Download week 9 10_27

World History 9 Homework
10/27-10/31
Monday 10/27
Read the Classical China - Introduction section and answer the questions.
Tuesday 10/28
Read the Classical Civilizations selection Triggers for Change and answer the questions
**Read pgs. 88-91
1. In your own words, explain how Shih Huang-ti handled Chinese currency, law, weights, and
measures.
2. Why do you think Shih Huang-ti felt it was important to take the actions mentioned in
question 1?
3. List Shi Huang-ti’s positive and negative achievements in a T-chart.
4. Describe the circumstances that led to the collapse of the Ch’in dynasty
Wednesday 10/29
Read the Classical Civilizations selection Continuity and answer the questions.
Thursday 10/30
Study for quiz: Transition to the Classical Period; Classical China
Friday 10/31
Have a great weekend!
I. INTRODUCTION
The major development during the Classical Period of world history was the formation of large
regional civilizations in China, India, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. Although much of
the world remained outside the main areas of civilization, these areas had by far the largest
concentration of population. Furthermore, the influence of these civilizations extended into
surrounding regions outside their direct control. Classical civilizations also had important
relationships with nomadic groups, mostly from central Asia, who traded with them and
periodically attempted invasion. Nevertheless, regions outside the world’s main civilizational
areas require some separate attention during this long period.
1. How did the areas in which the classical civilizations develop differ from other areas around
the world?
2. Many of the areas in which Classical civilizations developed were also some of the same
places that had turned to farming years earlier. Explain this “coincidence”.
II. TRIGGERS FOR CHANGE
Despite the lack of a clear transition, the Classical civilizations that began to emerge about 500
B.C.E. were measurably different from their river valley predecessors. They grew noticeably
larger in their geographic, cultural, economic, and political reach. Each major civilization, at
least periodically, conquered other peoples and areas and created large empires. Although
empires were not new in world history, those of the classical period in world history were more
powerful and widespread than any precedent. What allowed this greater reach was military
conquest, made possible by the introduction of iron tools and weapons, beginning about 1500
B.C.E. As larger empires developed, leaders worked to tie their territories together both
commercially and culturally. Bureaucracy (a system in which non-elected officials of a
governmental help implement the rules, laws, and functions of their government) emerged.
1.In your own words, state the main idea of the selection above, Triggers for Change.
2. What is the defining characteristic of the civilizations of the Classical Period?
3. Why did bureaucracy become necessary during the Classical Period?
III. CONTINUITY
While the introduction of iron helped usher in the Classical Period, the period itself did not
witness sweeping technological developments. Most peasants continued to use traditional
agricultural tools and methods. Similarly, except for the improved
road systems introduced by more powerful governments, there were no great advances in
transportation during this period. Rural culture remained somewhat apart from classical culture,
particularly in China and the Mediterranean. Many rural
people retained their traditional festivals and polytheistic religious beliefs alongside official
religions and philosophies.
Patriarchal culture prevailed in each of the major civilizations of the Classical Period. Social
divisions remained and even intensified, as each culture had particular ways of defining people’s
roles and obligations.
1.In your own words, state the main idea of the selection above, Continuity.
2. To what extent would Jared Diamond be surprised by the growing social division? Why/why
not?
3. Why do you think road systems were so critical during this time period?