Review Guide – Chapters 7 & 8 – Increasing Integration of Europe & The Americas and Oceania

Directions: Answer the following questions in preparation for your test over Chapters 7 & 8. Use your notes, homework,
online textbook, fast track for a 5 and other available resources.

1. What were the major problems facing the Byzantine Empire as it slowly declined?
The Byzantine Empire faced numerous problems, including continuous military threats from the Seljuk Turks, internal
political instability, economic difficulties, and the loss of key territories. Additionally, the Fourth Crusade in 1204 led to
the sacking of Constantinople, significantly weakening the empire.

2. What was the major economic impact of the Crusades?

The Crusades stimulated trade between Europe and the Middle East. They introduced Europeans to new goods such as
spices, silk, and other luxury items, which increased demand and led to the growth of trade networks and the rise of
merchant classes in Europe.

3. What was the unintended consequence of the 4th Crusade?

The unintended consequence of the Fourth Crusade was the sacking of Constantinople in 1204. This event weakened
the Byzantine Empire, leading to its fragmentation and making it more vulnerable to future attacks.

4. Identify the single biggest obstacle to the rise of a powerful Holy Roman Empire.
The biggest obstacle was the ongoing conflict between the emperors and the papacy, known as the Investiture
Controversy. This conflict over the appointment of church officials weakened the authority of the emperors and
prevented the unification of the empire.

5. What were the major factors that led to an increase in agricultural production during the high middle ages?
Innovations such as the three-field system, the heavy plow, and the use of horses instead of oxen for plowing increased
agricultural productivity. Additionally, a period of warmer climate known as the Medieval Warm Period improved
growing conditions.

6. Where did the reconquest of land from the Muslims occur?

The Reconquista took place in the Iberian Peninsula, where Christian kingdoms gradually reconquered territory from
Muslim rulers, culminating in the fall of Granada in 1492

7. What was the phrase used to describe medieval social structure?

The phrase "feudal system" or "feudalism" is often used to describe the social, economic, and political structure of
medieval Europe, characterized by a hierarchy of lords, vassals, and serfs.

8. What was the Hanseatic League? Where did the Hanseatic League operate?
The Hanseatic League was a commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and market towns in
Northwestern and Central Europe. It operated primarily in the Baltic and North Sea regions.

9. What were guilds? Who was allowed to join Guilds?

Guilds were associations of artisans or merchants who controlled the practice of their craft in a particular town.
Membership was typically restricted to those who had completed an apprenticeship and were deemed skilled in their
trade.
 10. What did Pope Urban II do in 1095?
Pope Urban II called for the First Crusade in 1095 at the Council of Clermont, urging Christians to reclaim the Holy Land
from Muslim control.

11. The last surviving Islamic outpost in Spain before 1492 was where?
The last Islamic outpost in Spain before 1492 was the Emirate of Granada.

12. Which crusade was the only one to actually recapture Jerusalem?
The First Crusade (1096-1099) was the only Crusade to successfully recapture Jerusalem.

13. What Mongol Court did Marco Polo visit in the late 1200’s?
Marco Polo visited the court of Kublai Khan in the late 1200s.

14. Why is St. Thomas Aquinas important to World History? What is he credited with starting?
St. Thomas Aquinas is important for integrating Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology, laying the groundwork
for scholasticism. He is credited with starting the Thomistic school of thought.

15. How was Italy politically structured during the late middle ages?
Italy was politically fragmented into numerous city-states and principalities, such as Venice, Florence, and the Papal
States.

16. Rulers of what American civilization deliberated state policy in the presence of the mummies of their
predecessors?
The Inca civilization's rulers deliberated state policy in the presence of the mummies of their predecessors.

17. Chinampas were raised fields constructed with fertile much from the lake’s bottom in Mesoamerica, which
provided the benefit of?
Chinampas were raised fields constructed with fertile muck from lake bottoms, providing highly productive agricultural
land.

18. The Tula & Toltec states went into steep decline as a result of internal power struggles & what other major
cause?
Besides internal power struggles, environmental changes and external invasions contributed to the decline of the Tula
and Toltec states.

19. How was a woman who died in childbirth perceived in Mexica society?
In Mexica society, a woman who died in childbirth was honored similarly to a warrior who died in battle, as both were
seen as having made a noble sacrifice.

20. How did the Mexica adapt culturally and religiously when they migrated to central Mexico?
The Mexica adopted many cultural and religious practices from the civilizations they encountered, including the worship
of deities such as Huitzilopochtli and the practice of human sacrifice.
 21. What was Cahokia Mounds? Why is it significant to World History?
Cahokia Mounds is a large pre-Columbian archaeological site located near present-day St. Louis, Missouri. It was
the center of Mississippian culture, flourishing from around 700 to 1400 CE. The site includes more than 100
earthen mounds used for ceremonial, political, and religious purposes. Its significance lies in its status as the
largest urban center north of Mexico before European contact, demonstrating advanced agricultural practices,
complex social organization, and long-distance trade networks.

