History 7-12 State Exam Study Guide TExES
Which of the following best describes the importance of the Kingdom of Kush's location along the Nile? a-It served as a natural border for their kingdom. b-Unpredictable flooding made farming difficult and increased their need for trade. c-It enabled them to create trade routes within their kingdom, and also throughout northeastern Africa. d-It helped fortify the Kush against enemies.
It enabled them to create trade routes within their kingdom, and also throughout northeastern Africa. Their location along the Nile enabled them to create trade routes within their kingdom and also throughout northeastern Africa. In a sense, they were trade "middlemen," as they traded with Egypt, who in turn traded with Mediterranean peoples.
Which of the following established the practice of legally segregating White people from African Americans in the South after Reconstruction? A. Black Codes B. Jim Crow legislation C. The sharecropping system D. The Freedmen's Bureau
Jim Crow legislation The term "Jim Crow" refers to state and local laws established after Reconstruction ended in 1877 that mandated racial segregation in public facilities in Southern states.
Which of the following ideas is contained in the Declaration of Independence? A. Citizens are entitled to petition the government B. Legitimate governments derive their power from the consent of the people being governed C. Economic conditions determine the course of history, making revolution inevitable D. Nations need a strong central authority to avoid discord and civil war
Legitimate governments derive their power from the consent of the people being governed The Declaration of Independence states "That to secure these rights [i.e., life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness], Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
Which of the following contributed most to the eventual disappearance of longdistance cattle drives in Texas? A. The withdrawal of Texas from the Union during the Civil War B. The construction of the Interstate Highway System C. The invention and popularization of barbed-wire fencing D. The destruction of land caused by the Dust Bowl of the 1930s
The invention and popularization of barbed-wire fencing Invented in the 1860s and introduced in the West in the 1870s, barbed wire transformed the landscape. It was used by farmers, railroad companies and others to protect land from cattle and, increasingly, by ranchers themselves. Eventually, as the use of barbed wire expanded, it became increasingly difficult for cattle to move freely across the plains. Combined with other developments such as the extension of railroad lines deep into Texas and fear of the spread of disease by cattle driven cross-country, barbed wire contributed to the end of the open range and cattle drives in Texas.
Ancient Mesopotamia experienced frequent invasions that often resulted in the conquest or collapse of existing states. Which of the following factors was responsible for facilitating that tendency? A. The presence of an established network of paved roadways in Mesopotamia B. The ease with which potential invaders could sail down the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers and attack settled societies in southern Mesopotamia C. The lack of major natural barriers between Mesopotamia and neighboring regions D. The vulnerability of Mesopotamia to seaborne invasions from India and Egypt via the Persian Gulf
The lack of major natural barriers between Mesopotamia and neighboring regions Unlike other civilizations of the ancient world (e.g., Egypt), whose geography afforded a degree of isolation and protection from foreign invasions, Mesopotamian civilizations developed in an area that was easily accessible to land-based invaders. Neither the Zagros Mountains to the northeast, nor the eastern Anatolian and Armenian highlands in the north were serious obstacles to invading armies, while the river valleys of the Tigris and the Euphrates and the coastal plains of Khuzestan in the southeast provided even easier ingress routes. Moreover, the mountainous and steppe regions surrounding Mesopotamia typically contained fairly large populations of warlike pastoralist peoples.
Which of the following is the best reason why geographers might study Washington, Oregon, Western Idaho, and Montana as one region? a-They each have different physical features. b-They share common cultural characteristics. c-The residents all primarily speak English. d-They are all states within the United States.
They share common cultural characteristics. The Pacific Northwest is a cultural region of North America. Both the physical and cultural characteristics are similar, even though the area crosses state lines.
The ancient cities of London, Rome, and Alexandria all share what common feature that encouraged settlement and urban growth? a-They were situated on coasts. b-They all had a temperate Mediterranean climate. c-They were served by navigable river systems. d-They were all accessible via the Silk Road.
They were served by navigable river systems. All three were served by large river systems, which allow for easy navigation, transport, and trade.
Annual hurricane storms have the greatest effect on which of the following regions? a-The US Gulf Coast b-Hawaiian Islands c-South America d-Western Europe
US Gulf Coast Hurricanes are strongest in the Atlantic and most directly affect the US Gulf Coast.
Which of the following describes a significant change in Roman life under the rule of Constantine? a-Under the rule of Constantine, Rome adopted Christianity as its official religion. b-Rome ended a period of peace and entered into the Punic Wars. c-Constantine was responsible for establishing Latin as the main language of Rome. d-Constantine took power following Caesar's assassination, becoming the first ruling emperor of Rome.
Under the rule of Constantine, Rome adopted Christianity as its official religion. The Roman Empire, under the rule of Constantine, adopted Christianity as its official religion. This solidified the influence and importance of Christianity in European thinking and established the Catholic Church as an important governing body.
The study of human spatial patterns usually begins by considering the placement and density of which of the following? a -employment opportunities b -people c -natural features d -buildings
buildings Buildings are the basic indicator of spatial patterns because they represent patterns of human settlement and can tell geographers much about the practices of a society.
Which type of water feature is almost always artificially created by man? a -canal b -pond c -ocean d -lake
canal Canals are generally artificial waterways which allow boats to move.
Which of the following reflects the core aim of Buddhism? a-freedom from ignorance b-salvation in heaven c-attainment of eternal sensual paradise d-cessation of desire and suffering
cessation of desire and suffering Buddhism is focused on separating oneself from attachment and desire as a means of ending suffering.
