North Carolina was inhabited for thousands of years by succeeding cultures of prehistoric indigenous cultures. Before 200 AD, they were building earthwork mounds, which were used for ceremonial and religious purposes. Succeeding peoples, including those of the ancient Mississippian culture established by 1000 AD in the Piedmont, continued to build or add on to such mounds. In the 500–700 years preceding European contact, the Mississippian culture built large, complex cities and maintained far-flung regional trading networks. Its largest city was Cahokia, located in present-day Illinois near the Mississippi River.

What inhibited North Carolina for thousands of years?

prehistoric indigenous cultures

Before 200 AD, people built what kind of mounds for religious purposes?

earthwork

Who continued to build on to the religious mounds?

Succeeding peoples

Before European contact, who built large cities and regional trading networks?

Mississippian culture

What was the largest city in the Piedmont before European contact?

Cahokia


Spanish explorers traveling inland in the 16th century met Mississippian culture people at Joara, a regional chiefdom near present-day Morganton. Records of Hernando de Soto attested to his meeting with them in 1540. In 1567 Captain Juan Pardo led an expedition to claim the area for the Spanish colony and to establish another route to protect silver mines in Mexico. Pardo made a winter base at Joara, which he renamed Cuenca. His expedition built Fort San Juan and left a contingent of 30 men there, while Pardo traveled further, and built and garrisoned five other forts. He returned by a different route to Santa Elena on Parris Island, South Carolina, then a center of Spanish Florida. In the spring of 1568, natives killed all but one of the soldiers and burned the six forts in the interior, including the one at Fort San Juan. Although the Spanish never returned to the interior, this effort marked the first European attempt at colonization of the interior of what became the United States. A 16th-century journal by Pardo's scribe Bandera and archaeological findings since 1986 at Joara have confirmed the settlement.

In the 16th century, where did Spanish explorers meet Mississipian cultureal people?

Joara

What is Joara?

a regional chiefdom

Where would present day Joara be?

near present-day Morganton

What was the name of the Spanish man that met the people in Joara?

Hernando de Soto

What year did hernando de Soto arrive in Joara?


In 1584, Elizabeth I granted a charter to Sir Walter Raleigh, for whom the state capital is named, for land in present-day North Carolina (then part of the territory of Virginia). It was the second American territory which the English attempted to colonize. Raleigh established two colonies on the coast in the late 1580s, but both failed. The fate of the "Lost Colony" of Roanoke Island remains one of the most widely debated mysteries of American history. Virginia Dare, the first English child to be born in North America, was born on Roanoke Island on August 18, 1587; Dare County is named for her.

Who is the North Carolina state capital named for?

Sir Walter Raleigh

Who granted the charter for Sir Walter Raleigh to travel to present day North Carolina?

Elizabeth I

What year did Elizabeth I grant the charter to Raleigh to travel to North Carolina?

What was the second american territory the English attempted to colonize?

North Carolina

How many colonies did Raleigh establish on the coast of carolina in 1580?

two


As early as 1650, settlers from the Virginia colony moved into the area of Albemarle Sound. By 1663, King Charles II of England granted a charter to start a new colony on the North American continent; it generally established North Carolina's borders. He named it Carolina in honor of his father Charles I. By 1665, a second charter was issued to attempt to resolve territorial questions. In 1710, owing to disputes over governance, the Carolina colony began to split into North Carolina and South Carolina. The latter became a crown colony in 1729.

In 1650, settlers from what colony moved in to Albemarie Sound?

Virginia

What year did King Charles II grant a charter to North America?

What did King Charles II's charter establish?

North Carolina's borders

Carolina was named after King Charles iI's father, what was his name?

Charles I

What year was a second charter made to establish the borders of Carolina?


After the Spanish in the 16th century, the first permanent European settlers of North Carolina were English colonists who migrated south from Virginia. The latter had grown rapidly and land was less available. Nathaniel Batts was documented as one of the first of these Virginian migrants. He settled south of the Chowan River and east of the Great Dismal Swamp in 1655. By 1663, this northeastern area of the Province of Carolina, known as the Albemarle Settlements, was undergoing full-scale English settlement. During the same period, the English monarch Charles II gave the province to the Lords Proprietors, a group of noblemen who had helped restore Charles to the throne in 1660. The new province of "Carolina" was named in honor and memory of King Charles I (Latin: Carolus). In 1712, North Carolina became a separate colony. Except for the Earl Granville holdings, it became a royal colony seventeen years later. A large revolt happened in the state in 1711 known as Cary's Rebellion.

After the Spanish, who were the first Europeans to settle North Carolina?

English colonists

Where did the English colonists that settle North carolina come from?

Virginia

The English colonist  left virginia because of what issue with the land there?

less available

Who was one of the first Virginian migrants to reach the carolinas?

Nathaniel Batts

What year did Nathaniel Battes settle in North Carolina?


Differences in the settlement patterns of eastern and western North Carolina, or the Low Country and uplands, affected the political, economic, and social life of the state from the 18th until the 20th century. The Tidewater in eastern North Carolina was settled chiefly by immigrants from rural England and the Scottish Highlands. The upcountry of western North Carolina was settled chiefly by Scots-Irish, English, and German Protestants, the so-called "cohee". Arriving during the mid- to late 18th century, the Scots-Irish from what is today Northern Ireland were the largest non-English immigrant group before the Revolution; English indentured servants were overwhelmingly the largest immigrant group before the Revolution. During the American Revolutionary War, the English and Highland Scots of eastern North Carolina tended to remain loyal to the British Crown, because of longstanding business and personal connections with Great Britain. The English, Welsh, Scots-Irish, and German settlers of western North Carolina tended to favor American independence from Britain.

Eastern North Carolina is also known as what?

Low Country

Western North carolina is also known as what?

uplands

Where was The Tidewater located?

eastern North Carolina

Where did immigrants from England and the Scottish Highlands settle?

The Tidewater

Who did the Tidewater settlers remain loyal to during the American revolution?

the British Crown


Most of the English colonists had arrived as indentured servants, hiring themselves out as laborers for a fixed period to pay for their passage. In the early years the line between indentured servants and African slaves or laborers was fluid. Some Africans were allowed to earn their freedom before slavery became a lifelong status. Most of the free colored families formed in North Carolina before the Revolution were descended from unions or marriages between free white women and enslaved or free African or African-American men. Because the mothers were free, their children were born free. Many had migrated or were descendants of migrants from colonial Virginia. As the flow of indentured laborers to the colony decreased with improving economic conditions in Great Britain, planters imported more slaves, and the state's legal delineations between free and slave status tightened, effectively hardening the latter into a racial caste. The economy's growth and prosperity was based on slave labor, devoted first to the production of tobacco.

Most English colonists arrived as what?

indentured servants

Indentured servants hired theirselves out as what?

laborers

What did the English settlers get in return for their labor?

passage

Indentured servants were similar to what people in the early days?

African slaves

As indentured servants improved the economy, there became a greater need to import more what?

slaves


On April 12, 1776, the colony became the first to instruct its delegates to the Continental Congress to vote for independence from the British Crown, through the Halifax Resolves passed by the North Carolina Provincial Congress. The dates of both of these events are memorialized on the state flag and state seal. Throughout the Revolutionary War, fierce guerrilla warfare erupted between bands of pro-independence and pro-British colonists. In some cases the war was also an excuse to settle private grudges and rivalries. A major American victory in the war took place at King's Mountain along the North Carolina–South Carolina border; on October 7, 1780, a force of 1000 mountain men from western North Carolina (including what is today the state of Tennessee)and Southwest Virginia overwhelmed a force of some 1000 British troops led by Major Patrick Ferguson. Most of the soldiers fighting for the British side in this battle were Carolinians who had remained loyal to the Crown (they were called "Tories" or Loyalists). The American victory at Kings Mountain gave the advantage to colonists who favored American independence, and it prevented the British Army from recruiting new soldiers from the Tories.

What year did North Carolina instruct its delegates to vote for independence?

Who was north carolina seeking independence from in 1776?

the British Crown

What year was Americas Victory at King's Mountain?

How many North Carolina mountain men fought at King's Mountain?

How many British troops fought at king's Mountain?


The road to Yorktown and America's independence from Great Britain led through North Carolina. As the British Army moved north from victories in Charleston and Camden, South Carolina, the Southern Division of the Continental Army and local militia prepared to meet them. Following General Daniel Morgan's victory over the British Cavalry Commander Banastre Tarleton at the Battle of Cowpens on January 17, 1781, southern commander Nathanael Greene led British Lord Charles Cornwallis across the heartland of North Carolina, and away from the latter's base of supply in Charleston, South Carolina. This campaign is known as "The Race to the Dan" or "The Race for the River."

Who met the British army as they moved north?

the Southern Division of the Continental Army and local militia

Who lost the battle of Cowpens?

the British Cavalry

Who led the British calvary at Cowpen?

Commander Banastre Tarleton

What was the date of the battle of Cowpens?

January 17, 1781

What is another name for the race to the Dan?

The Race for the River


In the Battle of Cowan's Ford, Cornwallis met resistance along the banks of the Catawba River at Cowan's Ford on February 1, 1781, in an attempt to engage General Morgan's forces during a tactical withdrawal. Morgan had moved to the northern part of the state to combine with General Greene's newly recruited forces. Generals Greene and Cornwallis finally met at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse in present-day Greensboro on March 15, 1781. Although the British troops held the field at the end of the battle, their casualties at the hands of the numerically superior Continental Army were crippling. Following this "Pyrrhic victory", Cornwallis chose to move to the Virginia coastline to get reinforcements, and to allow the Royal Navy to protect his battered army. This decision would result in Cornwallis' eventual defeat at Yorktown, Virginia, later in 1781. The Patriots' victory there guaranteed American independence.

The Battle of Cowan's Ford was fought on the banks of what river?

Catawba

What year was the battle of Cowans Ford?

What is the present day name of the city that the Battle of Guilford Courthouse was fought at?

