Dhsnjrotc Ns2 Early Western Civilization
A Quiz over Early Western Civilization
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The first people known to use sea power were the sailors and traders of ancient
- A.
Rome
- B.
Pheonicia
- C.
Greece
- D.
Crete
Correct Answer
D. CreteExplanation
The correct answer is Crete because the ancient Cretans were known for their advanced maritime skills and were among the first to utilize sea power for trade and exploration. They had a strong navy and engaged in extensive maritime trade in the Mediterranean, establishing colonies and influencing other civilizations. The Minoan civilization, centered in Crete, had a significant impact on the development of seafaring in the ancient world.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Early warships, which were crewed by trained fighting men and propelled by oars as well as sails, were called
- A.
Frigates
- B.
Trading ships
- C.
Galleys
- D.
Boats of war
Correct Answer
C. GalleysExplanation
Early warships, known as galleys, were crewed by trained fighting men and were propelled by oars as well as sails. Galleys were long, narrow vessels that were designed for speed and maneuverability in battle. They were commonly used by ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans, and were particularly effective in naval warfare due to their ability to quickly change direction and ram enemy ships. The term "galleys" accurately describes the early warships that were crewed by trained fighters and used both oars and sails for propulsion.Rate this question:
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- 3.
For many centuries after the fall of Rome in 476 A.D., Europe suffered in the turmoil of the Dark Ages while the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Mediterraneanfell under the control of the
- A.
Moslems
- B.
Byzantine Empire
- C.
Italian States
- D.
Spanish
Correct Answer
A. MoslemsExplanation
During the Dark Ages, Europe experienced political instability and cultural decline. Meanwhile, the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Mediterranean came under the control of the Moslems, who established the Islamic Caliphate. This period witnessed advancements in various fields such as science, mathematics, medicine, and architecture. The Moslems also preserved and translated many ancient Greek and Roman texts, which later had a significant impact on the Renaissance in Europe. Therefore, the rise of the Moslems during this time contributed to the stark contrast between the development of these regions.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The capital of the Byzantine Empire was at
- A.
Constantinople
- B.
Rome
- C.
Athens
- D.
Macedonia
Correct Answer
A. ConstantinopleExplanation
The capital of the Byzantine Empire was located in Constantinople. This city, which is now known as Istanbul, was strategically positioned on the Bosporus Strait, connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. Its prime location allowed the Byzantine Empire to control key trade routes and defend against potential invaders. Constantinople was also a center of cultural and intellectual activity, boasting impressive architecture and serving as a hub for trade, diplomacy, and religious affairs. Its prominence as the capital of the Byzantine Empire lasted for over a thousand years until it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1453.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The longest period of peace in world history was known as the
- A.
Mare Nostrom
- B.
Pax Romana
- C.
Golden Age of Athens
- D.
Crusades
Correct Answer
B. Pax RomanaExplanation
Pax Romana refers to the longest period of peace in world history. It was a time of relative stability and prosperity in the Roman Empire, lasting from 27 BCE to 180 CE. During this period, the Roman Empire experienced minimal internal conflicts and expanded its influence across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The Pax Romana was characterized by efficient governance, improved infrastructure, and flourishing trade. It allowed for cultural exchange, advancements in architecture, literature, and the arts. This period is often regarded as a golden age for the Roman Empire.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Our alphabet is based on the alphabet of what ancient people?
- A.
Pheonicians
- B.
Greeks
- C.
Romans
- D.
Cretans
Correct Answer
A. PheoniciansExplanation
The correct answer is Phoenicians. The Phoenicians were an ancient civilization that lived in the eastern Mediterranean around 1200 BCE. They were known for their maritime trade and their alphabet, which became the basis for many modern alphabets including the one we use today. The Phoenician alphabet consisted of 22 consonant symbols and did not include vowels, but it was later adapted by the Greeks who added vowel symbols to create the Greek alphabet. The Roman alphabet, which is the basis for many European languages, including English, was derived from the Greek alphabet.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What famous was was fought to secure control of the Turkish Straits in order to insure Greek control of the Aegean-Black Sea trade?