The phenomenon of cold temperatures in San Francisco during the summer months is caused by which of the following? a-equatorial currents moving away hot air b-the mediterranean climate of California maintaining year-round cold temperatures c-cold oceanic waters meeting warm air patterns from inland California d-irregular wind patterns moving in from the Pacific Northwest
cold oceanic waters meeting warm air patterns from inland California As warm summer air from inland meets cold Pacific waters, a cold fog envelopes the city and causes a drop in temperatures.
A Mediterranean climate is characterized by which of the following conditions? a-cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers b-mild winters and cool summers c-hot and wet conditions all year round d-cold, snowy winters and humid, hot summers
cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers A Mediterranean climate such as found in Greece or much of California is characterized by cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
One of the reasons that Mexico granted Stephen F. Austin permission to start a colony in Texas was to A. keep the French from encroaching on Mexican territory. B. establish a base for Mexican expansion into the southern United States. C. create a buffer between Mexico and American Indian groups living to the north. D. enable Mexico to levy a tax on cotton exported from Texas.
create a buffer between Mexico and American Indian groups living to the north. Extensive land grants were given to families from the United States for two reasons. One was to protect northern Mexico from Native American attacks, particularly from the Comanche, and a second was to buffer northern Mexican states against the effects of westward expansion of the United States.
The British people's embrace of tea drinking is an example of a-diffusion b-adaptation c-assimilation d-culture
diffusion Diffusion is the process by which ideas and practices spread, including cultural norms. The British didn't drink tea until they encountered it in China.
The spread of Buddhism from India to China is an example of: a-migration. b-conquest. c-diffusion. d-trade.
diffusion. Diffusion occurs when the ideas of one culture are passed to another.
In moving to a new country, ELLs must adapt to a new way of life. During that process, it's common for ELLs to experience all of the following except: a-acculturation. b-enculturation. c-culture shock. d-assimilation.
enculturation. Enculturation is the process of learning and adapting to one's native culture. ELLs only experience this in their native countries.
United States foreign policy in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries was primarily designed to A. protect the country from foreign invasion. B. extend United States military, cultural and economic power abroad. C. isolate the United States from involvement in foreign disputes. D. compete with European countries in establishing colonies in Africa.
extend United States military, cultural and economic power abroad. As an emerging world power the United States increasingly pursued its interests on a global scale. Although the country did not directly compete with the Europeans to establish colonies in Africa and Asia, it vigorously defended the role it had assumed under the Monroe Doctrine as protector of the Americas from European meddling, expanding that role through the Roosevelt Corollary. While historians may disagree whether U.S. policy was imperialistic or merely expansionistic, there is little question that such actions as building a navy, intervening in Latin America, going to war with Spain, annexing Hawaii and the Philippines, and aggressively pursuing economic policies abroad that favored U.S. businesses reflected an increasingly coherent policy to project U.S. power onto the world stage.
One important factor in the expansion of the Inca Empire in the fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries A.D. was the Inca's A. complicated system of hieroglyphics that allowed for advanced communication among various peoples. B. extensive system of roads that allowed for communication and travel through the Andean highlands and between the highlands and the lowlands along the Pacific coast. C. standardized monetary system, use of credit notes and other financial instruments that facilitated long-distance trade. D. extensive importation of foodstuffs from Mesoamerica to support the population of the less fertile highland regions of the empire.
extensive system of roads that allowed for communication and travel through the Andean highlands and between the highlands and the lowlands along the Pacific coast. The Inca Empire is famous for its far-reaching and elaborate system of paved roads. Most were built and maintained through a system of labor obligations imposed by the Inca rulers on their subjects known as mit'a. The road system's original function was to move soldiers around the empire's mountainous terrain. However, the roads also played a crucially important commercial function and may have given the Inca state a measure of political and cultural cohesion by connecting the disparate patchwork of territories and ethnic groups that made up the empire.
The provisions of the Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819 affected Texas by A. making Mexico, including Texas, independent from Spain. B. recognizing Texas as a territory free from Mexico. C. giving Florida to the United States in exchange for the United States relinquishing claims to parts of Texas. D. establishing the boundary between the United States and Mexico along the Rio Grande.
giving Florida to the United States in exchange for the United States relinquishing claims to parts of Texas. The Adams‒Onís Treaty recognized the United States seizure of Florida from Spain and delineated a boundary with Spanish Mexico that clearly made Texas a part of Spanish Mexico (and not of the United States). This aspect of the treaty ended uncertainty between the United States and Spain over the boundary created after the Louisiana Purchase.
Large portions of South America can be categorized as what type of climate? a-tundra b-humid subtropical c-arid d-Mediterranean
humid subtropical Nearly half of the continent is classified as humid subtropical.
According to spatial geography, economic activity tends to be concentrated _______. a-in cities b-along the coast c-in rural areas d-inland
in cities Economic activity feeds the growth of cities, which in turn become centers for future economic activity.
One Cold War policy initiated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower's administration was A. sending American troops into any part of the world where communist forces were threatening an existing government. B. negotiating arms-reduction and trade agreements with the Soviet Union. C. increasing the United States nuclear arsenal to ensure a military advantage over the Soviet Union. D. making human rights the central focus of United States relations with the Soviet Union.
increasing the United States nuclear arsenal to ensure a military advantage over the Soviet Union. Eisenhower's administration initiated a change to United States military force structure (known as the New Look) that involved a rapid increase in the number of nuclear weapons such as missiles and bombs. Nuclear forces were cheaper than conventional forces and potentially much more powerful, and Eisenhower and his advisors believed they would give the United States a significant advantage in a possible conflict with the Soviet Union.