Greensboro

After losing the battle of Guilford Courthouse, Cornawallis moved his troops where?

Virginia coastline

What did Cornwallis move to the coastline after losing the battle of Guilford Courthouse?

to get reinforcements


On November 21, 1789, North Carolina became the twelfth state to ratify the Constitution. In 1840, it completed the state capitol building in Raleigh, still standing today. Most of North Carolina's slave owners and large plantations were located in the eastern portion of the state. Although North Carolina's plantation system was smaller and less cohesive than that of Virginia, Georgia, or South Carolina, significant numbers of planters were concentrated in the counties around the port cities of Wilmington and Edenton, as well as suburban planters around the cities of Raleigh, Charlotte, and Durham in the Piedmont. Planters owning large estates wielded significant political and socio-economic power in antebellum North Carolina, which was a slave society. They placed their interests above those of the generally non-slave-holding "yeoman" farmers of western North Carolina. In mid-century, the state's rural and commercial areas were connected by the construction of a 129-mile (208 km) wooden plank road, known as a "farmer's railroad", from Fayetteville in the east to Bethania (northwest of Winston-Salem).

North Carolina was the twelth state to ratify what document?

the Constitution

What date did North Carolina ratify the constitution?

November 21, 1789

What year was the state capitol building of North Carolina completed?

Where was the capitol building completed in 1840?

Raleigh

What part of the state were most slave and plantation owners concentrated in?

eastern


Besides slaves, there were a number of free people of color in the state. Most were descended from free African Americans who had migrated along with neighbors from Virginia during the 18th century. The majority were the descendants of unions in the working classes between white women, indentured servants or free, and African men, indentured, slave or free. After the Revolution, Quakers and Mennonites worked to persuade slaveholders to free their slaves. Some were inspired by their efforts and the language of the Revolution to arrange for manumission of their slaves. The number of free people of color rose markedly in the first couple of decades after the Revolution.

Some of the free people of color migrated from what state during the 18th century?

Virginia

After the revolution Quakers and mennonited encouraged slaveholders to do what?

free their slaves

What happened to the number of free colored people for the first few decades after the war?

rose


On October 25, 1836, construction began on the Wilmington and Raleigh Railroad to connect the port city of Wilmington with the state capital of Raleigh. In 1849 the North Carolina Railroad was created by act of the legislature to extend that railroad west to Greensboro, High Point, and Charlotte. During the Civil War, the Wilmington-to-Raleigh stretch of the railroad would be vital to the Confederate war effort; supplies shipped into Wilmington would be moved by rail through Raleigh to the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia.

What was the name of the railroad that began construction in 1836?

Wilmington and Raleigh Railroad

The Wilmington and Raleigh Railroad was going to connect Wilmington to what city?

Raleigh

In 1849, what railroad was created?

North Carolina Railroad

What direction did the North carolina railroad extend?

west

What stretch of the railroad was vital to the confederates in the civil war?

Wilmington-to-Raleigh stretch


While slaveholding was slightly less concentrated than in some Southern states, according to the 1860 census, more than 330,000 people, or 33% of the population of 992,622, were enslaved African Americans. They lived and worked chiefly on plantations in the eastern Tidewater. In addition, 30,463 free people of color lived in the state. They were also concentrated in the eastern coastal plain, especially at port cities such as Wilmington and New Bern, where a variety of jobs were available. Free African Americans were allowed to vote until 1835, when the state revoked their suffrage in restrictions following the slave rebellion of 1831 led by Nat Turner. Southern slave codes criminalized willful killing of a slave in most cases.

In 1860, what percent of the North Carolina population were slaves?

Where were most of the slaves in North Carolina located?

eastern Tidewater

What type of land did the slaves live on?

plantations

How many free people of color lived in NC in 1860?

Where were the free people of color located in north carolina in 1860?

eastern coastal plain


In 1860, North Carolina was a slave state, in which one-third of the population was enslaved. This was a smaller proportion than in many Southern states. The state did not vote to join the Confederacy until President Abraham Lincoln called on it to invade its sister state, South Carolina, becoming the last or second-to-last state to officially join the Confederacy. The title of "last to join the Confederacy" has been disputed; although Tennessee's informal secession on May 7, 1861, preceded North Carolina's official secession on May 20, the Tennessee legislature did not formally vote to secede until June 8, 1861.

What fraction of the population of North Carolina was enslaved in 1860?

one-third

North Carolina did not vote to join the confederacy until they were ordered to invade what state?

South Carolina

When was North Carolinas official secession?

May 20

When was Tennessees informal secession?

May 7, 1861

When did Tennessee officially vote to secede?

June 8, 1861


After secession, some North Carolinians refused to support the Confederacy. Some of the yeoman farmers in the state's mountains and western Piedmont region remained neutral during the Civil War, while some covertly supported the Union cause during the conflict. Approximately 2,000 North Carolinians from western North Carolina enlisted in the Union Army and fought for the North in the war. Two additional Union Army regiments were raised in the coastal areas of the state, which were occupied by Union forces in 1862 and 1863. Numerous slaves escaped to Union lines, where they became essentially free.

Some North Carolinians still refused to support what after secession?

the Confederacy

Some of what farmers remained neutral during the civil war?

yeoman

Where were the yoeman farmers that remained neutral during the civil war located?

in the state's mountains and western Piedmont region

How many North Carolinians from the west fought for the union Army?

When did union forces occupy coastal areas of North carolina?

1862 and 1863


Confederate troops from all parts of North Carolina served in virtually all the major battles of the Army of Northern Virginia, the Confederacy's most famous army. The largest battle fought in North Carolina was at Bentonville, which was a futile attempt by Confederate General Joseph Johnston to slow Union General William Tecumseh Sherman's advance through the Carolinas in the spring of 1865. In April 1865, after losing the Battle of Morrisville, Johnston surrendered to Sherman at Bennett Place, in what is today Durham. North Carolina's port city of Wilmington was the last Confederate port to fall to the Union, in February 1865, after the Union won the nearby Second Battle of Fort Fisher, its major defense downriver.

What was the name of the Confederacys most famous army?

Army of Northern Virginia

How many battles of the army of Northern Virginia did confederate troops from north Carolina fight in?

virtually all

What was the name of the largest battle fought in North Carolina?

Bentonville

What was the name of the confederate general that fought in Bentonville?

General Joseph Johnston

What was the name of the Union General that fought in Bentonville?

General William Tecumseh Sherman


The first Confederate soldier to be killed in the Civil War was Private Henry Wyatt from North Carolina, in the Battle of Big Bethel in June 1861. At the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, the 26th North Carolina Regiment participated in Pickett/Pettigrew's Charge and advanced the farthest into the Northern lines of any Confederate regiment. During the Battle of Chickamauga, the 58th North Carolina Regiment advanced farther than any other regiment on Snodgrass Hill to push back the remaining Union forces from the battlefield. At Appomattox Court House in Virginia in April 1865, the 75th North Carolina Regiment, a cavalry unit, fired the last shots of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia in the Civil War. For many years, North Carolinians proudly boasted that they had been "First at Bethel, Farthest at Gettysburg and Chickamauga, and Last at Appomattox."

Who was the first confederate soldier to be killed in the civil war?

Private Henry Wyatt

Where was henry Wyatt from?

North Carolina

What battle did Private Henry Wyatt die in?

in the Battle of Big Bethel

When did Henry Wyatt die?

June 1861

When was the battle of Gettysburg?

July 1863


While the Baptists in total (counting both blacks and whites) have maintained the majority in this part of the country (known as the Bible Belt), the population in North Carolina practices a wide variety of faiths, including Judaism, Islam, Baha'i, Buddhism, and Hinduism. As of 2010 the Southern Baptist Church was the biggest denomination, with 4,241 churches and 1,513,000 members; the second largest was the United Methodist Church, with 660,000 members and 1,923 churches. The third was the Roman Catholic Church, with 428,000 members in 190 congregations. The fourth greatest was the Presbyterian Church (USA), with 186,000 members and 710 congregations; this denomination was brought by Scots-Irish immigrants who settled the backcountry in the colonial era.

What is the religious name given to the part of the country that includes the Carolinas?

Bible Belt

What religion holds the majority in the Bible Belt?

Baptists

What was the largest denomination in North Carolina in 2010?

Southern Baptist

What was the second largest denomination in North carolina in 2010?

United Methodist Church

What was the third largest denomination in North carolina in 2010?

Roman Catholic


Currently, the rapid influx of northerners and immigrants from Latin America is steadily increasing ethnic and religious diversity: the number of Roman Catholics and Jews in the state has increased, as well as general religious diversity. The second-largest Protestant denomination in North Carolina after Baptist traditions is Methodism, which is strong in the northern Piedmont, especially in populous Guilford County. There are also a substantial number of Quakers in Guilford County and northeastern North Carolina. Many universities and colleges in the state have been founded on religious traditions, and some currently maintain that affiliation, including:

Immigrants from latin America coming to North Carolina is increasing what?

ethnic and religious diversity

What has happened to the number of Roman Catholics and Jews in North Carolina?

increased

Religious diversity in North Carolina has generally what?

increased

What is the second largest Protestant denomination in North Carolina?

Methodism

What county in Piedmont is methodism especially strong in?

Guilford


According to a Forbes article written in 2013 Employment in the "Old North State" has gained many different industry sectors. See the following article summary: science, technology, energy and math, or STEM, industries in the area surrounding North Carolina's capital have grown 17.9 percent since 2001, placing Raleigh-Cary at No. 5 among the 51 largest metro areas in the country where technology is booming. In 2010 North Carolina's total gross state product was $424.9 billion, while the state debt in November 2012, according to one source, totalled US$2.4bn, while according to another, was in 2012 US$57.8bn. In 2011 the civilian labor force was at around 4.5 million with employment near 4.1 million. The working population is employed across the major employment sectors. The economy of North Carolina covers 15 metropolitan areas. In 2010, North Carolina was chosen as the third-best state for business by Forbes Magazine, and the second-best state by Chief Executive Officer Magazine.

