Question 1

Compare slavery in Africa from before and after the arrival of the Portuguese.

Accepted Answer

Before the arrival of the Portuguese, slavery in Africa was already a common practice. It was primarily based on traditional systems of servitude and was often used as a means of labor and social organization within African societies. Slaves were often captured as prisoners of war or as a result of criminal punishment, and were used for domestic work, agricultural labor, and as a form of currency or trade.

However, with the arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century, the nature of slavery in Africa changed significantly. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to engage in the transatlantic slave trade, and they began to capture and transport large numbers of African slaves to the Americas to work on plantations. This led to the development of a new and brutal form of slavery, as African slaves were now being forcibly taken from their homes and families and subjected to harsh and inhumane treatment in the New World.

The Portuguese also played a significant role in perpetuating and expanding the slave trade in Africa, as they established trading posts and forts along the coast and actively participated in the exchange of goods for slaves with African rulers and merchants. This further fueled the demand for slaves and led to the widespread and systematic exploitation of African people for profit.

In summary, while slavery was already a part of African society before the arrival of the Portuguese, their involvement in the transatlantic slave trade significantly altered the nature and scale of slavery in Africa, leading to widespread and devastating consequences for the continent and its people.

Question 2

Describe the rules,setting,and function of the Japanese tea ceremony.

Accepted Answer

The Japanese tea ceremony, also known as "chanoyu" or "sado," is a traditional ritual influenced by Zen Buddhism in which powdered green tea, or matcha, is ceremonially prepared and served to a small group of guests. The ceremony is typically conducted in a specially designated tea room, often with a traditional tatami floor and minimal decoration to create a serene and meditative atmosphere.

The rules and etiquette of the Japanese tea ceremony are highly formalized and steeped in tradition. Guests are expected to follow specific behaviors and gestures, such as bowing before entering the tea room, sitting in a prescribed manner, and using designated utensils to handle and drink the tea. The host of the ceremony, known as the "teishu," meticulously prepares the tea with precise movements and attention to detail, often using a bamboo whisk to froth the matcha and a special tea bowl to serve it to the guests.

The function of the Japanese tea ceremony extends beyond simply enjoying a cup of tea. It is a means of fostering harmony, respect, and tranquility among the participants. The ritual is intended to create a sense of mindfulness and connection, allowing guests to appreciate the beauty of simplicity and the fleeting nature of life. Through the shared experience of the tea ceremony, participants can cultivate a deeper understanding of Japanese aesthetics, cultural values, and the principles of Zen Buddhism. Overall, the Japanese tea ceremony serves as a profound expression of hospitality, grace, and mindfulness.

Question 3

European military commanders viewed the Kongolese minkonde figures as

Accepted Answer

A)  evidence of aggressive native opposition to colonial control.
B)  native ancestral connection to a spirit world.
C)  adaptation of Christ to feature African characteristics.
D)  proof that the Africans believed the Europeans were divine. A

Question 4

What determined if a painter belonged to the Northern or the Southern school?

Accepted Answer

A)  the painter's place of residence
B)  the painting's focus on nature or mythology
C)  the location of the painter's birth
D)  the painting's spirit and style

Question 5

Hernán Cortés was surprised by the Aztec capital Tenochtitlán's

Accepted Answer

A)  primitiveness.
B)  heavy fortifications.
C)  sophistication.
D)  island location.

Question 6

Beginning in 1587,Japan closed itself off to the rest of the world to

Accepted Answer

A)  eliminate foreign influence on its culture.
B)  prevent military conflicts with other countries.
C)  avoid reliance on foreign goods.
D)  purge the Portuguese slave trade.

Question 7

Define the "stillness of inaction" in relation to a Noh drama,and explain its intended effect on an audience.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define the "stillness of inaction" in relation...

Question 8

What had the Aztecs done that caused other native tribes to resent them and thus be willing to help Hernán Cortés in his conquest?

Accepted Answer

A)  confiscated their gold and silver
B)  established Tenochtitlán on the best farmland
C)  raided their villages for sacrifice victims
D)  seized their land to build Tenochtitlán

Question 9

The Spanish were unable to use African slaves in the Bolivian silver mine at Potosí,because the Africans

Accepted Answer

A)  feared the wrath of the Incan gods.
B)  were unable to adjust to the high elevation.
C)  had no skills as miners.
D)  were allergic to silver.

Question 10

Describe the way Hernando Cortés conquered the Aztec,bringing in the connection with the legendary hero Quetzalcóatl.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the way Hernando Cortés conquered the...

Question 11

The Kongolese were especially accepting of Christianity,because they

Accepted Answer

A)  revered a resurrected hero.
B)  believed in an afterlife.
C)  had a mythology that included a crucified savior.
D)  believed in miracles.

Question 12

Yoshimitsu and later Ashikaga shoguns associated themselves with the arts to

Accepted Answer

A)  establish themselves as superior to the Mongols.
B)  lend their shogunates authority and legitimacy.
C)  win the favor of the Japanese people.
D)  compete with the Chinese emperors.

Question 13

What ritual activity is universally practiced across West Africa?

Accepted Answer

A)  scarification
B)  mother worship
C)  masked dance
D)  marimba music

Question 14

Zhu Di conceived of the treasure fleet to

Accepted Answer

A)  extend Chinese influence throughout the world.
B)  scout other cultures for potential threats.
C)  open diplomatic relations with other cultures.
D)  obtain building materials for the Forbidden City.

Question 15

Describe the appearance and meaning of a karesansui Zen garden.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the appearance and meaning of a...

Question 16

Eighteenth-century Spanish-American casta paintings depicted

Accepted Answer

A)  social hierarchy.
B)  religious syncretism.
C)  racial genealogy.
D)  economic disparity.

Question 17

The Benin equated their sacred mudfish with the Portuguese,because both

Accepted Answer

A)  could swim and walk on land.
B)  were poison to their enemies.
C)  brought great gifts to the Benin.
D)  had beards or beard-like growths.

Question 18

On what Mogul favorite pattern is The Taj Mahal's interior design is based upon a

Accepted Answer

A)  a square with its corners rounded off.
B)  a Classical circle within a perfect square.
C)  an interpenetrating square and cross.
D)  a hypostyle rectangle.

Question 19

All of the following are parts of Noh drama EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)  masks.
B)  poetry.
C)  opera.
D)  mime.

Question 20

Within two years after Hernán Cortés's arrival,how many of the original 20 to 25 million inhabitants of Mexico survived?

Accepted Answer

A)  1 million
B)  2 million
C)  5 million
D)  10 million

Exam 18: Encounter and Confrontation: the Impact of Increasing Global Interaction