Developed countries such as Japan and the Netherlands are expected to experienced a large drop in population due to which of the following? a-low standard of living b-low birth rate c-high economic activity d-high net immigration
low birth rate Many developed countries are experiencing a sharp decline in birth rate, which will lead to a drop in population.
John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry and the Dred Scott decision similarly affected the United States because they both A. made sectional compromise more unlikely. B. contributed to the formation of the Whig Party. C. eased tensions between the North and the South. D. upheld the doctrine of popular sovereignty.
made sectional compromise more unlikely. The Dred Scott decision was a landmark 1857 Supreme Court decision that stated that a person of African ancestry was not a citizen of the United States and therefore had no rights and would not become free by moving to a free state. The raid on Harpers Ferry was an attempt by abolitionist John Brown to start an armed slave revolt in Virginia in 1859. Both events exacerbated tensions between the North and the South.
The city of Los Angeles has hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This is an example of which kind of climate? a-tundra b-humid continental c-steppes d-mediterranean
mediterranean Mediterranean climates are found in the middle latitudes, in land along the western coast of a continent. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild and wet.
Ms. Wayne is introducing a lesson on demography. Which of the following terms would be most appropriate to students during this lesson? a-tectonics b-migration c-distance d-democracy
migration Demography is the study of statistics such as births, deaths, incomes, and incidence of disease, which illustrate the changing structure of human populations. Migration is essential in the changing structure of human populations.
Which of the following is responsible for the rain shadow effect? a-mountain ranges b-deserts c-icebergs d-rivers
mountain ranges A rain shadow is created when mountain ranges impede the movement of weather systems and create a wet climate on one side of the range and desert conditions on the other.
Subduction is a geographic process that directly contributes to the creation of what feature?
mountains Subduction is the process of one tectonic plate moving under another and contributes directly to the formation of mountains.
The Dust Bowl of the 1930s was caused by a combination of prolonged drought followed by high winds, which resulted in loss of vegetation, as much of the topsoil was picked up by the winds and transported out to sea. As a result, millions of farmers left the midwest and moved west. The Dust Bowl was an example of: a-solar radiation impacting temperature b-tropical storms causing rapid erosion c-internal forces shaping the earth d-natural forces impacting migration
natural forces impacting migration The external forces causing the Dust Bowl greatly impacted human migration, causing millions of farmers to leave their homes and move west in search of work.
The study of volcanic formation and activity is an example of study in which essential element of geography? a -environment and society b-human systems c-the spatial world d-physical systems
physical systems The study of physical systems focuses on the natural features and processes of the world, such as volcanoes.
Which type of landform is an area of flat land at a low elevation? a-plateau b-hill c-plains d-mountain
plains Plains are areas of land that are flat and lie at a low elevation.
Which of the following is an example of an event or process caused by internal forces? a-humans causing pollution b-droughts causing soil erosion c-plate tectonics triggering a volcanic eruption d-the Gulf Stream changing weather patterns
plate tectonics triggering a volcanic eruption Internal forces shape the Earth's surface through the constant movements of plates under the surface, called plate tectonics. This movement causes earthquakes, a sudden and violent shaking of the ground, and the eruption of volcanoes.
Which type of landform is an area of flat land at a higher elevation than the surrounding land? a -mountain b -plateau c -plains d -hill
plateau Plateaus are areas of land that are relatively flat and that are higher than the land surrounding it.
The formal name of the United States of America denotes which type of region? a-climate b-political c-language d-religious
political The name of the United States of America denotes a political region that is under the governing of the United States government. Within the United States of America there are many languages, religions, and climates.
Which of the following defines a region in the study of human geography? a-shared physical habitat b-shared culture c-political borders d-congressional districts
political borders In human geography, regions are defined by legal jurisdictional boundaries.
Canyons are the result of long-term erosion due to what type of activity? a-tectonic shift b-ocean currents c-rivers d-wind
rivers Canyons are the result of long-term erosion due to what type of activity? a tectonic shift b ocean currents c rivers d wind
Which of the following was the primary cause of prehistoric human migration? a-need to escape persecution b-desire for military advantages c-search for suitable water sources d-search for better socio-economic opportunity
search for suitable water sources The need for suitable water and food resources was the primary driver of prehistoric human migration.
In the United States, which of the following is the most common reason for individuals relocating to different geographical areas? a-escaping persecution from government b-forced removal due to government land acquisitions c-searching for a more stable water source d-searching for better socio-economic opportunities
searching for better socio-economic opportunities Most relocation occurs because individuals are searching for jobs or a more advantageous economic situation.
The continued expansion of the Hawaiian islands is due to which of the following? a -ocean currents b -volcanic activity c -continental shift d -alluvial flows
volcanic activity Oceanic islands are caused by volcanic activity, which results in layers of lava building up and creating new land.
The formation of a caldera is related to which of the following events? a-tornado b-volcanic eruption c-earthquake d-tsunami
volcanic eruption Under certain circumstances, a volcanic eruption can cause a large collapse that results in the formation of a caldera, a type of sinkhole.
Oceanic islands are formed through the activity of what geological feature? a-rivers b-volcanos c-oceans d-continental plates
volcanos Oceanic islands are caused by volcanic activity, which results in layers of lava building up and creating new land.