What is the Nickname given to North Carolina?

Old North State

Science, Technology, energy, and math industries have risen what percent since 2001?

What is raleigh-Cary ranked among the 51 largest metro areas in the country?

What was North Carolinas gross state product in 2010?

$424.9 billion

What was North Carolinas state debt in 2012?


North Carolina's party loyalties have undergone a series of important shifts in the last few years: While the 2010 midterms saw Tar Heel voters elect a bicameral Republican majority legislature for the first time in over a century, North Carolina has also become a Southern swing state in presidential races. Since Southern Democrat Jimmy Carter's comfortable victory in the state in 1976, the state had consistently leaned Republican in presidential elections until Democrat Barack Obama narrowly won the state in 2008. In the 1990s, Democrat Bill Clinton came within a point of winning the state in 1992 and also only narrowly lost the state in 1996. In the early 2000s, Republican George W. Bush easily won the state by over 12 points, but by 2008, demographic shifts, population growth, and increased liberalization in heavily populated areas such as the Research Triangle, Charlotte, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, and Asheville, propelled Barack Obama to victory in North Carolina, the first Democrat to win the state since 1976. In 2012, North Carolina was again considered a competitive swing state, with the Democrats even holding their 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte. However, Republican Mitt Romney ultimately eked out a 2-point win in North Carolina, the only 2012 swing state that Obama lost, and one of only two states (along with Indiana) to flip from Obama in 2008 to the GOP in 2012.

North carolina voters have leaned republican since what year?

What year did North Carolina voters once again vote for a Democrat?

What year did Bill Clinton win North Carolina?

What year did Bill Clinton lose North Carolina?

Where was the 2012 democratic national Convention held?

Charlotte


In 2012, the state elected a Republican Governor (Pat McCrory) and Lieutenant Governor (Dan Forest) for the first time in more than two decades, while also giving the Republicans veto-proof majorities in both the State House of Representatives and the State Senate. Several U.S. House of Representatives seats also flipped control, with the Republicans holding nine seats to the Democrats' four. In the 2014 mid-term elections, Republican David Rouzer won the state's Seventh Congressional District seat, increasing the congressional delegation party split to 10-3 in favor of the GOP.

Who was elected Governor of North Carolina in 2012?

Pat McCrory

What political party does Pat McCrory belong to?

Republican

Who ws elected Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina in 2012?

Dan Forest

What political party does Dan Forest belong to?

Republican

Who won North Carolinas 7th congressional district seat in 2014?

David Rouzer


Elementary and secondary public schools are overseen by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction is the secretary of the North Carolina State Board of Education, but the board, rather than the superintendent, holds most of the legal authority for making public education policy. In 2009, the board's chairman also became the "chief executive officer" for the state's school system. North Carolina has 115 public school systems, each of which is overseen by a local school board. A county may have one or more systems within it. The largest school systems in North Carolina are the Wake County Public School System, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Guilford County Schools, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, and Cumberland County Schools. In total there are 2,425 public schools in the state, including 99 charter schools. North Carolina Schools were segregated until the Brown v. Board of Education trial and the release of the Pearsall Plan.

What agency oversees public schools in North Carolina?

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Who holds most legal authority for making education policy?

the board

What year did the boards chairman become the Chief Executive officer of public schools?

How many public school systems does North Carolina have?

What is the largest school system in North Carolina?

Wake County Public School System


In 1795, North Carolina opened the first public university in the United States—the University of North Carolina (now named the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). More than 200 years later, the University of North Carolina system encompasses 17 public universities including North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, East Carolina University, Western Carolina University, Winston-Salem State University, the University of North Carolina at Asheville, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, UNC Wilmington, Elizabeth City State University, Appalachian State University, Fayetteville State University, and UNC School of the Arts, and . Along with its public universities, North Carolina has 58 public community colleges in its community college system.The largest university in North Carolina is currently North Carolina State University, with more than 34,000 students. North Carolina is home to many excellent universities as well as dozens of community colleges and private universities.

What state opened the first public university in the United States?

North Carolina

What year was the first public university opened in the United States?

What was the name of the first public university to open in the US?

University of North Carolina

What is the largest University in North Carolina?

North Carolina State University

How many students does North Carolina State University enroll?


North Carolina is also home to many well-known private colleges and universities, including Duke University, Wake Forest University, Pfeiffer University, Lees-McRae College, Davidson College, Barton College, North Carolina Wesleyan College, Elon University, Guilford College, Livingstone College, Salem College, Shaw University (the first historically black college or university in the South), Laurel University, Meredith College, Methodist University, Belmont Abbey College (the only Catholic college in the Carolinas), Campbell University, University of Mount Olive, Montreat College, High Point University, Lenoir-Rhyne University (the only Lutheran university in North Carolina) and Wingate University.

Duke University and Shaw University are examples of what type of colleges that are in North Carolina?

private

What was the first black college in the south?

Shaw University

What is the name of the only Catholic college in the Carolinas?

Belmont Abbey College

What is the name of the only Lutheran University in North Carolina?

Lenoir-Rhyne University


North Carolina is home to three major league sports franchises: the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League and the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association are based in Charlotte, while the Raleigh-based Carolina Hurricanes play in the National Hockey League. The Panthers and Hurricanes are the only two major professional sports teams that have the same geographical designation while playing in different metropolitan areas. The Hurricanes are the only major professional team from North Carolina to have won a league championship, having captured the Stanley Cup in 2006. North Carolina is also home to Charlotte Hounds of the Major League Lacrosse.

How many major league sports franchises make North carolina home?

three

The Caroli8na panthers belong to what league?

National Football League

The Charlotte Hornets belong to what league?

National Basketball Association

The Carolina Hurricanes belong to what league?

National Hockey League

What is the only professional team from North carolina to have won a league championship?

The Hurricanes


In addition to professional team sports, North Carolina has a strong affiliation with NASCAR and stock-car racing, with Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord hosting two Sprint Cup Series races every year. Charlotte also hosts the NASCAR Hall of Fame, while Concord is the home of several top-flight racing teams, including Hendrick Motorsports, Roush Fenway Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports, Stewart-Haas Racing, and Chip Ganassi Racing. Numerous other tracks around North Carolina host races from low-tier NASCAR circuits as well.

What Speedway in North Carolina hosts two Sprint cupseries races each year?

Charlotte Motor Speedway

Where is Charlotte motor Speedway located?

Concord

What North Carolina city hosts the NASCAR Hall of Fame?

Charlotte

What North carolina city is home to several top racing teams?

Concord


College sports are also popular in North Carolina, with 18 schools competing at the Division I level. The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is headquartered in Greensboro, and both the ACC Football Championship Game (Charlotte) and the ACC Men's Basketball Tournament (Greensboro) were most recently held in North Carolina. College basketball in particular is very popular, buoyed by the Tobacco Road rivalries between Duke, North Carolina, North Carolina State, and Wake Forest. The ACC Championship Game and The Belk Bowl are held annually in Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium, featuring teams from the ACC and the Southeastern Conference. Additionally, the state has hosted the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four on two occasions, in Greensboro in 1974 and in Charlotte in 1994.

How many colleges compete at the Division 1 level in North Carolina?

Where is the ACC headquarters?

Greensboro

Where were the ACC football and basketball championships recently held?

North Carolina

What stadium host the ACC championship game and the Belk Bowl each year?

Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium

How many times has North Carolina hosted the NCAA final four?

two


Every year the Appalachian Mountains attract several million tourists to the Western part of the state, including the historic Biltmore Estate. The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are the two most visited national park and unit in the United States with over 25 million visitors in 2013. The City of Asheville is consistently voted as one of the top places to visit and live in the United States, known for its rich art deco architecture, mountain scenery and outdoor activities, and liberal and happy residents.

How many people go to see the Appalachian Mountains each year?

several million

What part of the state are the Appalachian Mountains in?

Western

Great Smoky mountain and Blue Ridge Parkway are located in what mountain range?

Appalachian

How many tourists visited the Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge parkway in 2013?

over 25 million

What North Carolina City is consistently voted one of the top places to live in the United States?

Asheville


In Raleigh many tourists visit the Capital, African American Cultural Complex, Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh, Gregg Museum of Art & Design at NCSU, Haywood Hall House & Gardens, Marbles Kids Museum, North Carolina Museum of Art, North Carolina Museum of History, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, Raleigh City Museum, J. C. Raulston Arboretum, Joel Lane House, Mordecai House, Montfort Hall, and the Pope House Museum. The Carolina Hurricanes NHL hockey team is also located in the city.

What Hockey team is located in Raleigh?

Carolina Hurricanes

What league do the Carolina Hurricanes belong to?

NHL

What Hall of Fame is located in Raleigh?

North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame

What arboretum is located in Raleigh?

J. C. Raulston Arboretum


The Piedmont Triad, or center of the state, is home to Krispy Kreme, Mayberry, Texas Pete, the Lexington Barbecue Festival, and Moravian cookies. The internationally acclaimed North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro attracts visitors to its animals, plants, and a 57-piece art collection along five miles of shaded pathways in the world's largest-land-area natural-habitat park. Seagrove, in the central portion of the state, attracts many tourists along Pottery Highway (NC Hwy 705). MerleFest in Wilkesboro attracts more than 80,000 people to its four-day music festival; and Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe water park in Greensboro is another attraction.

What is the center of North Carolina called?

The Piedmont Triad

Where is the Krispy kreme headquarters located?

The Piedmont Triad

What city is the North Carolina Zoo in?

Asheboro

How many miles of shaded pathways does the Nort Carolina Zoo have?

five

What North Carolina City hosts the Merlefest?

Wilkesboro


North Carolina provides a large range of recreational activities, from swimming at the beach to skiing in the mountains. North Carolina offers fall colors, freshwater and saltwater fishing, hunting, birdwatching, agritourism, ATV trails, ballooning, rock climbing, biking, hiking, skiing, boating and sailing, camping, canoeing, caving (spelunking), gardens, and arboretums. North Carolina has theme parks, aquariums, museums, historic sites, lighthouses, elegant theaters, concert halls, and fine dining.