22. What ruler began the first major expansions of the Inca Empire?
Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui (r. 1438–1471) is credited with initiating the first major expansions of the Inca Empire.
Under his leadership, the Incas transformed from a small kingdom around Cuzco into a vast empire, known as
Tawantinsuyu, extending across much of the Andes.

23. What was the Inca quipu?

The Inca quipu was a system of knotted cords used for record-keeping and communication. It functioned as a
way to store numerical data and information related to census records, taxation, and agricultural production, as
the Incas did not have a written language.

24. How did the Incas encourage obedience from their subject peoples?
The Incas encouraged obedience by integrating conquered peoples into their empire through a combination of
military force, administrative control, and cultural assimilation. They required labor tribute through the mita
system, provided protection, redistributed resources, and often relocated populations to prevent rebellion while
spreading Incan culture and religion.

25. What was marae in Pacific Island culture?

A marae was a sacred ceremonial site in Polynesian culture, often an open-air platform used for religious rituals,
community gatherings, and important social events. It served as a spiritual center for worshiping ancestors and
deities.

26. What was the class of high chiefs known as in Hawaiian social structure?
In Hawaiian social structure, the class of high chiefs was known as the ali'i. They held significant political and
religious authority, controlling land and resources, and were believed to be descended from the gods.
27. To what extent did cultural and religious traditions of the Australian Aborigines spread?
Australian Aboriginal cultural and religious traditions remained largely localized due to the continent's vast size
and the isolation of different groups. However, common themes such as the Dreamtime (creation myths),
totemic beliefs, and deep connections to the land were widespread, though the specific stories and practices
varied regionally.

28. Aztec expansion began under the leadership of what emperor?

Aztec expansion began under the leadership of Emperor Itzcoatl (r. 1427–1440). He formed alliances with
neighboring city-states to create the Triple Alliance, which laid the foundation for the Aztec Empire's dominance
in central Mexico.

Use the image below and your knowledge of world history to answer questions 29 -31
 Crusaders bombard Nicaea with heads in 1097.

29. This image is best understood in the context of what historical event occurring during the 1000’s C.E.

This event took place during the siege of Nicaea, a key city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) that was held by
the Seljuk Turks. The First Crusade was launched in response to a call for aid from the Byzantine Emperor Alexios
I Komnenos, who sought to reclaim territories lost to the Seljuks. The Crusaders' use of psychological warfare,
such as launching severed heads over city walls, exemplifies the brutal tactics employed during this campaign to
intimidate and demoralize the defenders.

30. What were some long-term economic and social consequence of events like the one shown in this image?
The 1097 siege of Nicaea during the First Crusade boosted trade, weakened feudalism, and spread knowledge
from the Middle East. It also deepened religious tensions, reshaping Europe’s economy and society for
centuries.

31. In what other region/location might a scene like the one in this image have taken place?
A scene like the one at Nicaea, where psychological warfare was used during a siege, could also have occurred
during the Siege of Antioch (1097–1098) in the First Crusade.
 Use the image below and your knowledge of world history to answer questions 32 & 33

Marco Polo leaving Venice on this eastward journey, 1338

32. This image best reflects Western European challenges to what Empire during the 1300’s?
The image reflects Western European challenges to the Mongol Empire, as explorers like Marco Polo sought
direct trade routes to Asia during the empire's decline.j
33. What might be the purpose behind this depiction of the city of Venice?

The depiction highlights Venice’s role as a wealthy trade hub and key link between Europe and the East,
showcasing its maritime power and global influence.

Use the image below and your knowledge of world history to answer questions 34 – 36

An artist depiction of chinampas agriculture

34. What were the reasons Lake Texcoco was important to the Aztec Empire?

Lake Texcoco provided water, fertile land for chinampas (floating gardens), and strategic advantages for
Tenochtitlán, supporting agriculture and trade.

35. This image illustrates what historical social development in Mexica society?
The image illustrates chinampa agriculture, showcasing the Aztecs' innovative farming techniques to support
their complex society.
 36. What problems do historians have with sources for Aztec history?

Historians face challenges due to the lack of Aztec-written records and the reliance on biased Spanish sources, with
many records also lost or difficult to translate.

Short answer: Answer the following in 2 – 5 sentences based on the complexity of the question.

37. Using your understanding of world history to answer Parts A and B

a. Identify and Explain ONE change in European society that took place in the cities of the High Middle
Ages

During the High Middle Ages 1000–1300 CE, there was a significant shift toward the growth of cities and towns,
particularly in northern Italy and northern France. The rise of trade routes and the expansion of markets led to the
growth of merchant and artisan classes. These urban centers became hubs of commerce, fostering the rise of a more
complex, urban-based society that contrasted with the agrarian feudal system.

b. Identify and Explain ONE change in European arts and literature during the High Middle Ages
One major change in European arts during the High Middle Ages was the development of Gothic architecture,
exemplified by the construction of soaring cathedrals like Notre-Dame de Paris. This architectural style emphasized
verticality and light, with stained glass windows and pointed arches. In literature, the period saw the rise of courtly love
poetry and epic tales like the Song of Roland, which celebrated chivalric ideals and heroic deeds.

