World History Quiz: Political Systems & Religions

A territory that is politically organized under a single government.

A religion based on the teachings of the prophet Mohammed, stressing belief in Allah, Paradise, and Hell, with a body of law written in the Quran. Followers are called Muslims.

A religion/philosophy that believes in reincarnation and a supreme being who takes many forms.

A religion with a belief in one god, originating with Abraham and the Hebrew people. Yahweh was responsible for the world and everything within it.

A monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament, emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior.

A philosophy that teaches society is hierarchical by nature. It emphasizes a proper order to everything, stressing love for humanity, ancestor worship, reverence for parents, and harmony in thought and conduct.

The importance of children showing obedience towards their parents, elders, and ancestors. It is a core principle of Confucianism.

A drought-resistant rice that could be harvested twice, leading to population growth.

A tax paid by non-Muslim subjects living under the protection of a Muslim ruler.

A system where individuals are advanced based on their talents and accomplishments, rather than their background.

A large, sturdy ship used for long-distance trade during the Song Dynasty.

A revival of Confucianism during the Song Dynasty, emphasizing ethical conduct and social order.

A system of government officials appointed based on merit, often through exams.

A competitive exam used to select qualified candidates for government positions.

A state of being subordinate or under the authority of another.

A system where Korea, while maintaining independence, acknowledged China's political and cultural influence.

A belief system emphasizing moral values, social harmony, and respect for authority.

The adoption of Chinese Buddhism and writing systems by the Japanese elite.

An empire established by Seljuk Turks in Central Asia, spreading Islam and creating institutions like madrasas.

A group of Turkic military slaves who rose to power in Egypt.

An Islamic state established in northern India by invading Turks, ruling for centuries.

The spread of Islam through military conquest, trade, and missionary work.

Traditional Islamic law based on the Quran and teachings of Muhammad.

The invention of the printing press in the 15th century, which enabled the mass production of printed materials.

A movement that broke away from the Catholic Church, emphasizing faith alone (sola fide) and the Bible as the sole authority.

A branch of Protestantism founded by Martin Luther, emphasizing salvation by faith alone and the Bible's supreme authority.

A branch of Protestantism founded by John Calvin, emphasizing predestination (God's predetermined choice of salvation) and a strict moral code.

A branch of Christianity established by King Henry VIII of England, with a mixture of Catholic and Protestant practices under the leadership of the monarch.

A massive library in Baghdad, Iraq, where scholars from all over the world gathered to study religion and natural sciences. It was crucial for preserving Greek philosophy through translations and commentaries.

A religion founded in India that shares beliefs in reincarnation and the ultimate goal with Hinduism, but emphasizes equality rather than the caste system. It is considered a universalizing religion.

A period of change within Hinduism, marked by the rise of devotional practices focused on worshipping a single Hindu deity. This movement also rejected the caste system and emphasized spiritual experiences for all individuals.

A mystical and spiritual approach to Islam that focuses on personal experience and connection with God. It emphasizes a direct and emotional connection rather than strict adherence to religious law.

A sea-based Buddhist empire that dominated the Strait of Malacca in Southeast Asia from the 7th to 11th centuries. They controlled trade and amassed wealth by taxing merchants passing through the crucial waterway.

A sea-based empire in Southeast Asia founded in the late 13th century. While officially Hindu, it drew influences from Buddhism and maintained power through a tributary system with neighboring states.

A land-based Hindu kingdom in Sri Lanka that lasted for approximately 2,000 years, known for its strong governance and cultural achievements.

A land-based Hindu empire in Southeast Asia, known for its magnificent temples, especially the Angkor Wat. While founded as a Hindu empire, it was later converted to Buddhism.

A civilization in Mesoamerica famous for its well-developed writing system, advanced mathematics (including the use of zero), and massive urban centers. They lived in the rainforest of the Yucatán Peninsula.

A powerful civilization in Mesoamerica that rose to prominence in the 14th century through military expansion. They formed alliances with other Mesoamerican states, conquered territories, and established a tributary system. The Aztecs were also known for human sacrifice and their capital city, Tenochtitlan, a large and bustling city.

The city that served as the capital of the Aztec Empire. It was a large and vibrant center of commerce, religion, and political power, with a population estimated at 150,000 to 200,000 people.

A civilization in the Andes region of South America that emerged around the same time as the Inca. They built a large empire but collapsed around 1000 CE. Their influence on the Inca is evident in many aspects of Inca culture and organization.