Fishing, hunting, and birdwatching are what kind of activities that are provided in North Carolina?

recreational

In the Fall, people go to North Carolina to see what?

fall colors

What is another name for caving?

spelunking


North Carolinians enjoy outdoor recreation utilizing numerous local bike paths, 34 state parks, and 14 national parks. National Park Service units include the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Cape Lookout National Seashore, Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site at Flat Rock, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site at Manteo, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Guilford Courthouse National Military Park in Greensboro, Moores Creek National Battlefield near Currie in Pender County, the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, Old Salem National Historic Site in Winston-Salem, the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, and Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. National Forests include Uwharrie National Forest in central North Carolina, Croatan National Forest in Eastern North Carolina, Pisgah National Forest in the northern mountains, and Nantahala National Forest in the southwestern part of the state.

Howmany state parks are in North Carolina?

How many national parks are in North Carolina?

Where is the Uwharrie national Forest located?

central North Carolina

Where is Croatan National Forest located?

Eastern North Carolina

Where is the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park?

Greensboro


North Carolina has rich traditions in art, music, and cuisine. The nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $1.2 billion in direct economic activity in North Carolina, supporting more than 43,600 full-time equivalent jobs and generating $119 million in revenue for local governments and the state of North Carolina. North Carolina established the North Carolina Museum of Art as the first major museum collection in the country to be formed by state legislation and funding and continues to bring millions into the NC economy. Also see this list of museums in North Carolina.

What industry generates 1.2 billion in economic activity each year for North carolina?

nonprofit arts and culture

How many full time jobs are held by those in the non profit arts and culture industry?

How much money does the nonprofit arts and culture industry raise for government?

$119 million

What was the first museum in the country to be formed by legislature?

North Carolina Museum of Art

How much money does the North Carolina Museum of art generate?

millions


North Carolina has a variety of shopping choices. SouthPark Mall in Charlotte is currently the largest in the Carolinas, with almost 2.0 million square feet. Other major malls in Charlotte include Northlake Mall and Carolina Place Mall in nearby suburb Pineville. Other major malls throughout the state include Hanes Mall in Winston-Salem; Crabtree Valley Mall, North Hills Mall, and Triangle Town Center in Raleigh; Friendly Center and Four Seasons Town Centre in Greensboro; Oak Hollow Mall in High Point; Concord Mills in Concord; Valley Hills Mall in Hickory; and The Streets at Southpoint and Northgate Mall in Durham and Independence Mall in Wilmington, NC, and Tanger Outlets in Charlotte, Nags Head, Blowing Rock, and Mebane, NC.

Where is SouthPark Mall located?

Charlotte

What is the largest mall in the carolinas?

SouthPark Mall

How big is SouthPark Mall?

2.0 million square feet

Where is the hanes Mall located?

Winston-Salem

Where is the Four Seasons Town Center located?

Greensboro


A culinary staple of North Carolina is pork barbecue. There are strong regional differences and rivalries over the sauces and methods used in making the barbecue. The common trend across Western North Carolina is the use of premium grade Boston butt. Western North Carolina pork barbecue uses a tomato-based sauce, and only the pork shoulder (dark meat) is used. Western North Carolina barbecue is commonly referred to as Lexington barbecue after the Piedmont Triad town of Lexington, home of the Lexington Barbecue Festival, which attracts over 100,000 visitors each October. Eastern North Carolina pork barbecue uses a vinegar-and-red-pepper-based sauce and the "whole hog" is cooked, thus integrating both white and dark meat.

What is a culinary staple of North Carolina?

pork barbecue

What cut of pork do those in western North carolina prefer for BBQ?

Boston butt

What cut of pork do those in Western North Carolina prefer for BBQ?

pork shoulder

What is another name for Western North Carolina Barbecue?

Lexington barbecue

How many people visit the lexington Barbecue festival each year?

over 100,000


Krispy Kreme, an international chain of doughnut stores, was started in North Carolina; the company's headquarters are in Winston-Salem. Pepsi-Cola was first produced in 1898 in New Bern. A regional soft drink, Cheerwine, was created and is still based in the city of Salisbury. Despite its name, the hot sauce Texas Pete was created in North Carolina; its headquarters are also in Winston-Salem. The Hardee's fast-food chain was started in Rocky Mount. Another fast-food chain, Bojangles', was started in Charlotte, and has its corporate headquarters there. A popular North Carolina restaurant chain is Golden Corral. Started in 1973, the chain was founded in Fayetteville, with headquarters located in Raleigh. Popular pickle brand Mount Olive Pickle Company was founded in Mount Olive in 1926. Fast casual burger chain Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries also makes its home in Mount Olive. Cook Out, a popular fast-food chain featuring burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes in a wide variety of flavors, was founded in Greensboro in 1989 and has begun expanding outside of North Carolina. In 2013, Southern Living named Durham - Chapel Hill the South's "Tastiest City."

Krispy kreme is a chain of what kind of stores?

doughnut

Where is the Krispy kreme headquarters?

Winston-Salem

When was pepsi-Cola first produced?

Where was pepsi first produced?

New Bern

What city was Cheerwine created and based in?

Salisbury


Over the last decade, North Carolina has become a cultural epicenter and haven for internationally prize-winning wine (Noni Bacca Winery), internationally prized cheeses (Ashe County), "L'institut International aux Arts Gastronomiques: Conquerront Les Yanks les Truffes, January 15, 2010" international hub for truffles (Garland Truffles), and beer making, as tobacco land has been converted to grape orchards while state laws regulating alcohol content in beer allowed a jump in ABV from 6% to 15%. The Yadkin Valley in particular has become a strengthening market for grape production, while Asheville recently won the recognition of being named 'Beer City USA.' Asheville boasts the largest breweries per capita of any city in the United States. Recognized and marketed brands of beer in North Carolina include Highland Brewing, Duck Rabbit Brewery, Mother Earth Brewery, Weeping Radish Brewery, Big Boss Brewing, Foothills Brewing, Carolina Brewing Company, Lonerider Brewing, and White Rabbit Brewing Company.

What international prize winning winery is located in North Carolina?

Noni Bacca Winery

What prized cheeses are made in North Carolina?

Ashe County

Much tobacco land has been transformed into what kind of orchards?

grape

North carolina state law allowed a jump in alcohol volume from 6% to what percent?

What city was named Beer City USA?

Asheville


Tobacco was one of the first major industries to develop after the Civil War. Many farmers grew some tobacco, and the invention of the cigarette made the product especially popular. Winston-Salem is the birthplace of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (RJR), founded by R. J. Reynolds in 1874 as one of 16 tobacco companies in the town. By 1914 it was selling 425 million packs of Camels a year. Today it is the second-largest tobacco company in the U.S. (behind Altria Group). RJR is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Reynolds American Inc., which in turn is 42% owned by British American Tobacco.

What was one of the first growing industries to develope after the civil war?

Tobacco

The invention of cigarettes made what popular?

Tobacco

Winston Salem is the headquarters of what tobacco Company?

R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company

What year was RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company founded?

How many packs of camel cigarettes were sold per year in 1914?

425 million


Located in Jacksonville, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, combined with nearby bases Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, MCAS New River, Camp Geiger, Camp Johnson, Stone Bay and Courthouse Bay, makes up the largest concentration of Marines and sailors in the world. MCAS Cherry Point is home of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Located in Goldsboro, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is home of the 4th Fighter Wing and 916th Air Refueling Wing. One of the busiest air stations in the United States Coast Guard is located at the Coast Guard Air Station in Elizabeth City. Also stationed in North Carolina is the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point in Southport.

Where is Camp Lejeune located?

Jacksonville

What is Camp Lejeune?

Marine Corps Base Camp

Bases making up the larges concentration of marines and sailors in the world is located in what NC city?

Jacksonville

Where is Seymour johnson air force base located?

Goldsboro

Where is the military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point stationed?

Southport


The Heian period (平安時代, Heian jidai?) is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height. The Heian period is also considered the peak of the Japanese imperial court and noted for its art, especially poetry and literature. Although the Imperial House of Japan had power on the surface, the real power was in the hands of the Fujiwara clan, a powerful aristocratic family who had intermarried with the imperial family. Many emperors actually had mothers from the Fujiwara family. Heian (平安?) means "peace" in Japanese.

What is the name of the last period of classical Japanese history?

Heian

The Heian period is named after what city?

Heian-kyō

What does heian mean in Japanese?

peace

What was the name of the prominent clan during the Heian period?

Fujiwara

The Heian period was known for what types of art?

poetry and literature

What period marks the end of Japanese history?

I'm not sure.

What Japanese dynasty was named after the city of Heian-kyo?

I'm not sure.

What Chinese influences where waning in the Heian period?

I'm not sure.

What was declining along with the imperial court?

I'm not sure.

What family did many Japanese Emperors belong to?

I'm not sure.


The Heian period was preceded by the Nara period and began in 794 A.D after the movement of the capital of Japan to Heian-kyō (present day Kyōto京都), by the 50th emperor, Emperor Kanmu. Kanmu first tried to move the capital to Nagaoka-kyō, but a series of disasters befell the city, prompting the emperor to relocate the capital a second time, to Heian. The Heian Period is considered a high point in Japanese culture that later generations have always admired. The period is also noted for the rise of the samurai class, which would eventually take power and start the feudal period of Japan.

What was the name of the period before the Heian era?

Nara

The Heian period began in what year?

794 A.D

What warrior class rose during the Heian era?

samurai

Heian-kyo is now what present-day city?

Kyōto

What was the name of the emperor who moved Japan's capital to Heian?

Kanmu

When did the Nara period begin?

I'm not sure.

Where was the capital of Japan prior to 794 A.D.?

I'm not sure.

Where did Emperor Kanmu try to move the capital after Heian-kyo?

I'm not sure.

Why have later generations always admired the Nara period?

I'm not sure.

What class declined in the Heian-kyo period?

