munich during the 1930.s
French policy in Indochina in the 1950.s
United States policy toward Cuba in the early 1960.s
Iraqi policy toward Iran in the 1980.s
Ghandi and Indian Independence
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India had been controlled by the British for about 200 years.
But as WW II approached - Indians began to really fight for their independence.
They were led in this fight by Mahatma Ghandi.
Ghandi practiced and preached the principal of non-violence, or passive resistance to fight the
British.
He led Indians in boycotting British made goods and went on a famous salt march.
Ghandi managed to get all Indians to work together in their fight for independence.
Sample Regents Questions:
1.) Mohandas Gandhi is best known for his
1. use of passive resistance to achieve Indian independence
2. desire to establish and Islamic nations
3. opposition to Hindus holding political office
4. encouragement of violence to end British rule
2.) Which event was used by Mohandas Gandhi to bring world attention to the injustices of British
colonialism?
1.
2.
3.
4.
salt march
partition of India
Sepoy Mutiny
formation of the Indian parliament
The Holocaust
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The Holocaust was Adolph Hitler's attempt to kill off all of the Jews in Europe.
Trying to kill off an entire race of people in called "genocide" - because their genes are to be
eliminated.
Hitler hated Jews - thought they were an inferior race - and blamed them for Germany's problems.
During WW II European Jews were put in death camps, where they were gassed and their dead
bodies burned in ovens.
It is estimated that the Nazi's killed about 6 million Jews in Europe.
After WW II many of the Nazi's that contributed to the genocide of the Jews were put on trail and
executed at "The Nuremberg Trials".
Sympathy for Jews after the Holocaust and WW II helped to create the nation of Israel in 1947.
Sample Regents Question:
1.) Which is one major reason the Holocaust is considered a unique event in modern European history?
1. Jews of Europe have seldom been victims of persecution.
2. Civilians rarely were killed during air raids on Great Britain.
3. Hitler concealed his anti-Jewish feelings until after he came to power.
4. The genocide was planned in great detail and required the cooperation of many people.
The Cold War
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At the end of WW II Hitler was dead and Europe lay in ruins.
Two superpowers dominated the scene: the US and Russia.
The US was a capitalist/democratic nation; Russia was communist.
The two superpowers fought each other (without an actual war) for domination and influence.
Nations that supported the US formed NATO; nations that supported Russia formed the Warsaw
Pact.
There was an "Iron Curtain" that separated the capitalist nations from the communist nations.
Other famous Cold War events were:
The Truman Doctrine
The Marshal Plan
The Korean War
The Berlin Wall
The Cuban Missile Crisis
The Nuclear Arms Race
The Space Race
Sample Regents Question:
In the 30 years after World War II, which area was most influenced by the Soviet Union?
1. Southeast Asia
2. North Africa
3. Eastern Europe
4. Central America
European Union
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After WW II, Europe was in ruins.
Europeans realized that they could not continue to fight each other as they had in WW I and WW
II.
European nations began to organize themselves and cooperate economically rather than remain
completely independent.
The end result of this is the European Union (EU), sometimes called the European Economic
Community.
In 2002 European's adopted a single common currency (The Euro).
The Euro has been wildly successful and now rivals the US dollar as the most respected and
accepted form of currency in the world.
Today, more Euros are exchanged on a daily basis than dollars - making the combined economies
of European nations a force in the global economy.
Through communication and cooperation - Europe has put the threat of war in the past.
Sample Regents Questions:
1.) A main goal of the European Union (European Economic Community) in the 1990’s has been to
strengthen European
1.
2.
3.
4.
isolationism
socialism
interdependence
colonization
2.) Since the end of World War II, the nations of Western Europe have improved their economic
position by
1.
2.
3.
4.
increasing communication and cooperation in the region
colonizing African and Asian nations
isolating themselves from the rest of the world
rejecting membership in the United Nations
Modern Japan
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After WW II Japan built itself into an industrial power.
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Japan excelled in manufacturing cars and electronic equipment.
Because Japan in an island nation with limited natural resources - it focused on developing an
electronics industry.
Japan also worked to maintain a "favorable balance of trade" - meaning that it would export (sell)
more than it would import (buy) from other nations.
Japan also put very high taxes on imports, forcing citizens to buy Japanese made products.
Using these policies - Japan became a major world economic power after WW II.
Sample Regents Question:
Modern Japan must trade to maintain its industry and living standard because Japan has
1.
2.
3.
4.
a limited amount of investment capital
little access to the sea
a lack of communication systems
few mineral resources
OPEC
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After WW II the world began to depend more and more on oil and gas for fuel.
Much (but not all) of the oil reserves in the world are centered in the Middle East.
Oil rich nations got together to create OPEC (organization of petroleum exporting countries).
OPEC was created to give these oil producing nations more control over the supply and price of
oil worldwide.
OPEC nations (mainly Middle Eastern Nations) have become very powerful politically and
economically in today's world.
Sample Regents Questions:
1.) The Middle East is a global importance today because it
1.
2.
3.
4.
has become a model of economic and political equality
allows major European powers to retain their spheres of influence
provides much of the petroleum used by industrial nations
remains a primary source of uranium
2.) Since the creation of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), member nations
have joined together to
1.
2.
3.
