World History : World History

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for World History

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Example Questions

Example Question #3 : Gender Roles Through Time And Across Cultures

Which of the following societies from throughout world history most closely resemble a matriarchy?

Possible Answers:

The mediaeval English Monarchy

The Mughal Empire

Zulu tribes in sub-Saharan Africa

Hopi tribes in western North America

The Han Dynasty

Correct answer:

Hopi tribes in western North America

Explanation:

Hopi tribes, along with some other contemporary Amerindian societies, functioned as a matriarchy. Unlike the majority of civilizations, which functioned as patriarchies, those that operated as matriarchies lent senior women decision-making power, and families were traced matrilineally. Despite these facts, historians doubt that any society has existed, matriarchy or not, in which women were given a higher place in the social order than men.

Example Question #4 : Gender Roles Through Time And Across Cultures

Which of the following events in Chinese history resulted in greater social freedom for women in the LONG TERM?

Possible Answers:

The death of Wu Zeitan in 705 CE

The Maoist Cultural Revolution

The Mongol invasion

The Opium Wars

The seizure of the Tibetan state

Correct answer:

The Mongol invasion

Explanation:

The Mongol invasion itself brought death and destruction to Chinese cities. But in the century that followed, under Mongol reign, Chinese women could own property, do business, and travel freely. Noble women were no longer required to bind their feet, and women were encouraged to hunt or become soldiers, two roles previously reserved for men. Additionally, Mongols vigilantly protected urban areas and highways, making traveling alone more safe - and less taboo - for women.

Example Question #6 : Gender Roles Through Time And Across Cultures

How did World War II transform the role of women in American society?

Possible Answers:

Women flooded to fill manufacturing jobs left open by men who were drafted, establishing a large female workforce

Women were less likely to marry after the war, instead pursuing higher education in larger numbers

Women were forced to dress and act more conservatively by austerity measures brought on by the war

Women were readily offered military positions, joining the ranks in numbers that nearly equaled men

Emboldened by national pride, women began to vote in record numbers, ushering in a progressive revolution

Correct answer:

Women flooded to fill manufacturing jobs left open by men who were drafted, establishing a large female workforce

Explanation:

Women made up the majority of the American workforce during parts of the war, seeking high-demand jobs in traditionally-male fields like manufacturing. In addition to the huge contribution to the war effort this trend provided, women stayed in the workforce in higher numbers after the war. This led to the explosion in the American working mother demographic through the baby boom.

Example Question #3 : Gender Roles Through Time And Across Cultures

Which classical civilization was known for having strong cultural values of gender equality?

Possible Answers:

None of these

Han China

Roman Empire

Mauryan Empire in India

Correct answer:

None of these

Explanation:

Large-scale movements toward gender equality did not exist until the Modern Era with the Suffrage movement in the 19th and 20th centuries.

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