I'm not sure.


Nominally, sovereignty lay in the emperor but in fact power was wielded by the Fujiwara nobility. However, to protect their interests in the provinces, the Fujiwara and other noble families required guards, police and soldiers. The warrior class made steady political gains throughout the Heian period. As early as 939 A.D, Taira no Masakado threatened the authority of the central government, leading an uprising in the eastern province of Hitachi, and almost simultaneously, Fujiwara no Sumitomo rebelled in the west. Still, a true military takeover of the Japanese government was centuries away, when much of the strength of the government would lie within the private armies of the shogunate.

What noble family wielded power during the Heian period?

Fujiwara

Who threatened the authority of Japan's central government?

Taira no Masakado

Masakado led an uprising in what province?

Hitachi

What member of the Fujiwara family rebelled in western Japan?

Fujiwara no Sumitomo

In what year did Masakado begin his rebellion?

939 A.D

Who ruled the Fujiwara family in Japan?

I'm not sure.

Who needed guards and soldiers to protect their interests in the imperial court?

I'm not sure.

Who's political power declined during the Heian period?

I'm not sure.

Who threatened the central governments authourity during the 9th century A.D.?

I'm not sure.

What did Fujiwara no Sumitoma lead in the east?

I'm not sure.


When Emperor Kammu moved the capital to Heian-kyō (Kyōto), which remained the imperial capital for the next 1,000 years, he did so not only to strengthen imperial authority but also to improve his seat of government geopolitically. Nara was abandoned after only 70 years in part due to the ascendancy of Dōkyō and the encroaching secular power of the Buddhist institutions there. Kyōto had good river access to the sea and could be reached by land routes from the eastern provinces. The early Heian period (784–967) continued Nara culture; the Heian capital was patterned on the Chinese Tang capital at Chang'an, as was Nara, but on a larger scale than Nara. Kammu endeavoured to improve the Tang-style administrative system which was in use. Known as the ritsuryō, this system attempted to recreate the Tang imperium in Japan, despite the "tremendous differences in the levels of development between the two countries". Despite the decline of the Taika-Taihō reforms, imperial government was vigorous during the early Heian period. Indeed, Kammu's avoidance of drastic reform decreased the intensity of political struggles, and he became recognized as one of Japan's most forceful emperors.

Heian was Japan's capital for how many years?

Nara was the former capital for how many years?

What religion was gaining popularity in Nara?

Buddhist

What time period was the early Heian era?

Kanmu modeled his government after what Chinese capital?

Tang

Why did Emperor Kammu move the capital to Heian0kyo after a 1,000 years?

I'm not sure.

Why was Nara maintained as the capital for 70 years?

I'm not sure.

What did Nara have besides good river acess?

I'm not sure.

Which system did the Tang imperium recreate?

I'm not sure.


Although Kammu had abandoned universal conscription in 792, he still waged major military offensives to subjugate the Emishi, possible descendants of the displaced Jōmon, living in northern and eastern Japan. After making temporary gains in 794, in 797 Kammu appointed a new commander, Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, under the title Sei-i Taishōgun (Barbarian-subduing generalissimo). By 801 the shogun had defeated the Emishi and had extended the imperial domains to the eastern end of Honshū. Imperial control over the provinces was tenuous at best, however. In the ninth and tenth centuries, much authority was lost to the great families, who disregarded the Chinese-style land and tax systems imposed by the government in Kyoto. Stability came to Japan, but, even though succession was ensured for the imperial family through heredity, power again concentrated in the hands of one noble family, the Fujiwara which also helped Japan develop more.

What was the name of the possible descendants of Jōmon?

Emishi

What was the name of the new commander Kanmu appointed in the year 797?

Sakanoue no Tamuramaro

What was Tamuramaro's military title?

Sei-i Taishōgun

The Emishi were defeated in what year?

The imperial capital extended to the eastern edge of which Japanese island?

Honshū

What did the Emishi abandon in 793?

I'm not sure.

Who was Kammu descended from?

I'm not sure.

Who did Kammu appoint as commander in 794?

I'm not sure.

Who did the Emishi defeat in 801?

I'm not sure.

Who had firm control of the provinces?

I'm not sure.


Following Kammu's death in 806 and a succession struggle among his sons, two new offices were established in an effort to adjust the Taika-Taihō administrative structure. Through the new Emperor's Private Office, the emperor could issue administrative edicts more directly and with more self-assurance than before. The new Metropolitan Police Board replaced the largely ceremonial imperial guard units. While these two offices strengthened the emperor's position temporarily, soon they and other Chinese-style structures were bypassed in the developing state. In 838 the end of the imperial-sanctioned missions to Tang China, which had begun in 630, marked the effective end of Chinese influence. Tang China was in a state of decline, and Chinese Buddhists were severely persecuted, undermining Japanese respect for Chinese institutions. Japan began to turn inward.

In what year did Emperor Kanmu die?

What office replaced the imperial guards?

Metropolitan Police Board

What new office allowed government to issue administrative orders faster?

Emperor's Private Office

Tang China's influence over Japan ended in what year?

who's sons died in 806?

I'm not sure.

What administative structure was abolished in 806?

I'm not sure.

What office eliminatedthe need for the emorer to issue administrative edicts?

I'm not sure.

Who did the imperial guard replace

I'm not sure.

Who's influence began to increase in 630?

I'm not sure.


As the Soga clan had taken control of the throne in the sixth century, the Fujiwara by the ninth century had intermarried with the imperial family, and one of their members was the first head of the Emperor's Private Office. Another Fujiwara became regent, Sesshō for his grandson, then a minor emperor, and yet another was appointed Kampaku. Toward the end of the ninth century, several emperors tried, but failed, to check the Fujiwara. For a time, however, during the reign of Emperor Daigo (897-930), the Fujiwara regency was suspended as he ruled directly.

In what century did the Soga family take the throne?

sixth

A member of what clan became the head of the Emperor's Private Office?

Fujiwara

Which emperor suspended the Fujiwara clan's power?

Daigo

Emperor Daigo ruled during what years?

What family took control of the throne in the 600's?

I'm not sure.

What family usurped the throne in the 9th century?

I'm not sure.

Which emperor gave the Fujiware more power?

I'm not sure.

Who was the first Japanese Emperor to rule directly?

I'm not sure.


Nevertheless, the Fujiwara were not demoted by Daigo but actually became stronger during his reign. Central control of Japan had continued to decline, and the Fujiwara, along with other great families and religious foundations, acquired ever larger shōen and greater wealth during the early tenth century. By the early Heian period, the shōen had obtained legal status, and the large religious establishments sought clear titles in perpetuity, waiver of taxes, and immunity from government inspection of the shōen they held. Those people who worked the land found it advantageous to transfer title to shōen holders in return for a share of the harvest. People and lands were increasingly beyond central control and taxation, a de facto return to conditions before the Taika Reform.

What type of property obtained legal status during the early Heian period?

shōen

Farm laborers traded titles to shoen holders in exchange for what?

a share of the harvest

The Fujiwara and other noble families became richer during which century?

early tenth century

Who was demoted during the reign of Deigo?

I'm not sure.

Where was central control growing?

I'm not sure.

Who's shoen and wealth were declining?

I'm not sure.

What reform moved control of people and land from the central government?

I'm not sure.

when did religious establishments obtain legal status?

I'm not sure.


Despite their usurpation of imperial authority, the Fujiwara presided over a period of cultural and artistic flowering at the imperial court and among the aristocracy. There was great interest in graceful poetry and vernacular literature. Two types of phonetic Japanese script: katakana, a simplified script that was developed by using parts of Chinese characters, was abbreviated to hiragana, a cursive syllabary with a distinct writing method that was uniquely Japanese. Hiragana gave written expression to the spoken word and, with it, to the rise in Japan's famous vernacular literature, much of it written by court women who had not been trained in Chinese as had their male counterparts. Three late tenth century and early eleventh century women presented their views of life and romance at the Heian court in Kagerō Nikki by "the mother of Fujiwara Michitsuna", The Pillow Book by Sei Shōnagon and The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu. Indigenous art also flourished under the Fujiwara after centuries of imitating Chinese forms. Vividly colored yamato-e, Japanese style paintings of court life and stories about temples and shrines became common in the mid- and late Heian periods, setting patterns for Japanese art to this day.

What script was developed with parts of Chinese characters?

katakana

What was the name of the cursive script that gave expression to spoken words?

hiragana

Who is the author of The Pillow Book?

Sei Shōnagon

Who is the author of The Tale of Genji?

Murasaki Shikibu

What was the name of the brightly colored paintings depicting court life?

yamato-e

What declined while the Fujiwara controled the imperial court?

I'm not sure.

Where did Japan borrow the writting style of hiragana from?

I'm not sure.

What writting style led to a decline in Japan's vernacular literature?

I'm not sure.

What was written by court women trained in Chinese?

I'm not sure.

What still influences Chinese art today?

I'm not sure.


As culture flourished, so did decentralization. Whereas the first phase of shōen development in the early Heian period had seen the opening of new lands and the granting of the use of lands to aristocrats and religious institutions, the second phase saw the growth of patrimonial "house governments," as in the old clan system. (In fact, the form of the old clan system had remained largely intact within the great old centralized government.) New institutions were now needed in the face of social, economic, and political changes. The Taihō Code lapsed, its institutions relegated to ceremonial functions. Family administrations now became public institutions. As the most powerful family, the Fujiwara governed Japan and determined the general affairs of state, such as succession to the throne. Family and state affairs were thoroughly intermixed, a pattern followed among other families, monasteries, and even the imperial family. Land management became the primary occupation of the aristocracy, not so much because direct control by the imperial family or central government had declined but more from strong family solidarity and a lack of a sense of Japan as a single nation.

What became the aristocracy's primary occupation?

Land management

What grew during the second phase of shoen development?

"house governments,"

What governmental reorganization lapsed during the period of shoen development?

Taihō Code

Succession to the throne was determined by what clan?

Fujiwara

What flourished along with centralization?

