Unit 1 Study Guide: Historical Perspectives

Unit 1 Study Guide

• Teleological: A view of history that presumes events progress towards a specific purpose or end goal. This view suggests historical events are predetermined or inevitable.
• Contingency: The opposite of teleological, suggesting historical events are not predetermined. Historical outcomes depend on various circumstances and could have evolved differently.
• Allen's Approach/Rationale: A historical analysis method that examines events through multiple perspectives, understanding how interconnected factors influence historical outcomes.
• Four Themes:
  • Religion: The role of religious beliefs and institutions in shaping historical events.
  • Commerce: Economic activities and trade relationships.
  • Renaissance: A cultural and intellectual revival of the 14th-17th centuries.
  • Scientific Revolution: Major shifts in scientific thought and methodology.
• Telephoto vs Wide Lens in History:
  • Telephoto: Focuses on specific details or events in history.
  • Wide Lens: Takes a broader view of historical events, considering numerous factors and connections.
• Christianity:
  • BC/AD - BCE/CE: Dating systems; BC/AD (Before Christ/Anno Domini) versus BCE/CE (Before Common Era/Common Era).

(30 AD) Jesus - Divinity

• Central belief in Jesus as a divine figure.

Constantine Impact

• Roman Emperor who legalized Christianity. His actions led to its spread and the relocation of the Roman capital from Rome to Constantinople.

Geography Impact/Spread of Christianity

• Physical location influenced Christianity's development. Early Christian teachers used available Roman roads and sea routes to disseminate their teachings throughout the expanding empire, particularly in major cities.

Islam

• Mohammed: Prophet and founder of Islam born in 570 CE.
• Medina/Mecca: Holy cities in Islam; Mohammed's journey between these cities was pivotal to the establishment and spread of Islam.
• Spread of Islam: Expansion across the Mediterranean and beyond.
• Islamic calendar. The migration of Muhammad and his followers to Medina marks the beginning.

Great Schism 1054

• The division between Western Christians (now called Roman Catholics) and Eastern Christians (now called Eastern Orthodox).
• Based on language differences (Latin vs Greek), leadership (Pope vs Patriarch) and rules regarding priestly marriage and divorce.

Crusades

• Purpose: Religious wars to reclaim the Holy Land.
• Pope Urban II: Initiated the First Crusade in 1095, rallying European forces to liberate the Holy Land.
• Papacy: Role of Catholic Church leadership in orchestrating the Crusades.
• Unexpected Results: Cultural exchange, increased trade, weakening of the feudal system. The Crusades exposed Europeans to new ideas, goods, and cultures from the Middle East.
• In essence they introduced Europeans to silk, spices, and new trade routes.

Trade and Economy

• The Crusades revitalized Mediterranean trade. Venice and Genoa became prominent trading hubs during the period.
• Italian merchants developed sophisticated banking systems, including bills of exchange and double-entry bookkeeping.
• The Crusades led to the expansion of trade routes connecting Europe to the Middle East and Asia.

Knowledge and Education

• When Crusaders returned home, they brought back advanced knowledge in science, medicine, and mathematics from the Middle East.

Social Structure

• The Crusades led to a weakening of the rigid medieval social structure. The increased mobility and exposure to ideas led to greater social mobility for some.

Banking and Money

• The Crusades spurred the development of European banking systems and financial instruments (like letters of credit and bookkeeping methods). The period saw an increase in financial innovations.

Culture and Daily Life

• The Crusades introduced new foods, architectural techniques, fashions, table manners, and hygiene practices to Europe.

The Commercial Revolution

• A fundamental shift from a feudal, agricultural economy to a complex commercial economy. Increased trade, development of markets, and new financial and organizational structures were key components of the shift.

Black Death (1347-1351)

• Death Toll: Estimated one-third of Europe's population died during the pandemic.
• Impact on Society: Led to labor shortages, wage increases, and social mobility.