4.
determine the supply of oil on the world market
establish a policy of independence in trade
maintain a low price of oil per barrel
isolate themselves from the rest of the world
Modern China
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After WW II China had a civil war that was won by the communist party.
The communists were led by Mao Zedong, the communists won the civil war mainly because they
got the support of the peasants.
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Mao was known for his "Great Leap Forward" - where he tried to modernize China's economy.
Lately (since the 1980's) Chinese leaders have tried to improve the economy by introducing
limited free enterprise (this takes China away from Communism).
China has had many economic advances, but still struggles with political freedoms.
China is the largest (in population) nation in the world, and represents a huge economic market for
other nations.
Sample Regents Questions:
1.) After World War II, the Chinese Communists were successful in their revolution mainly because
the
1.
2.
3.
4.
United States refused to support the Nationalists
communists had the support of the peasants
communists had more technologically advanced weapons
nationalist had been defeated by Japan
2.) The goal of Mao Zedong’s policy known as the Great Leap Forward was to
1.
2.
3.
4.
develop foreign export industries in China’s coastal urban centers
eliminate state-owned industries in rural China
modernize China’s economic system by dividing China into communes
introduce capitalism to the Chinese economy
Collapse of Imperialism
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European powers were weakened by WW II and were no longer in a position to maintain their
empires of Imperialism.
India and Africa in particular won their independence after WW II.
Nationalism played a big role in the independence of these former colonies after WW II.
Indian Independence was led by Ghandi.
Kenya was led in its independence from Britain by Jomo Kenyatta.
South African Independence was led by Nelson Mandella - who helped to end the racist system of
Apartheid.
The nation of Pakistan was created so Indian Muslims would have their own country.
Sample Regents Questions:
1.) Which statement best describes the political situation in Africa after World War II?
1.
2.
3.
4.
increased nationalism led to independence for many African nations
France and West Germany sought to establish colonies in Africa
European nations increased their control over their African colonies
the United Nations opposed the idea of self-determination for African nations
2.) Which statement best characterizes the period of apartheid in South Africa?
1.
2.
3.
4.
the majority of the population had the right to vote
the Boers attempted to conquer Nigeria
many racist ideas of the ruling minority were adopted into laws
French was declared the official language of the nation
Collapse of Communism
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For years during the Cold War the USSR was trying to keep up with the US in the nuclear arms
race and the space race.
But Communism proved to be a weaker economic system than capitalism and it eventually
collapsed.
The collapse started with Mikhail Gorbachev's policies of glasnost and perestroika.
These policies tried to open up and reform the old fashioned system of communism.
Then the Berlin Wall (the German symbol of the Cold War) came down - and communism in
Russia followed.
Then Eastern European nations also ended their system of Communism.
Karl Marx's idea of Communism lasted about 72 years in Russia.
Sample Regents Questions:
1.) One reason for the collapse of the Communist economic system in Eastern Europe during the early
1990’s was that this system
1.
2.
3.
4.
lacked adequate incentives to maintain high productivity
used the principles of mercantilism
encouraged laissez-faire practices and policies
relied on the outdated law of supply and demand
2.) The destruction of the Berlin Wall in 1989 is symbolic of the
1.
2.
3.
4.
end of the Soviet domination of Eastern Europe
declining power of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
fall of the Weimar Republic
collapse of the European Union
Modern Latin America
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After WW II Latin America has been in transition.
Governments have been changing from dictatorships to democracies.
Additionally, Latin American nations have been dominated by a few wealthy landowners.
Latin American wealth is not as evenly distributed as it is in America and Europe.
The Catholic Church continues to be a huge influence in the lives of Latin American people
Cuba remains one of the worlds only communist nations.
Cuban dictator Fidel Castro has struggled to maintain communism after the collapse of his ally,
the USSR.
Sample Regents Questions:
1.) Which political trend exists in present-day Latin America?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Most countries are becoming military juntas.
Communism is spreading throughout the region.
Democracy is replacing dictatorship.
Religious leaders are making government policy.
2.) A major problem facing many Central American nations is that their nation’s wealth is
1.
2.
3.
4.
generally invested in consumer industries
controlled by a small group of landed elite
distributed throughout the large middle class
held mainly by government agencies
Creation of Israel
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Israel was not a nation until 1947 - 2 years after WW II.
After the Holocaust there was world wide sympathy for the Jews.
The fight to get a homeland for Jews is called Zionism. Zionism was intensified after WW II.
It was decided that the nation of Israel was to be created in the Middle East.
The problem was that there were already many Arab Muslim people living in that area who did
not want the Jews there.
The day after Israel was created - it was attacked by 6 neighboring nations.
The Jews and Arabs in the area have been in conflict ever since.
The nation of Israel (and surrounding areas) contain many religious sites that are important to
Jews, Muslims, and Christians.
Sample Regents Questions:
1.) The main course of the Arab-Israeli conflicts from 1948 to 1973 was the clash between
1.
2.
3.
4.
Islamic Fundamentalism and Orthodox Judaism
Arab socialism and Israeli capitalism
Arab nationalism and Jewish nationalism
Israeli technology and Saudi Arabian economic goals
2.) Israel is a country that has
1.
2.
3.
4.
an abundance of oil
a democratically elected government
Islam as its official religion
friendly ties to Jordan