A large and powerful civilization that rose to dominance in the Andes region of South America. They built a vast empire through military conquest and established a centralized bureaucracy unlike the Aztecs. The Inca implemented the Mit’a system, which required all people to work on state projects for a period of time each year.

A labor system practiced by the Inca Empire that required all people to contribute to state projects for a set period of time each year. This labor was used for mining, construction, or military service.

The first large-scale civilization in North America, known for its agriculture, political hierarchy, and religious practices. They were centered in the Mississippi Valley.

Early rest stops found along trade routes, mainly used for shelter, food, water, and security.

Settlements of people away from their original homelands, often introducing their own cultures and resulting in cultural exchange.

A triangular sail used by Arab sailors, designed to catch wind from various directions, allowing for easier navigation.

A common language used for communication between people speaking different languages.

The spread of something from its original location to new areas.

Regular winds that blow in a specific direction due to temperature differences, essential for navigating the Indian Ocean trade routes.

A period of relative peace and stability in Eurasia under the rule of the Mongol Empire during the 13th and 14th centuries.

A network of roads that facilitated trade and the spread of ideas and cultures across Eurasia.

The development of rural handicraft production for external markets alongside commercial agriculture.

A city located in the Zeravshan River Valley, situated along the Silk Roads. It served as a center for cultural exchange and trade.

A system of relay stations used for communication throughout the Mongol Empire, allowing for rapid exchange of messages.

The skilled equestrian Mongols who dominated military tactics through their horseback riding proficiency.

The longbow used by the Mongol archers, allowing for greater range and accuracy compared to European longbows.

The brutal and effective military tactics used by the Mongols, spreading fear and often preventing resistance.

The Mongol leader who unified Mongol tribes, conquered vast territories, and established the Mongol Empire.

Mounds of earth built by the Mississippian culture, mainly used for burial sites of important figures and religious ceremonies.

The largest Mississippian mound complex, built by the Cahokia people. Located in present-day Illinois, it was a major center of trade and political power.

Ancient civilization of the American Southwest known for their impressive cliff dwellings and intricate irrigation systems.

Ancient civilization of the American Southwest known for their unique architecture and mastery of water conservation.

A collection of city-states along the East African coast that flourished from the 8th century CE, known for their maritime trade network and connections to the Indian Ocean.

The dominant religion practiced by the Swahili people, adopted through trade with Muslim merchants.

A vast territory in present-day Mali that controlled the trans-Saharan trade network, gaining wealth from gold, salt, and other goods.

A collection of independent city-states in present-day Northern Nigeria that gained power through trade across the trans-Saharan network.

A Christian-based state in present-day Ethiopia, known for its centralized power structure, massive stone churches, and trade in salt.

The Roman emperor who made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire, uniting many Romans under this belief system.

A form of Christianity practiced by the Byzantine Empire, distinct from Roman Catholicism, with a strong emphasis on centralized power.

The main embodiment of Eastern Orthodox Christianity after the fall of the Byzantine Empire, known for borrowing Byzantine architectural and religious practices.

A system of social and political organization in medieval Europe, based on reciprocal obligations between lords and their vassals.

A system of agricultural labor in medieval Europe, where peasants were tied to the land and worked for a lord in exchange for protection and sustenance.

The series of religious wars sanctioned by the Catholic Church, often against Muslim-held territories, with the aim of reclaiming the Holy Land.

A system of trade routes that linked North Africa and the Mediterranean world with West Africa.

The adoption of the Uyghur script by the Mongols, which became a common language across the empire.

The flourishing of Swahili city-states along the East African coast due to the Indian Ocean trade.

The rise of Malacca as a powerful trading center due to its control over the Strait of Malacca, a key passageway in the Indian Ocean trade.

The establishment of diasporic communities by merchants, spreading their cultures and traditions to other regions.

The collapse of the Mongol Empire leading to a surge in Indian Ocean trade due to the disruption of the Silk Road.

The use of lateen sails, dhows, the magnetic compass, and the astrolabe, facilitating efficient and safe navigation in the Indian Ocean.

The growth of the Mali Empire due to its participation in the Trans-Saharan trade, leading to significant wealth and influence.

The Ghana Empire's control of the gold and salt trade, making it a wealthy and powerful empire in West Africa.

Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca, showcasing the immense wealth of the Mali Empire and impacting the value of gold in Egypt.