Which of the following is an example of a primary source? A. An encyclopedia article on Chinese culture B. A novel set in medieval Scotland C. A Korean War soldier's letter to his family D. A textbook on African history
A Korean War soldier's letter to his family Letters, legal documents, recordings and other sources of information that were created during the time period under study are considered to be primary sources. A Korean War soldier's letter to his family might contain information, such as personal statements about the war experience and eyewitness accounts of significant events, that cannot be obtained from secondary sources
The United States Constitution as written in 1787 included an explicit provision for which of the following? A. The abolition of slavery B. A bicameral legislature C. Universal male suffrage D. Judicial review of legislative and executive actions
A bicameral legislature The Great Compromise (or Connecticut Compromise) settled a dispute between large states and small states about legislative representation by establishing a bicameral (two-chambered) legislature consisting of the House of Representatives, in which states were allotted representatives according to population, and the Senate, in which each state was allotted two senators regardless of its population.
After a lesson on vocabulary words about the United States government, which of the following instructional activities would best facilitate students' understanding of the term "separation of powers"? A. A reading on the Madisonian form of government including separation of powers B. A lecture explaining the reason behind Madison's idea of separation of powers C. A nonlinguistic representation of the roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government D. A summative assessment on the roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government
A nonlinguistic representation of the roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government Displaying the working relationships of the three branches in a nonlinguistic representation, such as a graphic organizer or chart, would best facilitate students' understanding of the separation of powers because it would require them to process the information in a different mode
Which of the following rivers is NOT located in North America? a-Rio Grande b-Hudson c-Mississippi d-Amazon
Amazon The Amazon River flows through South America.
Which of the following statements best describes the impact that Eli Whitney's invention of the cotton gin had on large cotton plantations? A. A decrease in the number of slaves and an increase in the amount of cotton processed B. An increase in the number of slaves and an increase in the amount of cotton processed C. A decrease in the number of slaves on large plantations and in the Deep South overall D. An increase in the number of slaves and a decrease in the amount of cotton produced by each slave
An increase in the number of slaves and an increase in the amount of cotton processed Whitney's cotton gin (a contraction of the word "engine") revolutionized the cotton industry in the South, making it a tremendously profitable business. Cotton production expanded from 750,000 bales in 1830 to 2.85 million bales in 1850. This increase in production created a demand for more slave labor. A single slave took about 10 hours to separate a single pound of short-staple cotton fibers from the seed, but a team of two or three slaves (using a cotton gin) could process about fifty pounds of cotton in a day. Production of cotton exploded in the Deep South (places like western Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi). Slaveholders from the upper South sold enslaved Africans to plantations in the Deep South to help meet the demand for cotton production
Which of the following leaders is best known for urging African Americans to concentrate their efforts on improving their education and economic status rather than on an immediate struggle to achieve political and social equality? A. Malcolm X B. W. E. B. Du Bois C. Martin Luther King, Jr. D. Booker T. Washington
Booker T. Washington In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Booker T. Washington argued that African Americans should pursue economic advancement as a first step prior to agitating for political and social equality. Although Washington believed that the social and political discrimination against African Americans in his time was wrong, he felt that African Americans should take a gradualist approach to combating it
Which of the following describes a major accomplishment of Oveta Culp Hobby? A. As a political reformer, she helped lead the fight for women's suffrage and ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment B. As a lawyer and politician, she was the first African-American woman elected to the United States Congress C. As head of the Women's Army Corps during the World War II, she organized women from across the country to fill roles left vacant by men fighting overseas D. As a leader of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Texas, she fought for equal pay for African-American teachers and against the state's discriminatory white primary elections
As head of the Women's Army Corps during the World War II, she organized women from across the country to fill roles left vacant by men fighting overseas After serving as head of the War Department's Women's Interest Section, Oveta Culp Hobby became the Director of the Women's Army Corps. The first to serve in the Army in uniform, the women under Hobby's leadership were organized to fill the roles of men who had been sent into combat during the World War II. As Director, Hobby was the first women to receive the Distinguished Service Medal and was promoted to the rank of colonel for her efforts
Russia and the United States are separated by which of the following? a-the Strait of Gibraltar b-the Continental Divide c-the Bering Strait d-the Atlantic Ocean
Bering Strait The Bering Strait is a sea lane separating Russian Siberia from Alaska.
Gunpowder originated in what ancient culture? a-Mesopotamia b-Aztec c-Bantu d-China
China The Chinese invented gunpowder and used it for medical, military, and recreational applications.
The settlement of many Native American tribes along coastal regions suggests which of the following? a-The coasts were free from conflict between tribes. b-Societies tended to develop where weather was moderate. c-Native American groups required easy access to transportation networks. d-Civilizations tend to arise where there is access to food and natural resources.
Civilizations tend to arise where there is access to food and natural resources. Many coastal areas were abundant in food, water and natural resources and so proved to be ideal places to settle.
Which canal creates a water route from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean? a -Suez Canal b-Panama Canal c-Kiel Canal d-Erie Canal
Erie Canal The Erie Canal cuts across New York State, creating a navigable water route from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean (via New York City).
A teacher takes her students outdoors for a demonstration. She fills a large box with sand and dirt and digs a channel through the middle. She places a hose at one end of the channel to simulate a river and has students observe as the water flow affects the sand in the box. The demonstration models the effects of which of the following? a-Erosion b-Drought c-Tornadoes d-Subduction
Erosion Erosion is the removal of dirt, sand and sediment by the forces of water, and the action by which features such as canyons are made.
José de Escandón played a different role than that of Francisco Hidalgo during the formation of early Spanish colonial Texas in that A. Escandón sought to convert American Indians to Catholicism by building missions, whereas Hidalgo insisted he must live among the Indians and teach religious practices. B. Escandón suppressed American Indian rebellions and established new colonies, whereas Hidalgo built missions throughout southeastern Texas to convert American Indians to Catholicism. C. Escandón advocated a policy of assimilation of American Indians through education, whereas Hidalgo showed American Indians how to employ advanced agricultural practices so they could remain independent. D. Escandón explored the southern Texas coastline and negotiated a colonial border with France, whereas Hidalgo built military forts in the Rio Grande valley from which to attack the French.
