European History : Political History

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for European History

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Political History

What was the aftermath of European imperialization in the targeted countries?

Possible Answers:

The United States was formed.

Religion finished evolving, European nations developed democracies, and Russia industrialized.

Rebellion, economic downfall, political turmoil

The native people thrived with the help of European powers.

Correct answer:

Rebellion, economic downfall, political turmoil

Explanation:

When European powers infiltrated foreign territories, the original form of the people, economy, and political ways was interrupted. In many cases, leadership was re-established by the European power taking over which caused a lot of turmoil among the natives. Large amounts of the native population died due to maltreatment and malnourishment, over-working, violence, and exposure to foreign diseases. The European powers would also completely take over profit made from the natural resources, and in many cases the natural resources would become completely exhausted and dry up.

By the time the European power left or was driven out of the territory, the native peoples' lives were so overturned that they were unable to function and fell into civil wars, further ravaging themselves.

Example Question #12 : Colonialism; Imperialism; Decolonization; Globalization

Why was European imperialism a major cause of World War I?

Possible Answers:

Germany's leader, Kaiser Wilhelm, felt his country was being dragged into the race for imperialism and wanted no part of it

African and Asian nations requested to trade with Germany, but the other European nations blocked this attempt

There was tension among the European nations because Germany gained the least power and territories

The European nations began fighting over who could keep their current territories

Correct answer:

There was tension among the European nations because Germany gained the least power and territories

Explanation:

Germany wanted to become powerful and have many colonies/territories, but they started trying too late. By the time they joined the race, England, France, Portugal, Spain, and Holland had already become the main imperial powers of Europe. Germany tried to squeeze in by undermining France or England, but their alliance was too strong. Due to this misfortune, Germany lost opportunities to make money and the tension began (especially when they attempted to take over European powers).

Example Question #13 : Colonialism; Imperialism; Decolonization; Globalization

Which facts about "decolonization" are true?

Possible Answers:

All of the other answers

In some areas the process was a result of a revolution

It is an undoing of a colony

In some areas the process was peaceful

Correct answer:

All of the other answers

Explanation:

Decolonization (of Asia and Africa, 1945-1960) did not all happen at the same time, and it did not always occur in the same way. Some areas had a lot more tension, oppression, and overall upheaval of the natives' way of life, which in turn caused a revolution. A colony may have been expensive to maintain, but when utilized properly it would create a lot of revenue (which was worth fighting for). In other cases European powers welcomed new relationships with their former colonies and peacefully rescinded power of the territory.

While under European rule, territories were divided in non-strategic ways according to the natural make up of the area. For instance, the Middle East was divided in ways that grouped warring religious sects, and areas of Africa were split into groups who did not speak the same language.

Example Question #13 : Colonialism; Imperialism; Decolonization; Globalization

Which is an arguably positive outcome of imperialism?

Possible Answers:

Globalization-or the wide-spreading of trade, communication, people, and overall growth between nations

Many powerful countries were able to gain a lot of money through trade, ultimately gaining more power

The ending of slavery and beginning of racial equality

Native peoples learning to fight for independence and creating their own sovereign nations

Correct answer:

Globalization-or the wide-spreading of trade, communication, people, and overall growth between nations

Explanation:

Globalization resulted from imperialism because powerful countries opened trade networks--effectively opening communication of ideas, movement of people, and generating commerce. This process of global expansion pushed civilization forward into technological and social advancements that had previously never been imagined. For example, the Industrial Revolution was partially possible because of natural resources from European colonies, which acted as fuel for production in factories (examples: coal, cotton, ore).

In more recent times (the past century), countries around the world have begun to work together in organizations, such as the United Nations, in order to effectively maintain this process, as well as protect one another from outside threats.

Example Question #11 : Colonialism; Imperialism; Decolonization; Globalization

True or False?

Ethiopia and Liberia were the only two African nations to remain independent from European control during the Age of Imperialism.

Possible Answers:

False

True

Correct answer:

True

Explanation:

Ethiopia was briefly occupied by Italy, but European nations were unsuccessful in their attempts to take over the territory. Ethiopia was an ancient civilization with deep roots, and its leader, Emperor Menelik II, was able to drive out the Italians at the Battle of Adwa.

Liberia was never taken by European nations because it had been created by the United States as a place for newly freed "African" slaves to return "home".

Example Question #12 : Colonialism; Imperialism; Decolonization; Globalization

True or False?

The affects of colonization and imperialism ended when decolonization finished.

Possible Answers:

True

False

Correct answer:

False

Explanation:

The affects of colonization and imperialism are still seen in current times because during the spread of powerful countries, people migrated (either by choice or force), resources were traded, animals migrated and mated with native species (creating new species), new countries were formed, and more. A perfect example of a result of colonization: the creation of the United States of America, and then its expansion (or imperialism) of what is now present-day USA.

Example Question #13 : Colonialism; Imperialism; Decolonization; Globalization

Starting in 1612, which country was India formerly a colony of, and when did India achieve independence? 

Possible Answers:

Germany . . . 1961

France . . . 1947

Britain . . . 1947

Italy . . . 1961

Dutch . . , 1947

Correct answer:

Britain . . . 1947

Explanation:

Though formerly colonized by the Dutch, beginning in 1612 England assumed control of India, due mostly to the value of the spices and teas they could import from India. In 1947 India achieved independence. 

Example Question #1 : Domestic And Foreign Policies

What was the primary goal of Mikhail Gorbachev's "glasnost" policy reforms?

Possible Answers:

To restructure the economy in order to move away from a completely state-run model

None of these

To provide transparency by loosening restrictions on the press and the free speech of citizens

To ease tension with the United States by disarming the USSR's nuclear arsenal

Correct answer:

To provide transparency by loosening restrictions on the press and the free speech of citizens

Explanation:

The Soviet policy of glasnost was initiated in 1985 and was designed to provide openness and transparency in government by loosening the previously tight restrictions on freedom of the press. It was accompanied by perestroika, a restructuring of the Soviet economy to provide rudimentary moves away from a totally state-run economy.

Example Question #2 : Domestic And Foreign Policies

The Final Solution was _________________.

Possible Answers:

Hitler's plan to eradicate all Jewish and non-Aryan people from Germany

the Allies' plan of attack for pushing into Germany during World War II

the name of the mission to launch atomic bombs at Japan during World War II

the peace treaty Germany signed when it surrendered to the Allie's following World War II

Hitler's plan to win World War II

Correct answer:

Hitler's plan to eradicate all Jewish and non-Aryan people from Germany

Explanation:

The Final Solution was Hitler's plan to eradicate all Jewish and non-Aryan people from Germany (and German-conquered regions of Europe). It included concentration camps, mass extermination, and forced labor. 

Example Question #1 : Nationalism

By the 16th century, most Europeans lived within ___________________.

Possible Answers:

nations ruled by monarchs

feudal lands ruled by a lord

organized, independent towns and villages

small nomadic tribes along the Rhine river

the outskirts of the Roman Empire

Correct answer:

nations ruled by monarchs

Explanation:

The 1500s marked the rise of nations ruled by absolute monarchs in Europe. Members of a nation developed a common identity, in which they saw themselves as different from members of other nations. This process is referred to as "nationalism." The other answers are incorrect because they occurred at other points in European history.

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