I'm not sure.

What became the primary occupation as a result of declining control by the central government?

I'm not sure.

What code moved beyond its cerimonial functions?

I'm not sure.

What did public institutions become?

I'm not sure.

Who saw Japan as a single nation?

I'm not sure.


Under the early courts, when military conscription had been centrally controlled, military affairs had been taken out of the hands of the provincial aristocracy. But as the system broke down after 792, local power holders again became the primary source of military strength. The re-establishment of an efficient military system was made gradually through a process of trial-and-error. At that time the imperial court did not possess an army but rather relied on an organization of professional warriors composed mainly of oryoshi, which were appointed to an individual province and tsuibushi, which were appointed over imperial circuits or for specific tasks. This gave rise to the Japanese military class. Nonetheless final authority rested with the imperial court.

The early courts' military conscription broke down around what year?

Warriors appointed to a province were called what?

oryoshi

Warriors appointed for specific tasks were called what?

tsuibushi

Where did final authority over the military lie?

imperial court

What was in the hands of the provincial aristocracy in he early courts?

I'm not sure.

What process allowed provincial aristocracy to take control slowly?

I'm not sure.

Who made up the imerial courts army?

I'm not sure.

What authority rested with the Japanese military class?

I'm not sure.


Shōen holders had access to manpower and, as they obtained improved military technology (such as new training methods, more powerful bows, armor, horses, and superior swords) and faced worsening local conditions in the ninth century, military service became part of shōen life. Not only the shōen but also civil and religious institutions formed private guard units to protect themselves. Gradually, the provincial upper class was transformed into a new military elite based on the ideals of the bushi (warrior) or samurai (literally, one who serves).

Who had increased access to better military technology?

Shōen holders

Which institutions also hired private guards for protection?

civil and religious

Which class became a new military elite?

provincial upper class

What does the word "bushi" mean?

warrior

What did Shoen lack access to?

I'm not sure.

What deprived the Shoen of manpower?

I'm not sure.

What was nolonger part of the Shoen life after the ninth century?

I'm not sure.

What institutions were forbidden to form private guards?

I'm not sure.

Whom comprised most of the ordinary military?

I'm not sure.


Bushi interests were diverse, cutting across old power structures to form new associations in the tenth century. Mutual interests, family connections, and kinship were consolidated in military groups that became part of family administration. In time, large regional military families formed around members of the court aristocracy who had become prominent provincial figures. These military families gained prestige from connections to the imperial court and court-granted military titles and access to manpower. The Fujiwara family, Taira clan, and Minamoto clan were among the most prominent families supported by the new military class.

Bushi formed new associations in what century?

tenth

How did military families gain prestige?

connections to the imperial court

Who were the three prominent families during the rise of the warrior classes?

Fujiwara family, Taira clan, and Minamoto clan

Who had limited intrests in the tenth century?

I'm not sure.

What groups became part of the centraladministration?

I'm not sure.

What formed around provincial aristocracy?

I'm not sure.

What did provincial aristocracy grant to the imperial court?

I'm not sure.


The Fujiwara controlled the throne until the reign of Emperor Go-Sanjō (1068-1073), the first emperor not born of a Fujiwara mother since the ninth century. Go-Sanjo, determined to restore imperial control through strong personal rule, implemented reforms to curb Fujiwara influence. He also established an office to compile and validate estate records with the aim of reasserting central control. Many shōen were not properly certified, and large landholders, like the Fujiwara, felt threatened with the loss of their lands. Go-Sanjo also established the In-no-cho (ja:院庁 Office of the Cloistered Emperor), which was held by a succession of emperors who abdicated to devote themselves to behind-the-scenes governance, or insei.

Who was the first non-Fujiwara emperor since the ninth century?

Go-Sanjō

Who implemented reforms to reduce the Fujiwara's influence on government?

Go-Sanjō

What term was used for behind the scenes governance?

insei

Who was the last emperor born to a Fujiwara mother?

I'm not sure.

Who's influence grew under Go-Sanjo?

I'm not sure.

What did the Fjiware try to compile and validate?

I'm not sure.

Who felt threatened by the Fujiware attempt to validate estate records?

I'm not sure.

What office did the emperor rule through?

I'm not sure.


The In-no-cho filled the void left by the decline of Fujiwara power. Rather than being banished, the Fujiwara were mostly retained in their old positions of civil dictator and minister of the center while being bypassed in decision making. In time, many of the Fujiwara were replaced, mostly by members of the rising Minamoto family. While the Fujiwara fell into disputes among themselves and formed northern and southern factions, the insei system allowed the paternal line of the imperial family to gain influence over the throne. The period from 1086 to 1156 was the age of supremacy of the In-no-cho and of the rise of the military class throughout the country. Military might rather than civil authority dominated the government.

The decline of the Fujiwara's governmental power was filled by what?

In-no-cho

The members of what clan gradually replaced the Fujiwaras?

Minamoto

What allowed the paternal line of the imperial family to gain influence over royal succession?

insei system

The In-no-cho was prominent during what years?

1086 to 1156

Who left a void for the Fujiwara to fill?

I'm not sure.

Who did the emperor banish?

I'm not sure.

Who was sought out in decision making?

I'm not sure.

What other family was replaced by the Fujiwara?

I'm not sure.


A struggle for succession in the mid-twelfth century gave the Fujiwara an opportunity to regain their former power. Fujiwara no Yorinaga sided with the retired emperor in a violent battle in 1156 against the heir apparent, who was supported by the Taira and Minamoto (Hōgen Rebellion). In the end, the Fujiwara were destroyed, the old system of government supplanted, and the insei system left powerless as bushi took control of court affairs, marking a turning point in Japanese history. In 1159, the Taira and Minamoto clashed (Heiji Rebellion), and a twenty-year period of Taira ascendancy began.

What member of the Fujiwara attempted to rebel in the mid-twelfth century?

Fujiwara no Yorinaga

What battle resulted in the destruction of the Fujiwara?

Hōgen Rebellion

What clans fought during the Heiji Rebellion?

Taira and Minamoto

In what year did the Heiji Rebellion occur?

After the Heiji Rebellion, what clan grew in power?

Taira

What struggle occured in the 1200's?

I'm not sure.

Who had the opportunity to regain their former power in the 1200's?

I'm not sure.

In what year did no Yorinaga side with the emerors heir apparent?

I'm not sure.

Who supported the retired emperor in the 11th century?

I'm not sure.

What rebellion occured in the 11th century?

I'm not sure.


Taira Kiyomori emerged as the real power in Japan following the Minamoto's destruction, and he would remain in command for the next 20 years. He gave his daughter Tokuko in marriage to the young emperor Takakura, who died at only 19, leaving their infant son Antoku to succeed to the throne. Kiyomori filled no less than 50 government posts with his relatives, rebuilt the Inland Sea, and encouraged trade with Sung China. He also took aggressive actions to safeguard his power when necessary, including the removal and exile of 45 court officials and the razing of two troublesome temples, Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji.

What military commander gained power after the fall of the Minamoto clan?

Taira Kiyomori

How old was Emperor Takakura when he died?

What was the name of Takakura's successor?

Antoku

Kiyomori removed how many court officials to protect his power?

What were the names of the temples that Kiyomori destroyed?

Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji

Who's destruction led to Minamoto emering as the real power in Japan?

I'm not sure.

What was the name of Minamato's daughter?

I'm not sure.

Whose daughter died at 19?

I'm not sure.

Who discouraged trade with Sung China?

I'm not sure.

Who buildt two temples during their time in power?

I'm not sure.


With Yoritomo firmly established, the bakufu system that would govern Japan for the next seven centuries was in place. He appointed military governors, or daimyos, to rule over the provinces, and stewards, or jito to supervise public and private estates. Yoritomo then turned his attention to the elimination of the powerful Fujiwara family, which sheltered his rebellious brother Yoshitsune. Three years later, he was appointed shogun in Kyoto. One year before his death in 1199, Yoritomo expelled the teenage emperor Go-Toba from the throne. Two of Go-Toba's sons succeeded him, but they would also be removed by Yoritomo's successors to the shogunate.

What was the term used to describe military governors?

daimyos

What was the term used to describe supervisors of estates?

jito

What was the name of the emperor that Yoritomo removed from the throne?

Go-Toba

What system did Yoritomo end?

I'm not sure.

What areas did stewards rule over?

I'm not sure.

Who supervised the imerial court?

I'm not sure.

Who strengthened the Fujiwara family during their rule?

I'm not sure.

Who did Yoshitsune remove from the throne?

I'm not sure.


Buddhism began to spread throughout Japan during the Heian period, primarily through two major esoteric sects, Tendai and Shingon. Tendai originated in China and is based on the Lotus Sutra, one of the most important sutras of Mahayana Buddhism; Saichō was key to its transmission to Japan. Shingon is the Japanese transmission of the Chinese Chen Yen school. Shingon, brought to Japan by the monk Kūkai, emphasizes Esoteric Buddhism. Both Kūkai and Saichō aimed to connect state and religion and establish support from the aristocracy, leading to the notion of 'aristocratic Buddhism'. An important element of Tendai doctrine was the suggestion that enlightenment was accessible to "every creature". Saichō also sought independent ordination for Tendai monks. A close relationship developed between the Tendai monastery complex on Mount Hiei and the imperial court in its new capital at the foot of the mountain. As a result, Tendai emphasized great reverence for the emperor and the nation. Kammu himself was a notable patron of the otherworldly Tendai sect, which rose to great power over the ensuing centuries. Kūkai greatly impressed the emperors who succeeded Emperor Kammu, and also generations of Japanese, not only with his holiness but also with his poetry, calligraphy, painting, and sculpture. Shingon, through its use of "rich symbols, rituals and mandalas" held a wide-ranging appeal.

What religion spread during the Heian period?

Buddhism

What were the two Japanese sects of Buddhism?

Tendai and Shingon

Who brought Shingon Buddhism to Japan?

Kūkai

Tendai Buddhism suggested that enlightenment was accessible to who?

every creature

What philosophy had little influence during the Haian period?