Escandón suppressed American Indian rebellions and established new colonies, whereas Hidalgo built missions throughout southeastern Texas to convert American Indians to Catholicism. After the successful pacification of an Indian uprising in Querétaro in 1727, José de Escandón was selected to colonize land in Texas. Although he met with American Indian resistance throughout his expeditions, Escandón found success in establishing over twenty settlements along the Rio Grande. Francisco Hidalgo was a Franciscan missionary who came to the Americas to found the missionary College of Santa Cruz de Querétaro. Hidalgo later traveled to an East Texas mission and, when the mission failed, he became an advocate for missionary efforts among the Caddo Indians.
About 20,000 years ago, the Americas were populated by migrations from where? a-Eurasia b-Africa c-Polynesia d-Europe
Eurasia After crossing the land bridge that once existed between Eurasia and the Americas, Paleo-Indians settled what is modern-day Alaska.
Why are the borders of cultural regions different than borders of physical and functional regions? Select all answers that apply. a-Functional regions are designed by a group of humans for a clear purpose. b-Culture does not change as suddenly as geographical features change. c-Land within one physical region can be radically different. d-Geography does not typically study cultural changes.
Functional regions are designed by a group of humans for a clear purpose. Culture does not change as suddenly as geographical features change. - Since functional regions are determined in advance by humans, they tend to have very clear borders. While geographical zones tend to have fairly clear boundaries (for example, a rapid transition from plains to mountains), culture tends to change slower over distance, creating transitional zones.
By the mid-1400s, silver coinage had replaced copper coinage and paper money as the primary means of exchange in Ming China. The change had which of the following long-term effects on the world economy? A. Prices of gold relative to silver collapsed in Europe, leading to a worldwide economic depression B. Large numbers of Chinese silver prospectors immigrated to neighboring countries, such as Japan and Burma, where silver was mined C. Increasing demand for silver in China was eventually met by imports of silver produced in the newly opened mines of Spanish America D. The use of silver in jewelry and other decorative personal items was largely discontinued in East Asia
Increasing demand for silver in China was eventually met by imports of silver produced in the newly opened mines of Spanish America After initially continuing the Yuan (Mongol) dynasty's practice of issuing paper money, but finding that it led to inflation, Ming Emperor Yongle initiated a policy of currency reform that was aimed at phasing out paper money. Silver, which is scarce in China, had traditionally been imported mostly from Japan. This continued until the mid-sixteenth century, when the discoveries of vast new silver deposits near Potosí (in modern-day Bolivia) and Zacatecas (in modern-day Mexico) allowed the Spanish to begin shipping silver across the Pacific Ocean to China (usually with a transshipment point in the Philippines.) The change had a profound effect on the world economy, as it increased Europe's overall long-distance trade and greatly stimulated the consumption of luxury items in Europe. This contributed to the development of some of the commercial and financial practices and institutions associated with European capitalism.
All of the following civilizations relied upon oceanic travel and trade with the exception of: a-Mesopotamia. b-Egypt. c-China. d-Scandinavia.
Mesopotamia. Mesopotamia is considered the birthplace of agriculture and the cradle of human civilization, but Mesopotamians were not an oceangoing people.
Which of the following factors contributed most to population growth in the British North American colonies between 1700 and 1770? A. New laws that increased the attractiveness of indentured servitude B. An increase in the importation of enslaved Africans C. Immigration brought about by agricultural decline in Europe D. Natural increase driven by farm families' growing need for labor
Natural increase driven by farm families' growing need for labor Historians estimate that between 1700 and 1770 the population of the colonies grew from about 250,000 to over 2 million. While many factors influenced this growth, the need for farm labor in the colonies in the eighteenth century was one of the most important factors. Most colonists lived on farms, and having more children to help them work the land allowed them to increase productivity, which in turn led to increased supplies of food to feed larger families. Demographers refer to population growth that occurs when the birth rate is higher than the death rate as natural increase.
Which of the following statements best describes the role of oral storytelling among families and cultures around the world? a-Oral traditions are mostly used in religious ceremonies to further particular concepts and to discredit concepts presented by other religions. b-Stories are the primary means by which cultures today interact and represent themselves with one another. c-Oral traditions communicate cultural values and practices to others. d-Oral traditions have been marginalized and made unimportant in most cultures due to the rise of new technologies.
Oral traditions communicate cultural values and practices to others. This is correct because the family unit uses storytelling to convey knowledge about culture and society.
Which canal creates a water route from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean? a-Erie Canal b-Panama Canal c-Suez Canal d-Kiel Canal
Panama Canal The Panama Canal is in Central America. It connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, greatly reducing travel time.
The Punic Wars resulted in which of the following? A. Sparta emerging as the strongest of the Greek city-states B. Rome gaining full control of the western Mediterranean C. Augustus Caesar becoming the sole leader of the Roman state D. The Persian Empire trying and failing to conquer Greece
Rome gaining full control of the western Mediterranean The Punic Wars were fought between the Roman Republic and Carthage, a powerful state based in North Africa. By the early 200s B.C., Rome had achieved control of much of the Italian peninsula; Carthage had emerged as a formidable economic and military power in the western Mediterranean and had established territorial outposts very close to the Italian mainland. Between 264 and 146 B.C., Rome fought three major wars against Carthage. The best known of these is the Second Punic War, during which the Carthaginian general Hannibal crossed the Alps and invaded Italy from the north before eventually being forced to withdraw to North Africa. During the Third Punic war, Roman armies finally conquered and destroyed the city of Carthage itself, giving Rome uncontested hegemony over the western Mediterranean
In what ways does farming lead to specific cultural development of a community? Select all answers that apply. a- All children in the community would begin working and learning specific skills applicable to farm life at an early age. b- Since adequate food production required less farmers, many people were free to dedicate their time elsewhere and develop other skills. c- Farming increases food supplies enough to allow families to settle into permanent villages and develop relationships and traditions within their village. d- Everyone in the community would be working toward the same goal-producing enough food-which created strong bonds and a sense of belonging.
