Stearns Chapter 15: The West And The Changing Balance Of Power

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  • 1/13 Questions

    What Chinese dynasty succeeded the Mongol Yuan dynasty in China?

    • Chou
    • Ming
    • Han
    • Tang
    • Qing
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About This Quiz

This quiz assesses knowledge on the shifts in global power and trade from the 1100s to the 1400s, focusing on Arabic and Chinese influences. It explores the decline in Arabic trade, the rise of the Ottoman Empire, and China's Ming dynasty's trading expeditions led by Admiral Zhenghe.

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  • 2. 

    In what region of Europe did the Renaissance begin?

    • Germany

    • Italy

    • France

    • England

    • Spain

    Correct Answer
    A. Italy
    Explanation
    The Renaissance began in Italy. This period of cultural and artistic rebirth occurred between the 14th and 17th centuries, primarily in cities such as Florence, Rome, and Venice. Italy was the birthplace of the Renaissance due to its unique combination of factors including the rediscovery of classical texts, the patronage of wealthy families, and the flourishing of trade and commerce. Italian artists, writers, and scholars played a significant role in the development of humanism, the revival of interest in ancient Greek and Roman culture, and the advancements in art, architecture, literature, and science that characterized the Renaissance.

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  • 3. 

    What proportion of the European population died as a result of the 14th century plague?

    • One tenth

    • One fourth

    • One third

    • One half

    • One eighth

    Correct Answer
    A. One third
    Explanation
    During the 14th century, Europe experienced the devastating Black Death, a pandemic caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. This plague spread rapidly and had a profound impact on the population. The answer "One third" suggests that approximately 33% of the European population died as a result of the plague. This estimation is based on historical records and studies that indicate a significant and widespread loss of life during this period.

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  • 4. 

    The practice of judging other peoples by the standards and practices of oneʹs own culture of ethnic group is

    • Ethnocentrism.

    • Genocide.

    • Anthropomorphism.

    • Aversionism.

    Correct Answer
    A. Ethnocentrism.
    Explanation
    Ethnocentrism refers to the practice of evaluating and judging other cultures or ethnic groups based on the standards and practices of one's own culture. It involves believing that one's own cultural beliefs, values, and behaviors are superior or more correct than those of other cultures. This can lead to a biased and narrow-minded perspective, as individuals may fail to understand or appreciate the diversity and complexity of other cultures.

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  • 5. 

    What admiral commanded China's great overseas expeditions between 1405 and 1433?

    • Zhenghe

    • Jung Tzi Lung

    • Xun Xi

    • Yan Xuanshang

    • Chenla Khmer

    Correct Answer
    A. Zhenghe
    Explanation
    Zhenghe is the correct answer because he was the admiral who commanded China's great overseas expeditions between 1405 and 1433. He led a series of voyages known as the Treasure Voyages, which aimed to expand China's influence and establish diplomatic and trade relationships with other countries. Zhenghe's expeditions reached as far as Southeast Asia, India, and East Africa, making him a key figure in Chinese maritime history.

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  • 6. 

    Which of the following statements concerning the political fragmentation of the Arabic world in the 1400s is most accurate?

    • After the fall of the Abbasid caliphate, the emerging Ottoman Empire soon mastered most of the lands of the old caliphate plus the Byzantine corner.

    • The political fragmentation caused by the fall of Baghdad lasted for several centuries under the decentralized administration of the Seljuk Turks.

    • The Mongol conquests eliminated any form of centralized government in the Middle East until the 17th century.

    • Following the fall of the Abbasid caliphate, the Middle East became part of the colonial empire of the emerging feudal states of western Europe.

    Correct Answer
    A. After the fall of the Abbasid caliphate, the emerging Ottoman Empire soon mastered most of the lands of the old caliphate plus the Byzantine corner.
    Explanation
    After the fall of the Abbasid caliphate, the emerging Ottoman Empire quickly gained control over most of the territories that were previously under the rule of the caliphate, including the Byzantine region. This suggests that the Ottoman Empire was able to consolidate power and establish a centralized government in these areas, leading to political unity and stability. This contrasts with the other statements which indicate political fragmentation and decentralized administration under the Seljuk Turks, the absence of centralized government due to Mongol conquests, or the region becoming part of the colonial empire of western Europe.

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  • 7. 

    Which of the following civilizations first attempted to fill the commercial vacuum created by the decline in Arabic trade?

    • Russia

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Sub-Saharan Africa

    Correct Answer
    A. China
    Explanation
    China is the correct answer because during the decline of Arabic trade, China actively sought to fill the commercial vacuum by expanding its trade networks and engaging in maritime trade. The Chinese embarked on voyages of exploration, led by Zheng He, which reached as far as Africa. They established trade routes and conducted extensive trade with various regions, including Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East. China's efforts to fill the commercial vacuum left by the decline in Arabic trade had a significant impact on global trade and the spread of Chinese goods and culture.

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  • 8. 

    Strong regional monarchies took hold in the decades around 1400 in

    • Russia and Poland.

    • The Ottoman Empire.

