1.
"Renaissance," French for "______," perfectly describes the intellectual and economic changes that occurred in Europe from the fourteenth through the sixteenth centuries.
Correct Answer
A. Rebirth
Explanation
The term "Renaissance" in French means "rebirth," which accurately captures the essence of the intellectual and economic transformations that took place in Europe during the fourteenth to sixteenth centuries. This period marked a revival of interest in classical learning, arts, and sciences, as well as significant advancements in trade, commerce, and exploration. The term "new age" does not convey the historical context of this period, and "old days" does not capture the sense of renewal and progress that characterized the Renaissance.
2.
During the era known by this name, Europe emerged from the economic stagnation of the Middle Ages and experienced a time of financial growth.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
During the Renaissance, Europe witnessed a significant shift from the economic stagnation of the Middle Ages to a period of remarkable financial growth. This period was characterized by advancements in trade, exploration, and the rise of banking systems. The flourishing economy during this era fueled the development of art, literature, and science, making it a time of great cultural and intellectual progress. Therefore, the statement "True" accurately reflects the historical context of the Renaissance.
3.
Renaissance was an age in which artistic, social, scientific, and political thought turned in new directions.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because the Renaissance was indeed a period of significant change and innovation in various fields. During this time, there was a renewed interest in classical art and literature, leading to the creation of masterpieces by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Additionally, new scientific discoveries and advancements were made, challenging traditional beliefs and paving the way for modern scientific thought. The Renaissance also saw the rise of humanism, a philosophical movement that emphasized the importance of individualism and secularism, thereby influencing political and social thought.
4.
In the feudal structure of the Middle Ages, the peasants who lived in the country provided the king with protection in exchange for land.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
In the feudal structure of the Middle Ages, it was actually the knights or vassals who provided the king with protection in exchange for land, not the peasants. The peasants, also known as serfs, were tied to the land and provided labor and other services to the lord of the manor in exchange for protection and the right to live on the land.
5.
Rural peasants worked from sunup to sundown, but even the nobles had few creature comforts.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement suggests that both rural peasants and nobles had to work long hours, with peasants working from sunup to sundown. It also implies that despite their higher social status, nobles did not have many luxuries or comforts. Therefore, the statement is true as it indicates the challenging and labor-intensive lifestyle of both peasants and nobles during that time period.
6.
In feudal cities, where there was a large middle-class population, life was a little easier and individuals had the freedom to pursue whatever trade or industry they liked.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
In feudal cities, life was not easier and individuals did not have the freedom to pursue whatever trade or industry they liked. Feudalism was characterized by a strict social hierarchy, with the ruling class holding most of the power and wealth. The middle class, while existing in feudal cities, still faced many restrictions and limitations on their activities. They were often subject to the control and demands of the ruling class, and their choices of trade or industry were often determined by their social status and obligations within the feudal system.
7.
During the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance (1350-1450) the bubonic plague, also called the "Black Death," devastated _____ _____ of the population of Europe.
Correct Answer
C. One half
Explanation
During the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, the bubonic plague, known as the "Black Death," had a devastating impact on the population of Europe. The correct answer is "one half" because the plague caused a mortality rate of approximately 50%. This means that half of the population in Europe perished due to the outbreak of the bubonic plague during this time period.
8.
The population decrease caused by the plague led to an economic depression.
Correct Answer
A. True
9.
Renaissance, The New Middle:ClassMany _______coastal cities became centers for trade and commerce, and for the wealth and education that ensued.
Correct Answer
D. Italian
10.
Tools developed in the Middle Ages for exploration continued to be used during the Renaissance.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
During the Renaissance, many tools that were developed in the Middle Ages for exploration were still used. This is because the Renaissance period built upon the knowledge and advancements made in the previous era. Explorers and scientists continued to rely on tools such as astrolabes, compasses, and improved maps to navigate and explore new territories. These tools were essential for the exploration and expansion of knowledge during the Renaissance. Therefore, the statement that tools developed in the Middle Ages for exploration continued to be used during the Renaissance is true.