Since adequate food production required less farmers, many people were free to dedicate their time elsewhere and develop other skills. Farming increases food supplies enough to allow families to settle into permanent villages and develop relationships and traditions within their village. - Families that settled into permanent villages near farming land were able to increase their food supply while decreasing the number of dedicated farmers. The people that were not needed to farm could explore other ways to contribute to the community. Families settled into permanent villages and developed a culture of settled existence, often developing common traditions and practices.
Which of the following describes a position held by most Enlightenment thinkers? A. Organized religion is at the root of all social evils and should be abolished B. Social and political problems can be solved through the application of reason to practices and institutions C. Children are better human beings than adults because society has not corrupted children's natural instincts D. Separation of powers and a system of checks and balances are essential for the functioning of a democratic government
Social and political problems can be solved through the application of reason to practices and institutions Enlightenment thinkers generally believed that the principles of philosophical reasoning and scientific inquiry could and should be applied to the study of society and politics, in addition to the study of the natural world. Enlightenment thinkers questioned ideas and practices that were grounded in tradition or what they regarded as superstition, and they actively promoted the collection, systemization and dissemination of knowledge on all subjects. Political philosophers such as Locke and Rousseau explicitly based their prescriptions for improving society on a rational analysis of human nature and individuals' natural rights. Enlightenment-period works, such as Rousseau's Discourse on Inequality or Beccaria's On Crimes and Punishments, applied the principles of philosophical reasoning to specific social and political problems.
Agriculture originated first in which of the following regions during the Neolithic Revolution? a-South Asia b-East Asia c-Africa d-Europe
South Asia The first agricultural techniques originated in the Fertile Crescent area of South Asia and moved westward and eastward to other civilizations.
Which of the following conditions allowed for the First Industrial Revolution to take place in Great Britain? A. The availability of oil and electricity to power factories B. The importation of slave labor from the American colonies C. The innovation of the assembly line for mass production of consumer goods D. The availability of easily accessible coal deposits and a well-developed transport infrastructure
The availability of easily accessible coal deposits and a well-developed transport infrastructure Central and northern England, southern Scotland, and southern Wales in particular had large, relatively shallow deposits of coal. Key inventions of the First Industrial Revolution, such as the steam engine and new blast furnaces, allowed these abundant coal reserves to be harnessed in mining and industry. Due to its flat terrain and high population density, England also had a relatively well-developed road system. As the process of industrialization unfolded in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the road system was augmented by the construction of canals and railroads.
Which of the following was one significant result of the Texas oil boom in the early twentieth century? A. Other industries in Texas, such as lumber and railroads, experienced a decline in profitability B. High school enrollment dropped in Texas because many teenagers left school to make money in the oil industry C. The city of Houston grew from a small commercial center into one of the largest cities in the United States D. The state legislature moved the capital from Houston to Austin to avoid being unduly influenced by newly enriched oil producers
The city of Houston grew from a small commercial center into one of the largest cities in the United States Houston became a center for refineries and petrochemical plants during the oil boom of the early twentieth century. Houston also benefited from the opening of a ship channel in 1914 that made the city attractive for industrial development. The town's population grew by over 500 percent between 1900 and 1930.
A watershed describes which of the following areas? a-the area between two mountain ranges b-the boundary created when two opposing ocean currents intersect c-a land area where water runoff accumulates and flows into rivers and streams d-a large flat region located at high altitude
a land area where water runoff accumulates and flows into rivers and streams In North American geography, a watershed is an area on land where water collects and drains.
Which of the following best describes the political organization of the Indian subcontinent between the third and sixth centuries CE? a-a democratic republic b-a disorganized collection of nomadic tribes c-a large empire under a single dynastic ruler d-a collection of small city-states
a large empire under a single dynastic ruler Under the Gupta Empire, India experienced what many historians call the Golden Age of classical Indian civilization.
An area with which of the following features is likely to have a high population density? a-disconnected transportation networks b-extreme climatic changes c-rugged terrain d-abundant natural resources
abundant natural resources People are likely to settle in an area with abundant and easily-accessible resources.
A new immigrant to the United States begins to incorporate western-style clothes into her traditional wardrobe. This is an example of: a-acculturation. b-cultural realm. c-folk culture. d-non-material components.
acculturation. Acculturation is the type of cultural diffusion which adopts aspects of a new culture while maintaining one's home culture. Incorporating new styles of clothing is an example of acculturation.
Yao is an ELL student who recently moved to the United States with his family. He adheres to the procedures and norms of his new American school, and has spent the earnings of his job at the grocery store on shoes and clothing similar to what his classmates wear. At home, he still observes the holiday traditions and religious practices of his native country. Yao's current experience is best described as: a-acculturation. b-cultural relativism. c-assimilation. d-biculturalism.
acculturation. Acculturation refers to the process of taking on some elements of a new culture while maintaining some elements of the home culture.