38. Use your understanding of world history to answer parts A and B

a. Identify & Explain ONE technology that helped Polynesians manage a growing population
Polynesians developed advanced navigational tools like the star compass, outrigger canoes, and
wayfinding techniques that enabled them to travel vast distances across the Pacific. This helped manage
their growing population by enabling the discovery and settlement of new islands, thereby expanding
their resources and agricultural capacity.

b. Identify & Explain One-way social classes developed in Polynesia

In Polynesia, social classes were organized into chiefdoms (e.g., the ali'i class in Hawaii), where high chiefs held
political and religious power. This hierarchical system helped maintain order and stability in the growing
population by clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and land ownership, often with chiefs regarded as divine or
semi-divine figures.

Essay: Using specific examples and your knowledge of world history, evaluate the extent to which cities led to European
economic growth from c. 1100 to 1450 C.E.

Between c. 1100 and 1450 C.E., cities played a pivotal role in European economic growth, transforming the continent
from a primarily agrarian economy into one that was increasingly urbanized and interconnected through trade and
commerce. While agriculture remained the backbone of the economy, urban centers were crucial in fostering economic
expansion, providing platforms for trade, industry, and banking, which laid the foundation for later developments in the
Renaissance and beyond. However, the extent of this transformation varied across Europe, influenced by regional
differences, political stability, and technological advancements.

One of the most significant ways in which cities contributed to economic growth was through the expansion of trade. By
the High Middle Ages, cities like Venice, Genoa, and Florence had become thriving trade hubs. Venice, for example,
controlled vital trade routes between Europe and the Byzantine Empire and the Muslim world. The city’s strategic
location on the Adriatic Sea made it a key point for importing goods such as spices, silk, and precious metals. Similarly,
Genoa and Florence developed into major banking and commercial centers. As trade expanded, these cities became
crucial intermediaries, linking distant regions of Europe with Asia and Africa. This surge in trade not only facilitated the
exchange of goods but also contributed to the spread of new ideas, technologies, and cultural practices, enriching
European society.

Furthermore, the growth of towns in northern Europe, such as in Flanders, helped to establish a flourishing textile
industry. Flanders became famous for its woolen cloth, which was exported across Europe, significantly contributing to
the region’s economic prosperity. The economic boom in these cities created a demand for skilled artisans, merchants,
and workers, which increased urbanization and led to the rise of a new middle class—the bourgeoisie. This emerging
class played a crucial role in financing trade ventures, which, in turn, stimulated further economic activity.

Cities also led to innovations in banking and finance, which were vital for the expansion of trade and economic growth.
One of the key examples is Florence, which became the banking capital of Europe in the 14th century. The Medici family,
among others, established banks that facilitated long-distance trade and international finance. These banks provided
crucial services, including credit and money exchange, which made it easier for merchants to conduct business across
Europe and beyond. The development of letters of credit and bills of exchange allowed merchants to avoid the risks and
inefficiencies of carrying large sums of cash and encouraged the growth of long-distance trade. This financial
infrastructure created a more integrated European economy and laid the groundwork for the economic systems that
would flourish during the Renaissance.

Urban centers also saw the rise of new industries and technological innovations, which contributed to economic growth.
For example, Paris became a center of metalworking and textile production, while cities in Germany developed a strong
tradition of mining and metallurgy. The growth of industries such as these provided employment for a growing urban
population and increased the availability of goods for both local consumption and export. Additionally, cities like Bruges
and Ghent became centers of innovation in the production of high-quality woolen cloth, which was in demand across
Europe.

Technological advancements, such as the development of windmills and watermills, were also concentrated in cities,
leading to increased productivity in agriculture and manufacturing. These technologies allowed for more efficient milling
of grain and the production of textiles, which helped support urban populations and fueled economic growth.

However, while cities played a critical role in European economic growth during this period, the extent of their impact
was not uniform across the continent. In many regions, especially in rural areas, feudal agricultural practices remained
dominant, and urban growth was slower. For instance, in much of eastern and central Europe, cities were smaller and
less economically developed than in Italy and northern Europe. Additionally, the periodic disruptions caused by wars,
such as the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453), and the Black Death (1347-1351) had severe consequences for urban
populations. The Black Death, in particular, led to significant labor shortages, which temporarily stunted economic
growth in some areas.

Moreover, while cities were vital for trade, agriculture, and industrial production, the benefits of urban growth were not
always evenly distributed. The wealth generated by trade and industry often remained concentrated in the hands of a
few elites, such as merchants and bankers, while the majority of the urban population lived in poverty. This inequality
sometimes led to social unrest, such as the Peasants' Revolt in England (1381), which highlighted the tension between
the urban bourgeoisie and the rural peasantry.
In conclusion, from c. 1100 to 1450 C.E., cities were instrumental in driving European economic growth, particularly
through trade, banking, and industrial developments. Cities like Venice, Florence, and Paris became economic
powerhouses, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies. While the effects of urbanization were not
universal across Europe, and were sometimes interrupted by crises like the Black Death, the overall impact of cities on
European economic growth during this period was profound. The growth of urban centers not only contributed to the
economic prosperity of the time but also laid the groundwork for the cultural and intellectual achievements of the
Renaissance.