6.1.

3 Final Exam: Semester Exam Exam

World History Sem 1 Name: Romel Haile
Date:

Part I: Short Answer Questions (30 points)

1. Briefly compare the similarities between the ends of the Roman Empire and Han
China. Describe the causes and consequences of each. Be sure to clearly develop
and organize your ideas and support your answer with evidence from the course. (5
points)

The declines of the Roman Empire and Han China bore striking resemblances,
mirroring internal strife, external pressures, and eventual fragmentation. Both
empires grappled with internal decay, as corruption, economic woes, and social
unrest eroded central authority. Rome faced political instability and economic crises,
while Han China struggled with land distribution issues and peasant uprisings.
Additionally, external threats loomed large for both empires, with Rome fending off
barbarian invasions and Han China confronting nomadic assaults, particularly from
the Xiongnu. These external pressures further weakened the empires.

2. The Greek historian Herodotus is known for saying that Egypt is a "gift of the Nile."
What do you think he meant by this statement? How did the Nile River enable
scientific or technological advances to be made in ancient Egypt? Why were these
advances significant? Be sure to give at least one example of a scientific and
technological advance and why they were significant. (5 points)

Herodotus likely meant that Egypt's prosperity and survival depended heavily on the
Nile River. The annual flooding of the Nile deposited fertile silt, allowing for abundant
agricultural production, which sustained the Egyptian civilization. This reliance on
the Nile also facilitated scientific and technological advances in ancient Egypt. For
example, the Egyptians developed a sophisticated irrigation system to control the
river's waters, enabling efficient agriculture and contributing to surplus food
production. This advancement was significant because it ensured food security,
supported population growth, and fostered economic stability.

3. Briefly describe the causes of the end of the European medieval period. Be sure to
use clearly organized evidence to explain the roles played by the Black Death and the
violent religious and political conflicts that took place during this era. (5 points)

The end of the European medieval period was influenced by various factors, notably
the Black Death and violent religious and political conflicts. The Black Death, a
devastating pandemic caused by the bubonic plague, decimated Europe's
population, leading to social and economic upheaval. This demographic catastrophe
weakened feudalism and accelerated the decline of the medieval social order.
Additionally, religious and political conflicts, such as the Hundred Years' War and the
Crusades, destabilized Europe and challenged the authority of feudal lords and the
Catholic Church. These conflicts fueled social unrest and undermined the traditional
power structures of medieval society.

4. In two paragraphs, describe the major contributions of classical Roman

civilization, including its effects on political, religious or philosophical, and cultural
life. Include a discussion of the concept of citizenship, the codification of laws, and
how attitudes toward Christianity changed over time. Be sure to support your
conclusions with evidence and organize your paragraphs clearly. (5 points)

Classical Roman civilization left a profound mark on Western civilization through its
contributions to political, religious, philosophical, and cultural life. The concept of
citizenship, granting rights and responsibilities to individuals regardless of social
status, fostered unity and stability within the Roman Republic and Empire.
Additionally, the codification of laws, exemplified by the Twelve Tables, provided a
legal framework promoting justice and equality. Roman religious and philosophical
thought evolved over time, with the adoption of diverse beliefs and the eventual
acceptance of Christianity, which transformed the religious landscape of the empire.
5. Briefly compare how the Ottoman and Safavid Empires treated the religious
minorities they conquered. Be sure to discuss the Ottoman Janissary system and
the rivalry between Sunni and Shi's Muslims in the Safavid Empire. Support your
analysis with well-organized historical evidence. (5 points)

The Ottoman and Safavid Empires had contrasting approaches to religious

minorities they conquered. The Ottoman Empire, through the Janissary system and
the millet system, displayed a relatively tolerant attitude towards religious diversity,
allowing for the integration and autonomy of various religious communities. In
contrast, the Safavid Empire, under Shi'a Muslim rule, persecuted Sunni Muslims,
viewing them as a threat to their authority, thus intensifying religious tensions within
the empire. This difference in treatment of religious minorities influenced the
stability and cohesion of each empire, with the Ottomans benefiting from a more
inclusive approach while the Safavids faced internal strife due to religious
discrimination.
6. By the 6th century BCE, the Persian Empire was the largest the world had ever
seen. What strategies did Persian kings develop to help them govern such a massive
empire? Describe at least two of these governing strategies and explain how they
benefited Persia. Be sure to support your conclusions with clearly organized
historical evidence.

By the 6th century BCE, the Persian Empire employed several governing strategies to
effectively manage its vast territories. One key strategy was the establishment of a
system of satrapies, or provinces, each governed by a satrap appointed by the king.
These satraps were responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining order, and
administering justice within their respective regions. The satrapies allowed the
Persian kings to delegate authority while maintaining central control over the empire,
ensuring efficient governance and the collection of tribute from diverse regions.
Additionally, the Persian kings promoted a policy of religious tolerance, allowing
subjects to practice their own faiths without interference.
Part II: Application and Critical Thinking (20 points)

7. In a three-paragraph essay, analyze the effects of the Age of Exploration on Africa

and on the Americas, including the specific effects of the Atlantic slave trade. In
what ways were the effects similar or different on these continents? What was the
motivation of the European colonizers? Be sure to clearly develop and organize your
ideas and support your answer with evidence from the course.

The Age of Exploration had profound effects on Africa and the Americas, with the
Atlantic slave trade playing a central role in shaping the destinies of both continents.
In Africa, the arrival of European explorers and traders led to the exploitation of
African resources, disruption of local economies, and the devastating impact of the
slave trade. Millions of Africans were forcibly taken from their homelands and sold
into slavery in the Americas, resulting in the depopulation of entire regions and the
destabilization of African societies. The Atlantic slave trade not only caused
immense human suffering but also contributed to the underdevelopment of Africa by
draining its labor force and hindering economic and social development.

Similarly, the Americas were profoundly impacted by the Age of Exploration, albeit in
different ways. European colonization led to the displacement and genocide of
indigenous peoples, as well as the introduction of new diseases that decimated
native populations. The exploitation of natural resources, particularly precious
metals like gold and silver, fueled European economic expansion and enriched
colonial powers. However, the most significant impact on the Americas was the
establishment of plantation economies based on enslaved labor from Africa. The
transatlantic slave trade supplied the labor necessary for the cultivation of crops
such as sugar, tobacco, and cotton, which formed the backbone of the colonial
economies.
The motivations of European colonizers were multifaceted, driven primarily by
economic interests, the desire for political power and prestige, and religious zeal.
The quest for wealth and resources, including gold, silver, and spices, fueled
European expansion into Africa and the Americas. Additionally, European powers
sought to establish colonies as sources of raw materials and markets for
manufactured goods, thereby enhancing their economic dominance. Politically,
colonial territories provided strategic advantages and increased the influence of
European nations on the world stage. Moreover, religious motivations, including the
spread of Christianity and the desire to convert indigenous peoples, played a
significant role in justifying and perpetuating European colonization efforts. In
essence, the Age of Exploration was driven by a complex interplay of economic,
political, and religious factors, with far-reaching consequences for Africa, the
Americas, and the rest of the world.
Copyright © 2018 Apex Learning Inc. Use of this material is subject to Apex Learning's Terms of Use. Any unauthorized
copying, reuse, or redistribution is prohibited. Apex Learning ® and the Apex Learning Logo are registered trademarks of Apex
Learning Inc.

6.1.3 Final Exam: Semester Exam