11.
Renaissance, Exploration and Trade:By measuring the distance of the sun and stars above the horizon, the astrolabe helped determine_________, an important tool in navigation.
Correct Answer
B. Latitude
12.
The magnetic compass was invented during the Renaissance age
Correct Answer
B. False
13.
The Renaissance sailor first took to the seas to supply Europeans with the many Asian spices they demanded.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
During the Renaissance period, there was a high demand for Asian spices in Europe. To meet this demand, sailors embarked on voyages to explore new trade routes and establish direct contact with Asian spice suppliers. These voyages eventually led to the Age of Exploration. Therefore, it is true that the Renaissance sailor first took to the seas to supply Europeans with the many Asian spices they demanded.
14.
With the help of mathematicians, astronomers, cartographers, and other navigators, Prince Henry sent expeditions to explore the west coast of Africa. These explorations led to trade for _____ and ivory and, soon after, slaves. Later, Portuguese sailors discovered the route around the southern tip of Africa that would take them to India entirely by sea.
Correct Answer
A. Gold
15.
In______, a trip to the East, made by sailing westward around the world, brought Columbus to the New World--lands known today as the Americas.
Correct Answer
C. 1492
16.
Columbus had originally set out to find an all-water route to the East Indies; when he spotted the Americas, he believed he had reached his intended destination. It was ___ years before Europeans realized that he had found a new land.
Correct Answer
B. Ten
17.
Renaissance Explorers:Spaniard Hernando Cortez discovered an abundance of gold among the _______in what is now known as Mexico.
Correct Answer
B. Aztecs
18.
Renaissance, Printing and Thinking:When Gutenberg invented the printing press in ______, he forever changed the lives of people in Europe and, eventually, all over the world.
Correct Answer
A. 1445
19.
Renaissance, Printing and Thinking:Often the copying had been done onto parchment, ________ ________ that had been scraped until it was clean, smooth, and thin.
Correct Answer
B. Animal skin
20.
Renaissance, Printing and Thinking:In the Middle Ages, books had been costly and education rare; only the _______ had been regular readers and owners of books.
Correct Answer
A. Clergy
21.
Renaissance, Printing and Thinking:Most books had been written in _____, considered the language of scholarship.
Correct Answer
B. Latin
22.
Renaissance, Printing and Thinking:To study the classics, humanists learned to read Greek and ancient Latin, and they sought out manuscripts that had lain undisturbed for nearly ____ years.
Correct Answer
C. 2,000
23.
Renaissance, The Humanist Philosophy:The secular, humanist idea held that the church should not rule civic matters, but should guide only spiritual matters.
Correct Answer
A. True
24.
Renaissance, The Humanist Philosophy:On __________ 31, 1517, he went to his church in the town of Wittenburg, Germany, and posted a list of things that worried him about the church.
Correct Answer
B. October
25.
Renaissance, Focus on Florence:In _____ the city had a population of 60,000 and was a self-governed, independent city-state.
Correct Answer
D. 1425
26.
Renaissance, Florentine Life:Savonarola was successful in convincing many Florentines to return to a more spiritual way of life. However, his condemnation of church abuses of wealth led to his downfall. The Pope restricted Savonarola from preaching; when he continued to do so, he was excommunicated. Soon after, Florentines turned against him for what they saw as his role in an unfavorable political climate. He was publicly executed in______.
Correct Answer
B. 1499
27.
Renaissance, Florentine art and architecture:Arnolfo di Cambio began the building in a Gothic style in ______.
Correct Answer
C. 1294
Explanation
Arnolfo di Cambio began the building in a Gothic style in 1294.
28.
Renaissance, Florentine art and architecture:In _____, architect Filippo Brunelleschi received a commission to build the dome.
Correct Answer
A. 1418