Changes in Society

• The plague resulted in higher wages for laborers and more diverse opportunities for workers across trades.

Renaissance (1300-1600s)

• Location: Italy
• Role of Crusades/Black Death: Created conditions for cultural transformation.
• Key Characteristics: Individualism, Humanism, Secularism, Creativity. Revival of Greek and Roman culture. The Medici Family played a significant role in supporting arts and learning.

Trade: Economic foundation of Renaissance culture

• The Renaissance was driven in part by a flourishing trade network across Europe. Increased trade spurred the development of banks and economic ideas.

Creativity and Innovation

• This period saw significant advancements in art techniques, architecture, and science.

Scientific Revolution

• Copernicus: Geocentric/Heliocentric debate.
• Galileo: Pioneer of scientific method and telescopic astronomy.
• Scientific Method: Systematic observation, hypothesis, and experimentation.
• Historical Significance: Transformed understanding of the natural world.

Technological Advances

• Printing Press/Moveable Type
• Gutenberg Bible
• Caravel/Lateen Sails
• Astrolabe/Compass

Portuguese Exploration and Influence

• Prince Henry the Navigator established a navigation school.
• Developed crucial naval technologies.
• Systematic exploration of the African coast.

Columbus

• Enterprise of the Indies: Columbus's expedition plan.
• Spain - Isabella/Ferdinand: Supported Columbus' expedition.
• Trade Winds/Cipango: Navigation routes influenced Columbus's targets.
• Voyage Challenges: Difficulties, crew unrest.
• San Salvador/Arawak: First landing site and native people encountered.
• Admiral of the Seas: Title given to Columbus.
• "Discovery of America": Debate about the nature of Columbus's accomplishments.

Cycle of Conquest

• Stages of colonization: Explorers, conquistadors, missionaries, settlers, and colony formation.
• Conflicts among different groups.
• Aztec Empire/Incan Empire: Major Native American civilizations encountered.

Contest for Empire - Catholic Church

• Portugal and Spain: Major powers during expansion efforts.
• Pagan Lands: Territories targeted for conversion.
• Papal Bulls: Guidelines for conquest of territories and justification of conversions.
• The Doctrine of Discovery.
• Requerimiento: Formal announcement to native populations.
• "Just War": Concept justifying conquest.

Impact of European Interaction

• Conflicts between Spaniards and natives.
• Census Results/Implications: Population shifts.
• Impact of Disease: devastating impact on native populations.
• Impact on Indigenous Populations: Cultural, social, and demographic changes.
• Columbian Exchange:

Trade/Markets

• Trade route evolution
• Product impact
• Role of key regions
• Spice trade
• Commercial revolution

Columbian Exchange

• Effects of exchanges on both Old and New Worlds.
• Long term impact on global agricultural practices and world population.

Debate Between Sepulveda and Las Casas

• Philosophical debate about treatment of indigenous peoples.
• Different views on native humanity and rights.

Types of Government

• Anarchy
• Autocracy
• Confederation
• Monarchy
• Oligarchy
• Socialism
• Theocracy
• Plutocracy
• Aristocracy

Ancient Greece

• Polis - city-states
• Archons
• Solon & Citizenship
• Cleisthenes
• Direct Democracy

Ancient Rome

• Republican Government
• Representative Democracy
• Patricians vs. Plebeians
• Checks and Balances

Christianity Evolves

• Christian vs. Catholic
• Catholicism in 1400s
• Catholic Hegemony
• Indulgences/Tetzel

Reformation

• Martin Luther
• Key characteristics: Individualism, Humanism, Secularism, Creativity,
• Role of Crusades/Black Death

The Scientific Revolution

This quiz covers key concepts from Unit 1, including teleological vs. contingency views of history and Allen's analytical approach. Explore the four major themes of history: religion, commerce, the Renaissance, and the Scientific Revolution. Test your understanding of how these elements interconnect within historical narratives.