    • Spain and Portugal.

    • Germany and Austria.

    • Italy and Greece.

    Correct Answer
    A. Spain and Portugal.
    Explanation
    In the decades around 1400, strong regional monarchies emerged in Spain and Portugal. This can be attributed to various factors such as the Reconquista in Spain, which saw the Christian kingdoms gradually reclaiming territory from the Muslim Moors, and the Age of Discovery, during which Portugal established a vast overseas empire. These developments led to the consolidation of power and the establishment of strong monarchies in both countries.

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  • 9. 

    In comparison to medieval culture, Renaissance culture was

    • More concerned with Aristotelian philosophy.

    • More concerned with things of the earthly world.

    • Disinterested in classical models.

    • Based less on urban vitality and expanding commerce.

    • More other-wordly and religious.

    Correct Answer
    A. More concerned with things of the earthly world.
    Explanation
    During the Renaissance period, there was a shift in focus from the spiritual and other-worldly aspects of medieval culture to a greater emphasis on the earthly world. Renaissance thinkers and artists were interested in exploring and understanding the natural world, human experiences, and the potential of human beings. This led to a revival of classical knowledge and a renewed interest in humanism, which celebrated the achievements and potential of individuals. The emphasis on the earthly world can be seen in the art, literature, and philosophy of the time, which often depicted scenes from daily life, celebrated human achievements, and explored human emotions and experiences.

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  • 10. 

    Which of the following was NOT one of the reasons that Italy emerged as the center of the early Renaissance?

    • Italy was spared the Black Plague due to its geographic location.

    • Italy retained more contact with Roman traditions than did the rest of Europe.

    • Italy led the West by the 14th century in banking and trade.

    • Italy had closer contacts with foreign scholars, particularly those in late Byzantium.

    • Italy was more urbanized than most of Europe.

    Correct Answer
    A. Italy was spared the Black Plague due to its geographic location.
    Explanation
    Italy emerging as the center of the early Renaissance was not due to being spared the Black Plague. The Black Plague affected the entire continent of Europe, including Italy. The reasons for Italy's emergence as the center of the early Renaissance include its retention of Roman traditions, its advancements in banking and trade, its close contacts with foreign scholars, particularly those in late Byzantium, and its higher level of urbanization compared to other European countries.

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  • 11. 

    Which of the following statements concerning Arabic trade after 1100 is most accurate?

    • Arabic control of the seas was strengthened following 1100.

    • Although Arabic trade was reduced, Muslims remained active in world markets.

    • The total collapse of the Islamic world in the 12th century can best be compared to the fall of the Roman Empire.

    • The Arab trading complex was reduced after 1100 to the Middle East.

    • Their economic decline could be compared to that of Rome.

    Correct Answer
    A. Although Arabic trade was reduced, Muslims remained active in world markets.
    Explanation
    The correct answer suggests that even though Arabic trade was reduced after 1100, Muslims still maintained their presence and participation in global markets. This implies that while the Arab trading complex may have experienced a decline, it did not completely collapse or confine itself solely to the Middle East. The answer highlights the resilience and continued involvement of Muslims in international trade despite the challenges they faced.

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  • 12. 

    What was the innovation launched by the Ming dynasty?

    • Receiving tribute payments from Korea and Japan

    • Extending their political control over Vietnam and Korea

    • Use of a centralized bureaucracy but under the direct control of the emperor

    • Mounting huge, state-sponsored trading expeditions throughout Asia and beyond

    • The use of gunpowder weapons on both land and naval vessels

    Correct Answer
    A. Mounting huge, state-sponsored trading expeditions throughout Asia and beyond
    Explanation
    During the Ming dynasty, one of the significant innovations was the mounting of huge, state-sponsored trading expeditions throughout Asia and beyond. These expeditions, led by the famous explorer Zheng He, aimed to establish diplomatic relations, expand trade networks, and showcase Chinese power and wealth. These voyages were massive in scale, involving hundreds of ships and thousands of crew members. They helped to promote Chinese goods, culture, and influence in the regions they visited, contributing to the growth of maritime trade and the spread of Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.

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  • 13. 

    Which of the following was NOT a drawback to the West's emergence as a global power?

    • Western nations lacked the political coherence and organizing ability of imperial China.

    • The West did not begin to establish key maritime and commercial links until after 1600.

    • The Catholic church, long one of the organizing institutions of Western civilization, was under attack.

    • The lives and economic activities of ordinary Europeans, the artisans and peasants, were in serious disarray.

    • Population loss caused further economic disarray and lack of strong leadership.

    Correct Answer
    A. The West did not begin to establish key maritime and commercial links until after 1600.
    Explanation
    The West's lack of political coherence and organizing ability, the attack on the Catholic church, the disarray in the lives and economic activities of ordinary Europeans, and the population loss causing economic disarray and lack of strong leadership were all drawbacks to the West's emergence as a global power. However, the fact that the West did not begin to establish key maritime and commercial links until after 1600 was not a drawback as it happened later in their emergence as a global power.

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  • Mar 20, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Nov 09, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Mlindbom
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