Domesticating livestock, wearing clothes, and growing crops are all examples of what feature of human geography? a-assimilation b-diversity c-culture d-adaptation
adaptation Adaptation describes the act of changing the environment to suit a community's needs or changing aspects of the community to better suit the environment.
The world population quadrupled in the 20th century due to which of the following? a-decreased industrialization b-fewer wars c-increased natural resources d-advances in medical technology
advances in medical technology Advances in medical technology helped to decrease mortality and increase population.
The Taiping Rebellion in China (1850-1864) and the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) were similar in that the rebels in both cases attracted popular support for their cause mostly by promising A. agrarian reform. B. universal suffrage. C. freedom of all religions. D. a return to monarchical rule.
agrarian reform Led by the messianic figure of Hong Xiuquan, the Taiping movement promised its followers a combination of heterodox quasi-Christian theology and communal or communist-like reforms, including an official ban on the private ownership of land and a promise of radical redistribution of agricultural land. Peasant land-hunger and dissatisfaction with high rates of indebtedness and abuse at the hands of large landowners were also major contributing factors to the events that brought down the Porfirio Díaz dictatorship in Mexico and launched the Mexican revolution of 1910. The post-Porfiriato Mexican government passed a land redistribution law (in 1915) and began transferring land from the rich landowners to the poor and/or landless peasants
Throughout most of human history, most settled land has been used for what purpose? a -military b -agricultural c -residential d -recreational
agricultural Throughout most of human history, large areas of land have been utilized for agricultural cultivation.
In seventeenth-century North America, most British colonial settlements were located A. in the Piedmont region. B. in the Appalachian Mountains. C. along the Eastern Seaboard or near major rivers. D. on the Great Plains.
along the Eastern Seaboard or near major rivers. In seventeenth-century North America, most British colonial settlements were located along the Eastern Seaboard or on navigable rivers (in places such as Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and along the Chesapeake Bay) because these areas were most accessible and most desirable for colonists who wished to trade with Britain.
"Meng I Tzu asked about the treatment of parents. The Master said, 'Never disobey!' When Fan Ch'ih was driving his carriage for him, the Master said, 'Meng asked me about the treatment of parents and I said, Never disobey!' Fan Ch'ih said, 'In what sense did you mean it?' The Master said, 'While they are alive, serve them according to the ritual. When they die, bury them according to ritual and sacrifice to them according to ritual.'" The above quote from the Analects of Confucius suggests that: a-Chinese society valued questioning the decisions of one's elders in order to form one's own ideas. b-a strict code of criminal law was required to maintain order in ancient Chinese society. c-ancient Chinese society viewed the individual in the context of their obligations to parents and the broader community. d-the rights of the individual in ancient Chinese society were considered paramount to one's obligations and responsibilities to the larger societal community.
ancient Chinese society viewed the individual in the context of their obligations to parents and the broader community. The model laid out by Confucius for a moral life involved understanding that individuals do not exist independently and solely for themselves but in the broader network of obligations and responsibilities placed on them by society, and particularly by their parents and elders.
Ana's parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico when she was an infant. She is considered an ELL student because both English and Spanish are spoken in her home. She has grown up with very similar experiences to her peers. She participates in the same extracurricular and church activities as them and shops for food and clothing at the same stores. Ana's experience is best described as: a-intragroup differences. b-cultural pluralism. c-acculturation. d-assimilation.
assimilation. Assimilation refers to the process of taking on most or all of the cultural traits of a new culture.
Earth's separate continents were formed through which of the following processes? a -obduction b -atmospheric thinning c -tectonic shift d -subduction
tectonic shift Tectonic shift, the movement of earth's continental plates, led to the formation of separate continents.
Why did the Ancient Egyptians experience very little offensive attacks from other civilizations? a -The Nile was too deep and long and could not be crossed. b -The lack of seaports left the area unattractive to other civilizations. c -The long rainy season left the region was inhospitable to invasion. d -The Egyptians were surrounded by deserts and other natural barriers.
the Egyptians were surrounded by deserts and other natural barriers The Sahara surrounds Egypt on three sides, and the Red and Mediterranean Seas on the north and east provided protection against the armies of Mesopotamia.
Which of the following best describes why European settlers in California chose to settle near the San Francisco Bay area? a -The area was rich in oil deposits. b -The bay was a natural harbor that protected ships. c -The bay was rich with gold deposits. d - The bay was far from government oversight so individuals could evade taxes.
the bay was a natural harbor that protected ships One of the most important features when settling a new land is the creation of a harbor so that goods can be shipped in and out of the region. Therefore, areas like New York, Charleston, and New Orleans are also significant. They are natural harbors. When the first settlers settled California, one of their highest priorities was establishing a harbor for trade; the San Francisco Bay area is a natural harbor.
In the second half of the twentieth century, the term "Green Revolution" was used to refer to A. a change in consumer preferences worldwide in favor of organic or locally grown foods. B. the intensification of violence between Catholics and Protestants over control of Northern Ireland. C. the development of new agricultural chemicals and drought- or diseaseresistant plant varieties to increase crop yields. D. the collapse of Communist governments in Eastern Europe in 1989 and the largely peaceful transition to democratically elected governments in the region.
the development of new agricultural chemicals and drought- or diseaseresistant plant varieties to increase crop yields. Beginning in the late 1950s and early 1960s, agricultural scientists began systematically developing new crop varieties that were better suited to tropical and subtropical climates where growing conditions were suboptimal and yields had been low. Because many countries with rapidly growing populations (for example, India, Mexico, Brazil, and many African countries) were located in traditionally low-yield zones for major crops such as wheat or corn, the development of new plant varieties provided a major boost to these countries' agricultural industries. Coupled with the development of new and improved pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, as well as with increasing rates of mechanization, this development allowed for a dramatic, and still continuing, expansion of agricultural production worldwide; it also prevented the midtwentieth-century predictions of massive food shortages and political upheavals from coming to pass
In contrast to the First Great Awakening, the Second Great Awakening included which of the following? a-the emergence of non-mainline Christian denominations b-a widespread return to piety and morality c-a rejection of rationalist thought as the only source of truth d-an appeal to emotional response rather than intellect
the emergence of non-mainline Christian denominations While the First Great Awakening saw an increase in adherents to mainline denominations, the Second Great Awakening saw the emergence of groups like the Mormons and the Adventists, whose beliefs differed from those of mainline Protestant groups.
