New Nations
1. Who controlled most of the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century?
• The Muslims
2. What European nations are found on the Iberian Peninsula?
• Spain and Portugal
3. Who led his people to drive out the Muslims and create the Kingdom of Portugal?
• Alfonso I, Count of Portugal
4. When Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile married, why did this lead to the creation of the Spanish nation?
• There were four Spanish kingdoms: Navarre, Leon, Castile, and Aragon.
• The marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella united the kingdoms of Aragon and Castile.
5. How did the Spanish monarchy treat Muslims and Jews?
• They treated them poorly and forced them to leave.
6. Where does the name Russia come from?
• A group of ancient Norse in the 9th century led by Rurik were called “Russ” and set up a small kingdom around the city of Kiev.
7. Which group ruled Kiev for three centuries? Who ended their rule?
• The Mongols
• Ivan the Great ended their rule.
8. Which of the czars took total control of Russia in an autocracy?
• Ivan the Terrible (1530-84)
9. Which family ruled Russia from 1613 until 1917?
The Romanov family
10. What geographic factor made it possible for Switzerland to become an independent nation?
• Switzerland was protected by the Alps, making it possible for this small nation to establish unity and keep its independence.
11. How were Holland and Belgium formed?
• After Charlemagne’s death, a group of provinces controlled by him came under the rule of more powerful neighbors – the northern group of provinces became Holland – the southern group of provinces became Belgium.
12. Why did Italy remain a divided country, not a unified nation?
• Italy was made up of a number of city-states – jealousies among the city-states, selfish ambitions of other countries, and geographic and economic barriers kept Italy divided for many centuries.
13. What were the Papal States?
Papal states separated northern and southern Italy.
14. Why did Germany remain divided into many states?
• Continuous religious and political rivalry between numerous states.
15. Which two powerful families fought over control of Germany? What were their states?
• The Hapsburgs of Austria-Hungary & Hohenzollerns of Prussia
16. Until 1969, what was the last religious war in Europe?
• Thirty Years War
