TEST BANK for A History of World Societies Combined Volume 12th Edition by
Merry Wiesner-Hanks, Patricia Ebrey & Roger Beck
A History of World Societies, Combined Volume – 12th Edition By Merry E. Wiesner-Hanks, Patricia Buckley Ebrey & Roger B. Beck et al. | Bedford/St. Martin’s (Macmillan Learning) | 2020 | ISBN-10: 1319244556 | ISBN-13: 978-1319244552
This edition integrates the complete two-volume world history narrative in a single, cohesive volume, spanning Chapters 1–33 across human history from prehistory to modern times. Celebrated for its readability and structured by region, the book places emphasis on cultural and social developments through a globally interconnected lens. Its updates include expanded coverage of environmental history and the latest scholarship in areas like the Black Death, ocean trade, climate crises, and human rights movements
10-Page Summary in Prose
1. Origins to Early Civilizations
The narrative begins with humankind’s earliest ancestors, migrations, and the rise of agriculture. It illustrates how early social hierarchies, gender roles, religion, and trade networks formed during the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras, ultimately shaping complex societies in Mesopotamia, Egypt, South Asia, and China.
2. Classical Empires and Religions
Emerging civilizations such as the Persian, Mauryan, Han, and Roman empires are explored alongside the rise of major religious traditions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Cultural exchange, artistic innovation, and imperial expansion are central themes, highlighting both continuity and change across Eurasia.
3. Medieval Networks and Islamic Civilizations
The book delves into how Islamic realms facilitated global connections via the Silk Road and Indian Ocean networks. The flourishing of science, literature, and philosophy in cities like Baghdad and Córdoba is contrasted with the feudal structures in Europe and Japan, showing diverse cultural trajectories.
4. The Age of Exploration and Early Modern Transformations
This section examines European maritime exploration, colonization, and the rise of the Atlantic economy including the slave trade. It also addresses conflicts and cultural impacts in the Americas and Africa, as well as the emergence of gunpowder empires and crosscultural influences through trade.
5. Revolutions and Industrialization
Focus shifts to social upheavals, revolution, and the birth of industrial capitalism in the West. The chapters trace the spread of Enlightenment ideas, abolitionist movements, urbanization, and technological innovations, contrasting Western developments with dissent and reform in Asia and Africa.
6. The Age of Empires and Global Conflict
As global powers expanded, the narrative highlights imperial competition, war, and the early stirrings of global migration. Movements for independence, nationalism, and labor reforms are contextualized through social and economic challenges spurred by industrial expansion.
7. Twentieth-Century Upheavals and World Wars
World Wars I and II are addressed not just militarily, but socially and politically. This section covers ideological conflicts, decolonization, the Cold War, and the shifting world order, including the role of nationalism and the rise of global institutions such as the United Nations.
8. Contemporary Global Society: Globalization, Culture, & Climate
The final chapters emphasize modern global society economic interdependence, cultural hybridization, digital communication, and environmental crises like climate change. They reflect the interdisciplinary and regional approach that defines the text.
Key Features & Educational Tools
• "Achieve" Digital Platform: This 12th edition can be paired with Macmillan’s Achieve platform, which includes adaptive quizzing (LearningCurve), primary source readers, map quizzes, tutorials, and instructor tools for assessments and slides.
• Environmental Emphasis: Starting in Chapter 1 and culminating in Chapter 33, the book threads themes around environmental history such as migration influenced by climate, the "Little Ice Age,” ocean fishing, whaling, and modern climate dynamics
• Structural Revisions: Chapters 12 and 13 were swapped in order to better align with teaching approaches, and substantial revisions add depth to the Black Death, Indian Ocean trade, and race discourse in world history contexts
Why This Summary Works for Medium or e-Learning Platforms
This overview is ideal for educational publishing: it’s concise yet rich, structured for reader engagement, and highlights key overview chapters and features. It can serve as:
• Medium articles or blog posts explaining world-society themes
• eBook snippet series for social science learning
• Lecture or tutorial outlines for social studies or global history courses
Sample Multiple-Choice Questions (Chapters 1–15)
1. Which theme opens the narrative in Chapter 1 and continues through the entire edition?
A. Technological innovation
B. Social hierarchies
C. Environmental influence
D. Religious movements
Answer: C
2. The revision of the Black Death section in the 12th edition reflects:
A. Less focus on Europe
B. New archaeological and documentary scholarship
C. A shorter historical timeframe
D. Inclusion of digital resources
Answer: B
3. What educational platform accompanies the textbook to support adaptive learning and instructor tools?
A. Canvas
B. Blackboard
C. Achieve
D. Coursera
Answer: C
4. Chapters 12 and 13 were reordered to:
A. Add more content on East Asia
B. Improve narrative coherence with course alignment
C. Include more maps and illustrations
D. Focus on religious developments
Answer: B
Link 1: https://www.viridisacademicprojects.com/book/history/o7Tde7fzqw0ct9cu
Link 2: https://www.greenarthisacademics.com/book/history/o7Tde7fzqw0ct9cu