1. The World Around 1500 Review Questions

2. What were some of the major states and empires in the eastern hemisphere around 1500?

3. China
England
France
Holy Roman Empire
Mughal Empire (India)
Safavid Empire (Persia)
Russia
Spain
Ottoman Empire

5. What were the major empires in the western hemisphere around 1500?

6. Aztec
Maya
Inca

7. Where was the Ottoman Empire located?

8. The Ottoman Empire was located in southwest Asia, northern Africa and southeastern Europe.

9. How did the Ottoman Empire expand?

10. The Ottoman Empire began in Asia Minor (Turkey) and spread across northern Africa and southeastern Europe.

11. What was the capital of the Ottoman Empire?

12. The capital of the Ottoman Empire was Istanbul
The capital of the Ottoman Empire was Istanbul. This city was previously known as Constantinople.

13. Describe the role of Islam in the Ottoman Empire.

14. Islam served as a unifying force in the Ottoman Empire
Islam served as a unifying force in the Ottoman Empire. However, the Ottomans were tolerant of other religions.

15. What were the major trade items of the Ottoman Empire?

16. Coffee and ceramics were two major trade items in the Ottoman Empire.

17. Which empire was located in present day Iran around 1500?

18. The Safavid Empire (Persia) was located in present day Iran around 1500.
Black Sea
Caspian Sea
Mediterranean Sea
Persian Gulf

19. Where was the Mughal Empire located?

20. The Mughal Empire was located in northern India.

21. What were some of the major contributions of the Mughal emperors of India?

22. Some of the major contributions of the Mughal Empire were the spread of Islam into India, the building of the Taj Mahal and the production of textiles.

23. Describe trade between the Mughal Empire and European nations.

24. The Mughals were open to trade with Europeans
The Mughals were open to trade with Europeans. Portugal, England and the Netherlands (Dutch) competed for control of trade in the Indian Ocean.

25. What were the major trade items in southern India?

26. Silk, spices and gems were the major trade items in southern India.

27. What characteristics did the Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal empires have in common?

28. The Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires all practiced Islam, used gunpowder, had strong militaries, were tolerant of other religions, and valued trade, art, literature and architecture.

29. Which dynasty controlled China around 1500?

30. The Ming Dynasty was in power around 1500.

31. Where did Zheng He sail, and what was the purpose of these voyages?

32. Zheng He led Chinese voyages for the Ming Dynasty throughout Asia, India, Arabia, and eastern Africa. The purpose of the voyages was to show the world the splendor of the Ming Dynasty and expand the tribute system.

33. How did China react to European traders?

34. Canton and international trade in the 18th century
China limited trade with Europeans by creating foreign enclaves to control trade.
Canton and international trade in the 18th century
Chinese junk, 17th century

35. What were some of the trade items that Europeans desired the most from China?

36. In Europe, there was a high demand for Chinese silk, tea and porcelain.

37. Who controlled Japan around 1500?

38. Japan had an emperor, but he did NOT have any real power
Japan had an emperor, but he did NOT have any real power. Japan was actually controlled by military leaders called Shoguns under the Tokugawa Shogunate.

39. Why did the Japanese initially welcome trade with Europeans?

40. The Japanese were initially interested in trading with the Europeans, because they wanted European muskets and cannons.

41. Why did the Japanese eventually limit trade and ban Christians from their country?

42. Dr. Medhurst, well known missionary
The Japanese government scorned Christian beliefs and did not like Christian involvement in their political affairs. As a result, the Japanese government instituted a closed country policy.
Dr. Medhurst, well known missionary

43. Why did the Chinese and Japanese prefer to trade with The Netherlands (Dutch) rather than England?

44. The Chinese and Japanese preferred trading with the Dutch, because the Dutch respected Chinese and Japanese cultural traditions. For example, the Dutch brought gifts and performed the Kowtow ritual.

45. Which empire controlled much of western Africa around 1500?

46. The Songhay Empire controlled much of western Africa around 1500.

47. What impact did Islam have on the rural areas of Africa under the Songhay empire?

48. Islam was the official religion of the Songhay Empire; however, most people in western African did NOT convert to Islam. (97% of the people in the countryside continued to practice traditional African religions.)

49. Which empire was located in southern Mexico around 1500?

50. The Aztec Empire was located in southern Mexico around 1500.

51. Which empire was located on the Yucatan peninsula around 1500?

52. The Mayan Empire was located on the Yucatan Peninsula around 1500.

53. Which empire was located along the western coast of South America around 1500?

54. The Inca Empire was located along the western coast of South America around 1500.