I'm not sure.

What were the two Chinese sects of Buddhism?

I'm not sure.

Where did Kukai bring Tendai Buddhism to?

I'm not sure.

Who thought all Buddist monks should be ordinated together?

I'm not sure.

What court did Shingon develop a close relationship with?

I'm not sure.


Poetry, in particular, was a staple of court life. Nobles and ladies-in-waiting were expected to be well versed in the art of writing poetry as a mark of their status. Every occasion could call for the writing of a verse, from the birth of a child to the coronation of an emperor, or even a pretty scene of nature. A well-written poem or haiku could easily make or break one's reputation, and often was a key part of social interaction.Almost as important was the choice of calligraphy, or handwriting, used. The Japanese of this period believed handwriting could reflect the condition of a person's soul: therefore, poor or hasty writing could be considered a sign of poor breeding. Whether the script was Chinese or Japanese, good writing and artistic skill was paramount to social reputation when it came to poetry. Sei Shonagon mentions in her Pillow Book that when a certain courtesan tried to ask her advice about how to write a poem to the empress Sadako, she had to politely rebuke him because his writing was so poor.

What artform became a mark of status in the courts?

poetry

During the Heian period, what did the Japanese think could reflect one's soul?

handwriting

What was said to show low status or "poor breeding"?

poor or hasty writing

Who was expected to be able to read poetry?

I'm not sure.

What were verses believed to reflect?

I'm not sure.

What was a sign of good breeding?

I'm not sure.

Who rebuked the empress for poor writing?

I'm not sure.


The lyrics of the modern Japanese national anthem, Kimi ga Yo, were written in the Heian period, as was The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu, one of the first novels ever written. Murasaki Shikibu's contemporary and rival Sei Shōnagon's revealing observations and musings as an attendant in the Empress' court were recorded collectively as The Pillow Book in the 990s, which revealed the quotidian capital lifestyle. The Heian period produced a flowering of poetry including works of Ariwara no Narihira, Ono no Komachi, Izumi Shikibu, Murasaki Shikibu, Saigyō and Fujiwara no Teika. The famous Japanese poem known as the Iroha (いろは), of uncertain authorship, was also written during the Heian period.

What is the name of the Japanese national anthem?

Kimi ga Yo

What famous poem with an unknown author was written during the Heian period?

Iroha

The Pillow Book was a collection of whose observations of the imperial court?

Sei Shōnagon

When were the lyrics of the ancient japanese anthem written.

I'm not sure.

What was the title of the forst ever novel written by Sei Shonagon?

I'm not sure.

When did Fujiwara no Teika write Iroha?

I'm not sure.


While on one hand the Heian period was an unusually long period of peace, it can also be argued that the period weakened Japan economically and led to poverty for all but a tiny few of its inhabitants. The control of rice fields provided a key source of income for families such as the Fujiwara and were a fundamental base for their power. The aristocratic beneficiaries of Heian culture, the Ryōmin (良民 "Good People") numbered about five thousand in a land of perhaps five million. One reason the samurai were able to take power was that the ruling nobility proved incompetent at managing Japan and its provinces. By the year 1000 the government no longer knew how to issue currency and money was gradually disappearing. Instead of a fully realised system of money circulation, rice was the primary unit of exchange. The lack of a solid medium of economic exchange is implicitly illustrated in novels of the time. For instance, messengers were rewarded with useful objects, e.g., an old silk kimono, rather than paid a fee.

What crop was a primary source of income during the Heian period?

rice

What was the name of the beneficiaries of Heian culture?

Ryōmin

Currency gradually disappeared around what year?

What crop became the primary unit of exchange?

rice

What was a short period of peace?

I'm not sure.

How was Japan strengthened during the Heian period?

I'm not sure.

What could average people avoid by acessing rice fields?

I'm not sure.

Who provided to be compitent at ruling the provinces?

I'm not sure.

Who were paid fees for theiir services?

I'm not sure.


The Fujiwara rulers failed to maintain adequate police forces, which left robbers free to prey on travelers. This is implicitly illustrated in novels by the terror that night travel inspired in the main characters. The shōen system enabled the accumulation of wealth by an aristocratic elite; the economic surplus can be linked to the cultural developments of the Heian period and the "pursuit of arts". The major Buddhist temples in Heian-kyō and Nara also made use of the shōen. The establishment of branches rurally and integration of some Shinto shrines within these temple networks reflects a greater "organizational dynamism".

Buddhist temples in which two cities made use of the shoen system?

Heian-kyō and Nara

Why were travelers often robbed under Fujiwara rule?

The Fujiwara rulers failed to maintain adequate police forces

The integration of Shinto shrines into government branches reflected a greater what?

organizational dynamism

Who always maintained adequate police forces?

I'm not sure.

What system kept the aristocrates from accumulating too much wealth?

I'm not sure.

What was integrated into Shinto shrines?

I'm not sure.

What kept travelers safe during the Heian period?

I'm not sure.


The game Total War: Shogun 2 has the Rise of the Samurai expansion pack as downloadable campaign. It allows the player to make their own version of the Gempei War which happened during the Heian period. The player is able to choose one of the most powerful families of Japan at the time, the Taira, Minamoto or Fujiwara; each family fielding two branches for a total of six playable clans. The expansion pack features a different set of land units, ships and buildings and is also playable in the multiplayer modes.

Which Total War game has an expansion set during the Heian period?

Shogun 2

What families are playable characters in Total War: Shogun 2?

Taira, Minamoto or Fujiwara

The Rise of the Samurai expansion for Total War: Shogun 2 depicts which war during the Heian period?

Gempei War

What popular game from the Heian period had an expanson pack?

I'm not sure.

Wich part of the game has no multiplayer mode?

I'm not sure.

What three families are added with the expanson pack?

I'm not sure.


On the Origin of Species, published on 24 November 1859, is a work of scientific literature by Charles Darwin which is considered to be the foundation of evolutionary biology. Darwin's book introduced the scientific theory that populations evolve over the course of generations through a process of natural selection. It presented a body of evidence that the diversity of life arose by common descent through a branching pattern of evolution. Darwin included evidence that he had gathered on the Beagle expedition in the 1830s and his subsequent findings from research, correspondence, and experimentation.

When was the Origin of Species published?

24 November 1859

Who wrote The Origin of Species?

Charles Darwin

What branch of biology was The Origin of Species founded on?

evolutionary biology

What was the expedition called that Charles Darwin discovered some of his evidence?

Beagle expedition

How do populations evolve according to Charles Darwin's theory?

through a process of natural selection


Various evolutionary ideas had already been proposed to explain new findings in biology. There was growing support for such ideas among dissident anatomists and the general public, but during the first half of the 19th century the English scientific establishment was closely tied to the Church of England, while science was part of natural theology. Ideas about the transmutation of species were controversial as they conflicted with the beliefs that species were unchanging parts of a designed hierarchy and that humans were unique, unrelated to other animals. The political and theological implications were intensely debated, but transmutation was not accepted by the scientific mainstream.

Which group of scientists began to support evolutionary ideas?

dissident anatomists

Which powerful religious institution was a big part of scientific study in the 19th century?

the Church of England

What was the general opinion about transmutation of species in the 19th century?

Ideas about the transmutation of species were controversial

How did the majority of science see humanity in relation to animals in the 19th century?

that humans were unique, unrelated to other animals.

Which theology did everyone agree science was a part of in the 19th century?

natural theology


The book was written for non-specialist readers and attracted widespread interest upon its publication. As Darwin was an eminent scientist, his findings were taken seriously and the evidence he presented generated scientific, philosophical, and religious discussion. The debate over the book contributed to the campaign by T. H. Huxley and his fellow members of the X Club to secularise science by promoting scientific naturalism. Within two decades there was widespread scientific agreement that evolution, with a branching pattern of common descent, had occurred, but scientists were slow to give natural selection the significance that Darwin thought appropriate. During "the eclipse of Darwinism" from the 1880s to the 1930s, various other mechanisms of evolution were given more credit. With the development of the modern evolutionary synthesis in the 1930s and 1940s, Darwin's concept of evolutionary adaptation through natural selection became central to modern evolutionary theory, and it has now become the unifying concept of the life sciences.

What section of the population was Darwin's book written for?

non-specialist readers

Who attempted to secularize science during the debate over Darwin's book?

T. H. Huxley

What was T.H. Huxley promoting?

scientific naturalism

What was the growing change in opinion about evolution called?

"the eclipse of Darwinism"

When did Darwin's concept of evolution become widely believed and central to the modern theory of evolution?

in the 1930s and 1940s


In later editions of the book, Darwin traced evolutionary ideas as far back as Aristotle; the text he cites is a summary by Aristotle of the ideas of the earlier Greek philosopher Empedocles. Early Christian Church Fathers and Medieval European scholars interpreted the Genesis creation narrative allegorically rather than as a literal historical account; organisms were described by their mythological and heraldic significance as well as by their physical form. Nature was widely believed to be unstable and capricious, with monstrous births from union between species, and spontaneous generation of life.

To what ancient philosopher did Darwin trace some of his evolutionary ideas?

Aristotle

Whose ideas were summarized by Aristotle in the work Darwin studied?

Greek philosopher Empedocles

How did medieval scholars view the Genesis creation story?

allegorically

What kind of births did the Christian Church fathers believe occurred in nature?

monstrous births from union between species, and spontaneous generation of life.


The Protestant Reformation inspired a literal interpretation of the Bible, with concepts of creation that conflicted with the findings of an emerging science seeking explanations congruent with the mechanical philosophy of René Descartes and the empiricism of the Baconian method. After the turmoil of the English Civil War, the Royal Society wanted to show that science did not threaten religious and political stability. John Ray developed an influential natural theology of rational order; in his taxonomy, species were static and fixed, their adaptation and complexity designed by God, and varieties showed minor differences caused by local conditions. In God's benevolent design, carnivores caused mercifully swift death, but the suffering caused by parasitism was a puzzling problem. The biological classification introduced by Carl Linnaeus in 1735 also viewed species as fixed according to the divine plan. In 1766, Georges Buffon suggested that some similar species, such as horses and asses, or lions, tigers, and leopards, might be varieties descended from a common ancestor. The Ussher chronology of the 1650s had calculated creation at 4004 BC, but by the 1780s geologists assumed a much older world. Wernerians thought strata were deposits from shrinking seas, but James Hutton proposed a self-maintaining infinite cycle, anticipating uniformitarianism.

