World History II- Trimester I Final Essay Questions and Thesis Statements
1. Why is Peter the Great considered to be “great”?
a. Peter the Great is considered to be “Great” because he modernized Russia
by using ideas from Western Europe, expanding the army, and
strengthening Russia’s economy.
b. Peter the Great earned his title for modernizing Russia by creating a new
capital, converting to the Western calendar, establishing a warm-water
seaport, and improving agriculture productivity.
c. Peter the Great modernized Russia by bringing new economic, industrial,
and agricultural technology from Western Europe to better his nation.
2. How was King Louis XIV able to maintain absolute power in France?
a. King Louis XIV was able to maintain absolute power by supporting the
divine right of kings and the arts, creating the intendants, and providing a
visual display of his power by creating Versailles.
b. Louis XIV maintained complete control over his nation by controlling the
arts, the army and being fair to all the classes.
c. Louis XIV attained absolute power in France by recreating bureaucracy
based on individuals restricting the power of his intendants, constructing a
large and powerful army, building a beautiful and wealthy palace, and by
enforcing his god-given rights as a divine monarch.
d. King Louis XIV was able to keep absolute power by controlling the
church, staying popular with his people, and introducing a new
bureaucracy known as intendants.
3. Argue if Oliver Cromwell is a hero or a villain.
a. Oliver Cromwell was both a villain and hero because he punished
Catholics due to their beliefs, yet he put parliament back in place and
create peace in England.
b. Due to Oliver Cromwell’s conquering of Ireland, powerful new army, and
power as a military dictator, it is evident that he is a hero.
c. Oliver Cromwell was villainous because he stole from his own allies,
dissolved Parliament, removed many of the people’s rights, and
slaughtered thousands of innocent people in Ireland.
4. Was the Spanish Armada justified?
a. The purpose of the Spanish Armada was unjustified because of the
irrational idea of destroying the protestant religion, to seek revenge on the
Queen of England for refusing his marriage proposal, and that he wasted
money on a quest of vanity.
b. The Spanish Armada was not justified due to the fact that it lacked naval
experience, forethought of possible consequences, and organization.
c. Spain wanted to show dominance, Philip II wanted to get back at
Elizabeth, and the more ships they brought the more success they would
have of taking over England, therefore the Spanish Armada is justified.