Which of the following is an example of acculturation? a-the fusion of two culinary traditions, such as Korean tacos b-the purposeful decision to close off to outsiders, as in Hasidic Judaism c-the development of cash crops, including peanut farming in Senegal d-the adoption of new technologies in traditional fields, such as the use of drones in agriculture
the fusion of two culinary traditions, such as Korean tacos Acculturation is when one culture takes on some of the customs and traits of another culture. Koreans using traditional flavors in the new form of tacos is a merging of traits through acculturation.
One significant finding of the data in the 1920 United States Census was that for the first time A. immigrants outnumbered native-born Americans. B. there had been a reverse migration among African Americans as large numbers of African Americans returned to the South. C. the number of people living in urban areas was greater than the number of people living in rural areas. D. the number of women in the workforce was greater than the number of women who stayed at home.
the number of people living in urban areas was greater than the number of people living in rural areas According to the United States Census Bureau, the 1920 census marked the first time in which over 50 percent of the United States population was defined as "urban" (living in towns or cities with at least 2,500 people). The shift was largely the result of continuing industrialization of the United States economy.
Which of the following describes some of the largest Roman contributions to Western society ? Select all answers that apply. a the organization of the central government and written laws The Roman advancements in political science, from the structure to the administration of government, provided a framework for the Founding Fathers of the United States. b advancements in geometry Greece, not Rome, is known for significant advancements in geometry. c the Latin language The Roman language of Latin became the foundation for all European languages. d the first known novels, Homer's the Iliad and the Odyssey Homer was Greek, not Roman.
the organization of the central government and written laws The Roman advancements in political science, from the structure to the administration of government, provided a framework for the Founding Fathers of the United States.
Which of the following describes some of the largest Roman contributions to Western society ? Select all answers that apply. a-the organization of the central government and written laws b-advancements in geometry c-the Latin language d-the first known novels, Homer's the Iliad and the Odyssey
the organization of the central government and written laws the Latin language The Roman language of Latin became the foundation for all European languages. The Roman advancements in political science, from the structure to the administration of government, provided a framework for the Founding Fathers of the United States.
Which of the following is represented on the American Flag? a-the bald eagle b-the original colonies c-the liberty bell d-the national motto
the original colonies The 13 stripes of the American Flag represent the original colonies, while the 50 stars represent the present number of states.
Which of the following would have the greatest effect on weather conditions in Colorado? a- rain shadow effect b- the marine climate zone c- the temperature of ocean water d- the sun received at tropical latitude
the rain shadow effect Colorado experiences the rain shadow effect, with the area west of the Rocky Mountains experiencing heavy rainfall while the area east of the mountains is desert.
Diffusion is best understood as: a-the movement of people from one place to another. b-an economic activity involving moving goods from one place to another. c-the process by which one nation takes control of another. d-the spread of culture, ideas, and customs.
the spread of culture, ideas, and customs. Diffusion is the movement of culture, ideas, and customs, which often happens through trade or migration.
In the eastern United States, the Appalachian Mountains do not cause a significant rainshadow due to which of the following? a-the extreme length of the mountain range b-the presence of the Gulf Stream c-their low elevation d-their high elevation
their low elevation The Appalachians are a low-lying mountain range and do not cause a significant rainshadow.
All of the following are true of glaciers except that: a-they move through the force of their own weight. b-they are composed of saltwater. c-they appear blue. d-they form on land.
they are composed of saltwater. As they form on land and are distinct from sea ice, glaciers are made of fresh water.
In the period circa 1300-1500 A.D., Islam spread to Southeast Asia primarily through A. warfare. B. trade. C. migration. D. forced conversions.
trade The lack of major natural barriers between Mesopotamia and neighboring regions
Which of the following ecosystems is the least productive? a-savanna grasslands b-coral reefs c-tropical rainforests d-tundras
tundras Tundras produce little biomass and are considered one of the least productive ecosystems.
Which of the following is least important to the development and shaping of cultures? a-the geography of the region b-types of accents c-traditions written and passed down through history d-interactions of people and ideals
types of accents Accents can be an expression of culture, but have little impact on shaping it.
A teacher who wishes to incorporate historiography into a history lesson should present students with a A. study of maps and mapmaking. B. study of legislative documents. C. variety of interpretive sources. D. collection of primary documents.
variety of interpretive sources Historiography involves the study of the methodology and changing interpretations of history as a discipline. Studying a variety of interpretive sources would provide students with examples of the differing ways that historians study and write about certain topics.
Which of the following graphic organizers is most useful for comparing and contrasting attributes of the North and the South in the period before the Civil War? A. Histogram B. Venn diagram C. Tree chart D. Flowchart
venn diagram Of those listed, a Venn diagram is the best graphic organizer to use to display the similarities and differences between the North and South. A Venn diagram can display possible logical relationships between different attributes.