World History Homework Six Answers - Student One

VeronikaF

1.Identify the time period of the Middle Ages, and when the Crusades occurred within that period.

The Middle Ages occurred between A.D. 500 to 1500. This was a time of prosperity in Europe when trade and society flourished. The Crusades, a well known Christian military affair against the Muslims, began in A.D. 1096 and ended in A.D. 1291. It lasted for about 200 years during the feudal period. Not all the Crusades were successful. The most successful of them all was the First Crusade in which the Christian army took control of Jerusalem. This increased the flow of pilgrimages since there was no more danger of being ambushed and killed by the Muslims on your way to the Holy City.

Superb answer. Could use as a model answer.

2. Who conquered the largest contiguous region in world history, and when?

The Mongolian ruler and founder, Ganghis Khan, also known as Chinggis Khan, was immensely successful in gaining the largest adjoining empire in all of world history. He lived from A.D. 1162 to A.D. 1227 and is thought to have been a very skillful and intelligent military leader. His big and powerful army helped him conquer many regions which he could add to his vast empire. He used many unusual tactics in his fighting which must have given him an advantage over his enemy. He knew what was needed to conquer the world and he made sure that he had everything that would help him succeed.

Excellent. Note that the more common spelling is "Genghis" Khan.

3. Which of these modern countries were able to establish nation-states in the Middle Ages, and which were not: Germany, France, England and Italy?

France and England were able to institute nation-states in the Middle Ages, however Germany and Italy did not succeed in establishing nation-states in their region. There were many little wars and controversies between the people and city-states in Italy which prevented it from creating a nation state. Otto I in Germany tried to create a good relationship with the Pope so that he could establish a “Holy Roman Empire”, but his plan did not succeed. As proven later in America, the citizens must unite to accomplish things and together you can become invincible.

Superb, except later Italy flourished without a nation-state during the Renaissance. So a nation-state may not always be desirable, and perhaps Italy and Germany were better off without one.

4. Pick your favorite medieval architecture and describe something about it.

I am especially interested in Gothic architecture in the Medieval Ages. It was very popular in the high and late medieval period and originated in France during the 12th century. It is well known for its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. The gothic architecture is quite common among many European buildings, but mostly religious architecture. The gothic architecture differed greatly from the previous Romanesque architecture, which consisted of tiny windows which cast a gloomy atmosphere.

Terrific, may use as a model answer!

5. Pick one of the African kingdoms described in the lecture, and explain it.

The Kingdom of Ghana, which thrived from A.D. 800 to A.D.1076, was located in West Africa and was mostly Muslim. This West African empire prospered under a strong ruler and the gold-salt trade across the Sahara, which brought great wealth to its empire; salt at that time was more valuable than gold since it was very rare. They also flourished from the collection of taxes on the merchant caravans that passed through their territory on their way to trade with others areas. Many of the African tribes at that time were very wealthy and there was not as much controversy surrounding opposing territories as now, except for kidnapping each other’s inhabitants to sell to slave traders.

Excellent.

6. Pick your favorite aspect of Scholasticism, and describe something about it, or your view of it.

Scholasticism is wonderful because it helps the human mind understand better things that are beyond reason. Many people are discouraged that they cannot understand the theory of God or of other mysteries. They eventually give up and believe that there is no God since it’s beyond our understanding. Scholasticism helps people understand more clearly things that puzzle us by using reason, which the human mind uses continually everyday. Reason is the closest we will get in comprehending the mysteries of God and mysteries.

You state the argument in favor of scholasticism well. The compatibility of logic with Christianity is one of its advantages, and I think logic could be used more to open the hearts and minds of atheists and others who reject Christianity. I'll use this as a model answer.

H3. Do you think Joan of Arc had a calling from God?

Joan of Arc was a young woman who came from a very poor peasant family. She must have had a good reason to fight in the French army in the Hundred Years War because at that time it was very uncommon for a lady to serve in the army. I believe God called her to bring hope to the desperate soldiers in the army and to be a witness of His love for all. She had to have something to propel her to overcome her fears and be willing to die for Christ. She was not protected with wealth and status and had to find her way on her own. She was eventually burned at the stake after she was taken captive by her enemies because she was believed to be a heretic. Her enemies, the English, were greatly relieved after Joan had been killed, since she had brought so much success for the French army. She is a great role model for all young people.

Terrific description of Joan of Arc. Very well done. Will use this as a model answer also.

Perfect answers. One of the best in the class. 70/70. Congratulations!--Andy Schlafly 13:28, 15 March 2009 (EDT)