- A.
The Crusades
- B.
The Punic War
- C.
The Trojan War
- D.
The French and Indian War
Correct Answer
C. The Trojan WarExplanation
The Trojan War was fought to secure control of the Turkish Straits in order to ensure Greek control of the Aegean-Black Sea trade. This war is famous in Greek mythology and was waged between the Greeks and the Trojans. The Greeks besieged the city of Troy for ten years, ultimately leading to its downfall. The war had significant consequences for both sides and is often considered a pivotal event in ancient history.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What city is known as the birthplace of democracy in government?
- A.
Rome
- B.
Athens
- C.
Carthage
- D.
Macedonia
Correct Answer
B. AthensExplanation
Athens is known as the birthplace of democracy in government because it was in this city-state where the concept of democracy was first developed and implemented. In Athens, citizens had the right to participate in the decision-making process, vote on laws, and hold public office. This system of government, known as Athenian democracy, laid the foundation for the democratic principles and institutions that are still influential in modern governments around the world.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The Punic Wars were between what two major powers?
- A.
Rome and Carthage
- B.
Greece and Persia
- C.
Arabs and Christian
- D.
Spain and England
Correct Answer
A. Rome and CarthageExplanation
The Punic Wars were a series of conflicts fought between Rome and Carthage. These wars were significant because they resulted in the eventual rise of Rome as a dominant power in the Mediterranean region. Carthage, a powerful city-state located in modern-day Tunisia, was a major maritime and trading power. Rome, on the other hand, was a growing republic seeking to expand its influence. The wars were fought over control of trade routes, territories, and resources, and ultimately ended with the complete destruction of Carthage by Rome.Rate this question:
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- 10.
King Phillip II sent his Spanish Armada against England in 1588 for which of the following reasons?
- A.
To retain Spains supremacy on the seas
- B.
To stop English privateers from raiding his ships
- C.
To bring England back into the Catholic church
- D.
All the above
Correct Answer
D. All the aboveExplanation
King Phillip II sent his Spanish Armada against England in 1588 for multiple reasons. Firstly, he wanted to retain Spain's supremacy on the seas and establish dominance over England. Secondly, he aimed to stop English privateers from raiding his ships and disrupting Spanish trade routes. Lastly, Phillip II sought to bring England back into the Catholic church, as England had recently broken away from Catholicism under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Therefore, all of the given options are correct reasons for Phillip II's decision to send the Spanish Armada against England.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The first to seek new sea routes to the Indies and the Orient were the
- A.
Portuguese
- B.
Spanish
- C.
English
- D.
Dutch
Correct Answer
A. PortugueseExplanation
The Portuguese were the first to seek new sea routes to the Indies and the Orient. They were motivated by their desire to bypass the monopolistic control of the spice trade by the Venetians and the Ottomans. Led by explorers such as Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese successfully reached India in 1498, establishing direct trade links and opening up new opportunities for European powers in the East. Their pioneering efforts paved the way for subsequent European exploration and colonization in the region.Rate this question:
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- 12.
With the Treaty of Paris in 1763, the war in North America between France and England ended. Who controlled the world's seas at the time?
- A.
France
- B.
Spain
- C.
England
- D.
Portugal
Correct Answer
C. EnglandExplanation
The Treaty of Paris in 1763 marked the end of the war between France and England in North America. This means that England emerged as the victor and gained control over the territories previously held by France. As a result, England also gained control over the world's seas, solidifying its dominance as a naval power during that time.Rate this question:
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- 13.
After the battle of Salamis of 480 B.C., the great period of peace during which theater, sculpture, writing, and philosophy fllourished is known as the
- A.
Age of Alexander the Great
- B.
Renaissance
- C.
Golden Age of Athens
- D.