The spread of knowledge and culture through the Mongol Empire, facilitated by the Mongols' admiration for intellectuals and skilled artisans.

The key role of the Arabian camel with saddles in enabling the Trans-Saharan trade route.

The development of caravanserai along the Trans-Saharan trade route, similar to those found on the Silk Road.

The expansion of the Songhai Empire under Sunni Ali and Askia Muhammad, promoting Islamic culture and extending its territory.

The decline of the Songhai Empire due to the Moroccan invasion in 1591.

Three empires (Ottoman, Safavid, Mughal) that arose in the late medieval and early modern periods, known for their widespread use of gunpowder weapons.

The most significant Islamic empire during the 1450-1750 period, founded in the 14th century.

A Persian empire established in the 1500s, declared a Shi'a Islamic state.

An empire that replaced the Delhi Sultanate in the 16th century, led by Babur.

The successor to the Ming Dynasty, established by the Manchu.

A period in Japanese history (1603-1868) marked by peace and stability under the Tokugawa shogunate.

The methods rulers use to communicate their authority and establish their legitimacy as leaders.

The actions rulers take to consolidate their control and eliminate rival power centers.

A body of officials responsible for governing and administering an empire.

Conflicts between empires often driven by religious and political motives, especially over territory and resources.

A system used in the Mughal Empire where local landowners (Zamindars) were responsible for collecting taxes on behalf of the emperor.

A system used in the Ottoman Empire where the right to tax someone was sold to the highest bidder, allowing them to profit by charging higher taxes.

The dominant belief system in Europe since the 4th century, shaping cultural identity and leading to splits and reforms over time.

A split within Christianity during the 11th century, dividing the church into the Eastern Orthodox Church (primarily in the East) and the Roman Catholic Church (primarily in the West).

A 16th-century event sparked by Martin Luther's challenge to the Catholic Church's practices, emphasizing the Bible as the sole authority and leading to new Protestant denominations.

The Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing the importance of tradition and reaffirming core Catholic doctrines.

A type of ship developed by the Portuguese, known for its maneuverability due to its smaller size and better navigation. It was also equipped with cannons for warfare.

Developed in Han China, used for determining direction, especially useful for sailing during cloudy or rainy weather. A key tool in navigation.

Developed in Greece and improved by Muslims, it helps determine latitude and longitude by measuring stars, a vital tool for navigation.

A large ship built by the Portuguese, designed to carry a significant amount of cargo, also equipped with guns for protection. It dominated trade routes in the Indian Ocean.

A type of ship specifically built by the Dutch for trade, with ample space for cargo and a relatively small crew, maximizing profit and efficiency.

A major spice trade route between Europe and Asia. It was a valuable source of wealth and power for European empires since they controlled the trade of spices.

The practice of growing crops specifically for export, often on large plantations.

The process of European colonization of the Americas was made easier by the spread of diseases like influenza, which decimated Native populations.

The Columbian Exchange refers to the transfer of plants, animals, and diseases between the Old World (Europe, Asia, Africa) and the New World (Americas) following Christopher Columbus's voyages.

Europeans brought crops like wheat, grapes, and olives to the Americas, diversifying Native diets and increasing lifespans.

Native American crops like maize, potatoes, and tomatoes were introduced to Europe, leading to dietary diversification and population growth.

The Portuguese established a trading post empire in the Indian Ocean using superior naval technology and force.

The Spanish established colonies in the Philippines, utilizing similar methods to their American colonies, including tribute systems and forced labor.

The Dutch, with efficient ships called fluyts, surpassed the Portuguese dominance in the Indian Ocean trade, employing similar tactics to control trade routes.

The British, initially unable to conquer India, established trading posts along the coast, eventually transforming them into colonial rule.

The Tokugawa shogunate, fearing European influence and Christianity, isolated Japan from the outside world in the 17th century, leading to unique cultural development but missed technological advancements.

The Ming dynasty's voyages of Zheng He were aimed at establishing Chinese dominance in the Indian Ocean trade, but ultimately failed, leading to isolationist trade policies.

The Asante empire, through trade with Europeans, gained wealth and military power, allowing them to resist British colonization.

The Kingdom of Kongo, initially fostered a strong relationship with Portugal through trade, including the exchange of slaves, but eventually saw the relationship deteriorate.

Colonial economies in the Americas were often based on agriculture and relied on both existing and new labor systems.

