SAT II World History : Impact of Islam

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT II World History

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Southwest Asia

All of the following were a direct result of the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople EXCEPT

Possible Answers:

the ability of Ottoman armies to make campaigns into Christian Europe.

the closing off of the Bosphorous Strait to European trading vessels.

increased trade routes and diplomatic relations between Christians and Muslims.

the exodus of Greek speaking scholars to Italy, helping spark the Italian Renaissance.

the establishment of a fuller Ottoman Empire with its capital in Constantinople.

Correct answer:

increased trade routes and diplomatic relations between Christians and Muslims.

Explanation:

The Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II led an army to Constantinople in the spring of 1453 to siege the city. After a month, the Ottomans were successful in sacking the city, and destroying the Eastern Romany (or Byzantine) Empire. The effect of this sack was massive, allowing the Ottoman armies free reign into Europe, giving the Ottomans control of the Bosphorus Strait and the Black Sea, sending Greek scholars into exile,  and generally worsening relations between Christian Europe and Islamic governments in the Middle East.

Example Question #6 : War And Civil Conflict 600 Ce To 1450

The Battle of Talas was fought in 751 CE between __________.

Possible Answers:

Chinese and Japanese armies

Indian and Mongol armies

Chinese and Mongol armies

Arab and Chinese armies 

Indian and Sikh armies 

Correct answer:

Arab and Chinese armies 

Explanation:

The Battle of Talas was fought between the Arab Abbasid Caliphate and the Chinese Tang Dynasty in 751 CE. Prior to the battle, Chinese forces had been spreading rapidly westward and facing little opposition; however, at the Battle of Talas, they were defeated by the Arab forces, and Chinese expansion was halted for several centuries. The battle is considered important for transferring control over the “Silk Road” from Chinese to Arab hands and for turning back the massive forces of the Tang Dynasty. Also, it is sometimes said that Arabs learned the art of paper making from the Chinese prisoners they captured in the battle, thus spreading paper-making technology to the Middle East and eventually Europe.

Example Question #2 : Southwest Asia

Mehmet II is most famous for __________.

Possible Answers:

conquering Constantinople

conquering Spain

conquering the Balkans

spreading Islam to North Africa

spreading Islam to India

Correct answer:

conquering Constantinople

Explanation:

Mehmet II was a Sultan of the Ottoman Empire who in 1453 conquered the city of Constantinople, later renamed Istanbul. Mehmet II is remembered as a great hero in Turkish society and is often referred to as Mehmet the Great or Mehmet the Conqueror.

Example Question #3 : Southwest Asia

The Battle of Tours, in 732 CE, was notable for __________.

Possible Answers:

unifying the forces of Western Europe against Islam

halting the expansion of Islam into Western Europe

removing the forces of Islam from Spain

capturing the Holy Land from Saladin and his forces

capturing North Africa for the growing Frankish Empire

Correct answer:

halting the expansion of Islam into Western Europe

Explanation:

After the death of the prophet Muhammad, the forces of Islam expanded dramatically across North Africa and the Middle East. By 732 CE, they had crossed into mainland Europe and controlled much of modern-day Spain and southern France. At the Battle of Tours, they were defeated by the Frankish forces led by Charles Martel (often called Charles the Hammer). This is often considered a turning point in world history as the forces of Islam would never again penetrate so far into Europe. 

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