Western Civilization Age
Correct Answer
C. Golden Age of AthensExplanation
The correct answer is Golden Age of Athens. After the battle of Salamis in 480 B.C., Athens experienced a period of peace and prosperity known as the Golden Age. During this time, there was a flourishing of arts, culture, and intellectual pursuits, including theater, sculpture, writing, and philosophy. This period is often considered the pinnacle of Athenian civilization and had a significant impact on the development of Western culture.Rate this question:
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- 14.
National wealth was measured by the amount of treasure in the royal vaults. The total wealth of the world was limited. To become richer and more powerful, a nation had to make some other nation poorer through capture of its trade and colonies. This was
- A.
Hanseatic League
- B.
Pax Romana
- C.
Mercantile Theory
- D.
Mare Nostrom
Correct Answer
C. Mercantile TheoryExplanation
The correct answer is Mercantile Theory. The explanation for this answer is that the Mercantile Theory was a belief system during the early modern period that emphasized the accumulation of wealth through trade and the establishment of colonies. According to this theory, a nation's wealth was measured by the amount of treasure it had, and in order to become richer and more powerful, a nation had to capture the trade and colonies of other nations, thereby making them poorer. This theory influenced the economic policies of many European nations during the age of exploration and colonization.Rate this question:
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- 15.
In the battle of Lepanto in 1571, Christian forces defeated the
- A.
Greeks
- B.
Ottoman Turks
- C.
Moors
- D.
Romans
Correct Answer
B. Ottoman TurksExplanation
In the battle of Lepanto in 1571, the Ottoman Turks were defeated by Christian forces. This victory marked a significant turning point in the conflict between the Christian powers and the Ottoman Empire. The battle took place in the Gulf of Patras, off the coast of Greece, and resulted in the destruction of a significant portion of the Ottoman fleet. The defeat weakened the Ottoman Empire's naval power and halted their expansion into the Mediterranean. It also boosted the morale of the Christian forces and demonstrated their ability to resist Ottoman aggression.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The ability of a nation to defend her own sea communication and to deny the enemy the use of the sea to carry on a war is called
- A.
Sea control
- B.
Maritime strength
- C.
Sea power
- D.
Strength of the seas
Correct Answer
C. Sea powerExplanation
Sea power refers to the ability of a nation to defend its own sea communication and deny the enemy the use of the sea to carry on a war. It involves having a strong naval force, including ships, submarines, and aircraft, to protect maritime interests and project power across the seas. Sea power is crucial for countries to maintain control over their waters and ensure the security of their trade routes and national interests.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which of the following were English "sea dogs"?
- A.
Sir Francis Drake, Sir John Hawkins, and Martin Frobisher
- B.
Lord Admiral Charles Howard, and the Duke of Medina Sidonia
- C.
Bartholomeu Diaz, Vasco da Gama, and Christopher Columbus
- D.
Don John, Ali Pasha, and Mark Antony
Correct Answer
A. Sir Francis Drake, Sir John Hawkins, and Martin FrobisherExplanation
Sir Francis Drake, Sir John Hawkins, and Martin Frobisher were all English "sea dogs" because they were prominent English naval captains and privateers during the Elizabethan era. They were known for their expeditions, piracy, and attacks on Spanish ships and colonies in the New World. They played a significant role in the English defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The second group to master the sea were the
- A.
Cretes
- B.
Romans
- C.
Phoenicians
- D.
Greeks
Correct Answer
C. PhoeniciansExplanation
The Phoenicians were the second group to master the sea. They were known for their advanced maritime skills and navigation techniques. They established a vast trading network across the Mediterranean Sea, which allowed them to dominate maritime trade during their time. Their mastery of the sea enabled them to explore and colonize new territories, contributing to their economic and cultural influence in the ancient world.Rate this question:
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- 19.
What treaty in 1763 ended the war in North America between France and England?
- A.
Treaty of the Spanish Armada
- B.
Treaty of Paris
- C.
Treaty of Salamis
- D.
Treaty of Yorktown
Correct Answer
B. Treaty of ParisExplanation
The Treaty of Paris in 1763 ended the war in North America between France and England. This treaty marked the end of the Seven Years' War and resulted in France ceding its North American territories to England. The treaty established British dominance in North America and marked a significant shift in power in the region.Rate this question:
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- 20.