The Spanish utilized the Inca Mit'a system, which required forced labor for mining silver, a key element of the colonial economy.

The belief that true knowledge is gained through sense experiences, particularly through rigorous experimentation.

A system where workers and production processes are concentrated in a single location, often using machinery for efficiency.

A policy of minimal government intervention in economic affairs, allowing free markets to operate without regulation.

A period in Japanese history (1868-1912) where Japan rapidly modernized and industrialized, adopting Western technology and practices to resist foreign influence.

The belief that reason, rather than emotion or external authority, is the primary source of true knowledge.

A period of defensive industrialization in China (1861-1895) where the country sought to modernize and strengthen its defenses against Western imperialism.

A heat engine that converts heat energy into mechanical work using steam as its working fluid.

An agreement, both explicit and implicit, among the members of a society to cooperate for mutual benefit, often involving the sacrifice of some individual freedom for state protection.

The right to vote in political elections.

An intellectual and cultural movement in 18th-century Europe that emphasized reason, individualism, and scientific inquiry, challenging traditional beliefs and promoting reform.

The French nobility, feeling threatened by the growing power of the monarchy, led peasant rebellions that lasted for six years.

Queen Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba in sub-Saharan Africa resisted Portuguese colonial encroachment by forming alliances with the Dutch and the Kongo kingdom.

The Pueblo people, oppressed by Spanish missionaries and forced labor, revolted violently in 1680, killing many missionaries and Spanish leaders. They successfully fended off the Spanish for a decade before being reconquered.

Enslaved Africans, forced to work on plantations in the Americas, sought escape from brutal conditions by running away to communities of free blacks called Maroon Societies.

In 1739, enslaved Africans in South Carolina staged the Stono Rebellion, killing their enslavers and attempting to escape. They were eventually defeated by British militia.

The expulsion of Jews from Spain and Portugal in the 15th century due to fears of religious conversion and influence. The Ottoman Empire offered refuge to these expelled Jews.

The Qing Dynasty, founded by the Manchu people, adopted some Chinese traditions but maintained a clear separation between the Manchu and Han Chinese, forcing Han men to wear the Manchu queue as a symbol of domination.

Akbar the Great, Mughal Emperor, was known for his tolerant policies towards ethnic and religious minorities, funding the construction of places of worship for various faiths.

Increased global trade and imperial expansion led to the rise of new elites, often based on wealth and political influence.

A rigid social hierarchy based on race and heritage implemented in Spanish colonies, replacing existing native social structures.

The Russian Boyars, the aristocratic land-owning class, lost power under Peter the Great's absolute rule, who sought to centralize authority.

Land grants given by the Ottoman state to aristocrats in exchange for military service were gradually replaced by tax farms, shifting wealth to the state.

Two common responses to ethnic diversity in pre-modern societies were expulsion and tolerance.

The expression or holding of opposing opinions, often against dominant norms or policies.

A system used by the Inca where subjects worked on state projects for a certain period each year. This labor was essential for infrastructure and military purposes.

A system of state-controlled economic policy that emphasizes wealth accumulation through favorable trade balances, often involving colonies.

A business chartered by the government, funded by investors, and granted monopolies on trade in specific regions.

A large agricultural estate owned by Spanish elites in Latin America, where Native laborers worked under forced conditions.

A system of forced labor used by Spanish colonists in the Americas, involving coercing Native populations into working for colonial authorities.

A form of slavery where individuals are owned as property and can be used at the will of their owner. This often led to hereditary slavery.

A contract where individuals agreed to work for a specified period, usually seven years, to pay for their passage to the Americas.

The movement of goods, wealth, and laborers across the Atlantic Ocean between the Americas and Europe.

The exploitation of silver mines in the Americas, primarily in Potosi, which fueled the European economy and impacted global trade.

A political ideology where absolute monarchs hold supreme power and consolidate all authority under their rule.

A period of French civil unrest marked by opposition to the policies of King Louis XIV, particularly his attempts to increase taxes and expand royal power.

The process of cultural blending, where two or more cultures interact and merge, resulting in new and unique cultural expressions.

Languages that develop from the blending of different languages, often arising from interactions between colonizers and indigenous populations.

The practice of having multiple wives simultaneously, often a response to population decline due to factors like the slave trade.

The imbalance in the gender ratio of populations, often caused by factors like the slave trade which primarily targeted men.