Which group wanted to assuage fears that science was a threat to religious stability?

the Royal Society

Whose theory claimed that species were unchanging and designed by God?

John Ray

Who created a biological classification in 1735?

Carl Linnaeus

When did the Ussher chronology state that creation began?

4004 BC

Who proposed that life is a self-maintaining, infinite cycle?

James Hutton


Charles Darwin's grandfather Erasmus Darwin outlined a hypothesis of transmutation of species in the 1790s, and Jean-Baptiste Lamarck published a more developed theory in 1809. Both envisaged that spontaneous generation produced simple forms of life that progressively developed greater complexity, adapting to the environment by inheriting changes in adults caused by use or disuse. This process was later called Lamarckism. Lamarck thought there was an inherent progressive tendency driving organisms continuously towards greater complexity, in parallel but separate lineages with no extinction. Geoffroy contended that embryonic development recapitulated transformations of organisms in past eras when the environment acted on embryos, and that animal structures were determined by a constant plan as demonstrated by homologies. Georges Cuvier strongly disputed such ideas, holding that unrelated, fixed species showed similarities that reflected a design for functional needs. His palæontological work in the 1790s had established the reality of extinction, which he explained by local catastrophes, followed by repopulation of the affected areas by other species.

What was the name of Charles Darwin's grandfather?

Erasmus Darwin

What theory did Erasmus Darwin outline in the 1790s?

hypothesis of transmutation of species

What was the name of the scientist who developed and published a more complex version of Erasmus Darwin's theory in 1809?

Jean-Baptiste Lamarck

What is the process of adapting to the environment and inheriting changes through use or disuse called?

Lamarckism

Whose paleontology work in the 1790s established the reality of extinction?

Georges Cuvier


In Britain, William Paley's Natural Theology saw adaptation as evidence of beneficial "design" by the Creator acting through natural laws. All naturalists in the two English universities (Oxford and Cambridge) were Church of England clergymen, and science became a search for these laws. Geologists adapted catastrophism to show repeated worldwide annihilation and creation of new fixed species adapted to a changed environment, initially identifying the most recent catastrophe as the biblical flood. Some anatomists such as Robert Grant were influenced by Lamarck and Geoffroy, but most naturalists regarded their ideas of transmutation as a threat to divinely appointed social order.

Whose work considered adaptation to be evidence of God's design?

William Paley's

What was the name of William Paley's book claiming divine beneficial design?

Natural Theology

What religion were all naturalists working at the two English universities?

Church of England

How did most naturalists view the concept of transmutation of species?

a threat to divinely appointed social order.

How did geologists explain the creation of new species in keeping with their belief in divine creation?

adapted catastrophism to show repeated worldwide annihilation and creation of new fixed species adapted to a changed environment


Darwin went to Edinburgh University in 1825 to study medicine. In his second year he neglected his medical studies for natural history and spent four months assisting Robert Grant's research into marine invertebrates. Grant revealed his enthusiasm for the transmutation of species, but Darwin rejected it. Starting in 1827, at Cambridge University, Darwin learnt science as natural theology from botanist John Stevens Henslow, and read Paley, John Herschel and Alexander von Humboldt. Filled with zeal for science, he studied catastrophist geology with Adam Sedgwick.

When did Darwin begin attending university?

What university did Darwin attend?

Edinburgh University

What was Darwin originally studying at university?

medicine

Who did Darwin assist in researching marine invertebrates?

Robert Grant

With whom did Darwin study about catastrophic geology?

Adam Sedgwick


In December 1831, he joined the Beagle expedition as a gentleman naturalist and geologist. He read Charles Lyell's Principles of Geology and from the first stop ashore, at St. Jago, found Lyell's uniformitarianism a key to the geological history of landscapes. Darwin discovered fossils resembling huge armadillos, and noted the geographical distribution of modern species in hope of finding their "centre of creation". The three Fuegian missionaries the expedition returned to Tierra del Fuego were friendly and civilised, yet to Darwin their relatives on the island seemed "miserable, degraded savages", and he no longer saw an unbridgeable gap between humans and animals. As the Beagle neared England in 1836, he noted that species might not be fixed.

What expedition did Darwin join in 1831?

Beagle expedition

Who wrote The Principles of Geology?

Charles Lyell

Where was the first stop of the Beagle Expedition?

St. Jago

What did some of the fossils Darwin found on St. Jago resemble?

huge armadillos

What caused Darwin to change his mind about the unbridgeable gap between animals and humans?

their relatives on the island seemed "miserable, degraded savages"


Richard Owen showed that fossils of extinct species Darwin found in South America were allied to living species on the same continent. In March 1837, ornithologist John Gould announced that Darwin's rhea was a separate species from the previously described rhea (though their territories overlapped), that mockingbirds collected on the Galápagos Islands represented three separate species each unique to a particular island, and that several distinct birds from those islands were all classified as finches. Darwin began speculating, in a series of notebooks, on the possibility that "one species does change into another" to explain these findings, and around July sketched a genealogical branching of a single evolutionary tree, discarding Lamarck's independent lineages progressing to higher forms. Unconventionally, Darwin asked questions of fancy pigeon and animal breeders as well as established scientists. At the zoo he had his first sight of an ape, and was profoundly impressed by how human the orangutan seemed.

Who showed that extinct South American fossils were related to living species?

Richard Owen

What did John Gould announce in 1837?

Darwin's rhea was a separate species from the previously described rhea

How many species of mockingbirds were found to be present on the Galapagos Islands?

three separate species

What type of scientist was John Gould?

ornithologist

Which animal did Darwin see at a zoo that made him further consider evolution?

an ape


In late September 1838, he started reading Thomas Malthus's An Essay on the Principle of Population with its statistical argument that human populations, if unrestrained, breed beyond their means and struggle to survive. Darwin related this to the struggle for existence among wildlife and botanist de Candolle's "warring of the species" in plants; he immediately envisioned "a force like a hundred thousand wedges" pushing well-adapted variations into "gaps in the economy of nature", so that the survivors would pass on their form and abilities, and unfavourable variations would be destroyed. By December 1838, he had noted a similarity between the act of breeders selecting traits and a Malthusian Nature selecting among variants thrown up by "chance" so that "every part of newly acquired structure is fully practical and perfected".

Which book did Darwin begin reading in 1838?

An Essay on the Principle of Population

What did Thomas Malthus' book theorize would happen to human populations if they were unrestrained?

breed beyond their means and struggle to survive

Which species did Darwin compare with the human struggle to survive?

plants

What concept was de Candolle considering as he studied plants?

"warring of the species"


Darwin continued to research and extensively revise his theory while focusing on his main work of publishing the scientific results of the Beagle voyage. He tentatively wrote of his ideas to Lyell in January 1842; then in June he roughed out a 35-page "Pencil Sketch" of his theory. Darwin began correspondence about his theorising with the botanist Joseph Dalton Hooker in January 1844, and by July had rounded out his "sketch" into a 230-page "Essay", to be expanded with his research results and published if he died prematurely.

What was the name of Darwin's 35-page writing of his theory?

"Pencil Sketch"

Which botanist did Darwin begin a correspondence with about his theories?

Joseph Dalton Hooker

How many pages had Darwin's sketch grown to in 1844?

What information was Darwin's essay based on?

scientific results of the Beagle voyage

Who did Darwin write his ideas to in 1842?

Lyell


In November 1844, the anonymously published popular science book Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation, written by Scottish journalist Robert Chambers, widened public interest in the concept of transmutation of species. Vestiges used evidence from the fossil record and embryology to support the claim that living things had progressed from the simple to the more complex over time. But it proposed a linear progression rather than the branching common descent theory behind Darwin's work in progress, and it ignored adaptation. Darwin read it soon after publication, and scorned its amateurish geology and zoology, but he carefully reviewed his own arguments after leading scientists, including Adam Sedgwick, attacked its morality and scientific errors. Vestiges had significant influence on public opinion, and the intense debate helped to pave the way for the acceptance of the more scientifically sophisticated Origin by moving evolutionary speculation into the mainstream. While few naturalists were willing to consider transmutation, Herbert Spencer became an active proponent of Lamarckism and progressive development in the 1850s.

What was the name of the anonymously published science book?

Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation

What kind of progression did Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation propose?

a linear progression

Who wrote Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation?

Robert Chambers

What was the evidence in Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation used to support?

that living things had progressed from the simple to the more complex over time.

Which scientist was in favor of Lamarckism in the 1850s?

Herbert Spencer


Darwin's barnacle studies convinced him that variation arose constantly and not just in response to changed circumstances. In 1854, he completed the last part of his Beagle-related writing and began working full-time on evolution. His thinking changed from the view that species formed in isolated populations only, as on islands, to an emphasis on speciation without isolation; that is, he saw increasing specialisation within large stable populations as continuously exploiting new ecological niches. He conducted empirical research focusing on difficulties with his theory. He studied the developmental and anatomical differences between different breeds of many domestic animals, became actively involved in fancy pigeon breeding, and experimented (with the help of his son Francis) on ways that plant seeds and animals might disperse across oceans to colonise distant islands. By 1856, his theory was much more sophisticated, with a mass of supporting evidence.

What creatures did Darwin study that made him believe variation arose constantly?

barnacle

In what year did Darwin begin to work on his evolution theory full-time?

Which bird species did Darwin become extremely interested in studying?

fancy pigeon

By which year had Darwin's theory become more complex and supported by a lot of evidence?

What species did Darwin study for dispersal across oceans>

plant seeds and animals