What group of Europeans became the leaders of Western culture after the Greeks?
- A.
Moors
- B.
Romans
- C.
Phoenicians
- D.
Persians
Correct Answer
B. RomansExplanation
The Romans became the leaders of Western culture after the Greeks. They built upon the foundations laid by the Greeks and expanded their influence across Europe. The Romans were known for their advancements in architecture, engineering, law, and governance, which greatly shaped Western civilization. They also spread their language, Latin, which became the basis for many modern European languages. The Romans' cultural and political dominance lasted for centuries and had a lasting impact on Western culture.Rate this question:
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- 21.
What Italian state became a great commercial and naval power during the Crusades?
- A.
Venice
- B.
Carthage
- C.
Rome
- D.
Spain
Correct Answer
A. VeniceExplanation
During the Crusades, Venice emerged as a significant commercial and naval power. Its strategic location on the Adriatic Sea allowed it to establish trade routes with the Byzantine Empire and the Middle East. Venice became a major center for trade, especially in luxury goods such as spices, silk, and precious metals. The wealth generated from trade enabled Venice to build a powerful navy, which further strengthened its position as a dominant maritime power during this period.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The "Age of Discovery" was referred to as being a new age of
- A.
Economic growth
- B.
Trade relations among nations
- C.
Sea power
- D.
Privateering
Correct Answer
C. Sea powerExplanation
During the "Age of Discovery," sea power played a crucial role in the exploration and expansion of nations. This period saw the emergence of powerful naval fleets that enabled countries to navigate unknown waters, establish trade routes, and claim territories overseas. Sea power was essential for protecting these trade routes, defending colonies, and projecting military strength. It allowed nations to assert dominance over the seas, which in turn facilitated economic growth and trade relations among nations. Additionally, sea power also led to the rise of privateering, where governments authorized private individuals to attack and capture enemy ships, further enhancing their naval capabilities and economic gains.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Who led Maine backwoodsmen in the first American capture of a British ship?
- A.
John Paul Jones
- B.
Benedict Arnold
- C.
George Washington
- D.
Jeremiah O'Brien
Correct Answer
D. Jeremiah O'BrienExplanation
Jeremiah O'Brien led Maine backwoodsmen in the first American capture of a British ship. This event is known as the Battle of Machias, which took place during the American Revolutionary War. O'Brien, along with his fellow patriots, successfully captured the British ship Margaretta in 1775, marking a significant victory for the American forces.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Instead of meeting General Burgyone in Albany in 1777, General Howe made an ill-advised decision to capture which city?
- A.
New York City
- B.
Boston
- C.
Philadelphia
- D.
Savannah
Correct Answer
C. PhiladelphiaExplanation
During the American Revolutionary War in 1777, General Howe, the British commander, decided to divert his forces towards capturing Philadelphia instead of meeting General Burgyone in Albany. This decision proved to be ill-advised as it spread his forces thin and left Burgoyne unsupported, ultimately leading to his defeat at the Battle of Saratoga. By capturing Philadelphia, Howe aimed to cut off the political and economic center of the colonies, hoping to weaken the revolutionaries. However, this move did not have the desired impact and instead bolstered the resolve of the American forces.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Although General Arnold defeated the British at Lake Champlain in 1775 was not a conventional "victory" (he lost all his ships) the battle benefitted American troops by
- A.
Severely damaging the British Fleet
- B.
Saving Yorktown
- C.
Slowing the British advance enough to allow the Americans time to regroup and train troops
- D.
Retaking Fort Ticonderoga
Correct Answer
C. Slowing the British advance enough to allow the Americans time to regroup and train troopsExplanation
The correct answer is Slowing the British advance enough to allow the Americans time to regroup and train troops. Although General Arnold lost all his ships, the battle at Lake Champlain in 1775 had the benefit of slowing down the British advance. This gave the American troops valuable time to regroup and train more soldiers, which ultimately helped in their overall strategy and preparedness for future battles.Rate this question:
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