The desire for greater wealth, often through finding new sources of gold, silver, and other valuable resources. This motivated European exploration and spurred their engagement in global trade. They sought to tap into lucrative trade routes and exploit newfound resources.

European explorers viewed exploration as a means to enhance their political power and influence. By establishing colonies and controlling strategic areas, they aimed to assert dominance over their rivals. This was especially evident as competing European powers ventured out to establish their own empires.

The belief in the importance of spreading Christianity to new lands played a role for some explorers, particularly those seeking the favor of the church or driven by a sense of religious duty. It intertwined with ambitions for wealth and glory, leading to religious conversion attempts in colonized areas. This combined desire for religious expansion & personal glory.

Portugal's strategic location provided them a key advantage in seeking western expansion. Prince Henry the Navigator pioneered early expeditions to find a sea route to the Indian Ocean, seeking to break into this lucrative trading network. This focused on connecting directly with Asian markets for spices and other lucrative goods.

Prince Henry the Navigator recognized the potential riches in the Trans-Saharan trade, particularly the demand for gold and spices. He sought to establish a sea-based trade route to bypass land-based routes controlled by others. Religious motivations also played a role, as he sought a rumored Christian king, Prester John, in Ethiopia.

Advances in navigational tools like the compass and astrolabe, along with the development of ship designs such as the Caravel and Carrack, empowered Portuguese explorers to undertake long-distance voyages with greater precision and durability. It greatly contributed to their dominance as explorers and their success in reaching the Indian Ocean.

Portugal's strategy involved setting up self-sufficient trading posts in strategic locations around Africa and the Indian Ocean. These posts facilitated trade, controlled key routes, and served as stepping stones for further expansion. They aimed to solidify their influence and control over trade networks.

Bartholomew Diaz, a Portuguese explorer, established the first trading post on the western coast of Africa, securing a source of gold. He later ventured around the southern tip of Africa, marking a critical step in the search for an all-water route to the Indian Ocean. This paved the way for Vasco de Gama's crucial voyage.

Vasco de Gama, under the patronage of the Portuguese crown, successfully navigated around the southern tip of Africa and reached the Indian Ocean, establishing ports along the eastern and western coasts. He reached Calicut, India, marking a turning point in maritime history as he discovered the riches of the Indian Ocean Trade. This opened up a new era of trade and conquest for Portugal.

Portugal's success in controlling key trade networks in the Indian Ocean stemmed from their superior military technology. The presence of cannons mounted on their Caravel and Carrack ships allowed them to exert dominance over other seafarers. This leverage gave them a significant advantage in securing their trade dominance.

Christopher Columbus, believed he could reach the Spice Islands of the East by sailing westward across the Atlantic. Lack of funding in Portugal led him to seek support from Spain's Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. In 1492, he reached the Caribbean, mistakenly believing he had reached the East Indies. Subsequent voyages confirmed his discovery of new lands outside of Europe, sparking the Age of Exploration.

Spain, driven by the wealth and resource potential Columbus's discoveries brought, actively sought to establish colonies in the New World. They sent numerous expeditions and conquered many lands, opening up the Transatlantic trade route. The Spanish conquistadors sought to establish their own empires and control resources.

Spain ran its colonies through a system of forced labor, extracting wealth through tribute systems and taxes. This system allowed for exploitation by the Spanish crown and enriched them at the expense of indigenous populations. The colonial exploitation model had a devastating impact on the indigenous communities.

France also embarked on expeditions seeking a westward passage to the Indian Ocean. However, they ultimately established themselves in North America. They engaged in the fur trade in the Great Lakes region, which became economically significant, and established settlements like Quebec, led by Samuel de Champlain. They pursued both trade and colonization in the New World.

England's involvement in exploration and colonization began later than other European powers. They had a thriving textile industry that diverted capital from overseas ventures. The defeat of Spain's invasion attempt under Queen Elizabeth I allowed England to emerge as a strong naval power. Sir Walter Raleigh established Virginia in 1587, followed by the founding of Jamestown in 1607. England's late entry into the race for colonization was driven by political changes and economic opportunities.

Holland, having achieved independence from Spain, became the wealthiest state in Europe. They competed with Portugal for control of key ports in Africa and the Indian Ocean. Through the Dutch East India Company (VOC), they aimed to establish a trade monopoly. By dominating the spice trade, particularly nutmeg, they established colonies and trading posts throughout the East Indies. The VOC's immense influence and its focus on spice trade led to the establishment of a powerful Dutch colonial empire.