What did the Novara Expedition find to be the most important resource in the Nicobar Islands?
- Rice
- Tea
- Coffee
- Cocoa-nuts
Correct Answer: Cocoa-nuts
Correct Answer Explanation: The Nicobar Islands relied heavily on the cocoa-nut palm for sustenance and trade, providing them with food, shelter, and raw materials.
Which European power made the first documented attempt to colonize the Nicobar Islands?
- Portugal
- Spain
- Britain
- France
Correct Answer: France
Correct Answer Explanation: The French attempted to colonize the Nicobar Islands in the 17th century, but their attempts were unsuccessful due to the harsh climate and resistance from the local islanders.
What natural resource played a crucial role in the rapid development of Singapore?
- Timber
- Spices
- Rubber
- Oil
Correct Answer: Spices
Correct Answer Explanation: Singapore’s strategic location and abundant spices made it a valuable trading post for European powers, leading to its rapid development as a free port.
What significant event occurred in Singapore in 1858, forcing the Novara Expedition to shorten its stay?
- An earthquake
- A volcanic eruption
- A typhoon
- A cholera epidemic
Correct Answer: A cholera epidemic
Correct Answer Explanation: A cholera epidemic swept through Singapore in 1858, forcing the Novara Expedition to leave the island sooner than planned due to concerns about the health of their crew.
What is the highest extinct volcano on the island of Java?
- Gunung Merapi
- Gunung Krakatau
- Gunung Pangerango
- Gunung Semeru
Correct Answer: Gunung Pangerango
Correct Answer Explanation: Gunung Pangerango is a dormant volcano located in Java, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The Novara Expedition ascended the mountain during their visit, documenting its geological features.
What controversial practice was prevalent on coffee plantations in Java during the Novara Expedition?
- Child labor
- Forced labor
- Slavery
- Indentured servitude
Correct Answer: Forced labor
Correct Answer Explanation: The Dutch colonial government in Java utilized forced labor, known as “culture system”, to cultivate coffee plantations, exploiting local Javanese labor for the benefit of European colonial interests.
What was the name of the Spanish colonial capital of the Philippines, visited by the Novara Expedition?
- Cebu
- Iloilo
- Davao
- Manila
Correct Answer: Manila
Correct Answer Explanation: Manila served as the center of Spanish colonial power in the Philippines, reflecting a blend of European and indigenous cultures. The Novara Expedition explored Manila’s bustling trade and the influence of the Catholic Church.
What is the name of the freshwater lake near Manila, known for its diverse ecosystem?
- Laguna de Bay
- Taal Lake
- Lake Sebu
- Lake Lanao
Correct Answer: Laguna de Bay
Correct Answer Explanation: Laguna de Bay is a significant freshwater lake near Manila, home to various species including wild ducks, crocodiles, and bats. The Novara Expedition documented the rich biodiversity of this natural resource.
What major event shook the Chinese Empire in the mid-19th century, impacting the Novara Expedition’s travels?
- The Taiping Rebellion
- The Opium Wars
- The Boxer Rebellion
- The Nian Rebellion
Correct Answer: The Taiping Rebellion
Correct Answer Explanation: The Taiping Rebellion, led by Hung-sin-Tsuen, posed a significant threat to the Chinese Empire during the Novara Expedition’s travels. The rebellion’s influence was felt throughout the region, affecting trade routes and political stability.
What treaty, signed in 1858, granted the British extensive trading rights in China?
- Treaty of Nanking
- Treaty of Tientsin
- Treaty of Peking
- Treaty of Shimonoseki
Correct Answer: Treaty of Tientsin
Correct Answer Explanation: The Treaty of Tientsin opened new avenues for European trade and influence within China, granting the British access to new ports and expanded trading privileges.
What was the name of the Portuguese colony that served as a major trading center and a popular retreat for foreigners in China?
- Macau
- Hong Kong
- Goa
- Diu
Correct Answer: Macau
Correct Answer Explanation: Macau, under Portuguese control, became a prominent trading hub and a refuge for foreigners seeking respite from the heat and unrest in China. The Novara Expedition visited Macau, observing its unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese influences.
What was the main destination for Chinese emigrants seeking opportunities in the West Indies?
- Jamaica
- Cuba
- Haiti
- Barbados
Correct Answer: Cuba
Correct Answer Explanation: Chinese emigration to the West Indies, particularly Cuba, was a form of forced labor often under harsh conditions. The Novara Expedition explored the reasons behind this migration and its impact on both Chinese society and the West Indies.
What is the name of the traditional Chinese silver ingots used as a form of currency?
- Taels
- Sycee
- Fen
- Li
Correct Answer: Sycee
Correct Answer Explanation: Sycee, traditional silver ingots, were a common form of currency in China during the 19th century, reflecting the country’s rich economic history and intricate monetary systems.
What term refers to a Chinese factotum who manages the household and finances for a foreign family?
- Comprador
- Mandrin
- Tautái
- Mandarin
Correct Answer: Comprador
Correct Answer Explanation: Compradores, often Chinese merchants, served as intermediaries between foreign families and local communities, playing a crucial role in managing finances and facilitating trade during the era of European colonization in Asia.
What traditional Chinese practice involving fortune-telling and divination was observed by the Novara Expedition?
- Feng Shui
- Calligraphy
- Tea Ceremony
- I Ching
Correct Answer: I Ching
Correct Answer Explanation: The Novara Expedition encountered the I Ching, an ancient Chinese system of divination, during their travels, highlighting the importance of fortune-telling and spiritual practices in Chinese culture.
What is the name of the long, wraparound garment worn by women in Java and the Philippines?
- Sari
- Kimono
- Sarong
- Ao Dai
Correct Answer: Sarong
Correct Answer Explanation: The sarong, a versatile and practical garment, is a common sight in Southeast Asia, reflecting the region’s diverse cultural heritage and traditions. The Novara Expedition observed its usage in Java and the Philippines.
What is the name of the Javanese musical instrument consisting of bells of various sizes and tones?
- Gamelan
- Suling
- Kendang
- Angklung
Correct Answer: Gamelan
Correct Answer Explanation: Gamelan, a traditional Javanese orchestra featuring bells, drums, and other instruments, is a prominent part of Javanese culture, reflecting its rich artistic heritage and the importance of music in social gatherings.
What type of Chinese wine was distilled from rice?
- Samschoo
- Maotai
- Baijiu
- Shaoxing
Correct Answer: Samschoo
Correct Answer Explanation: Samschoo, a type of rice wine, was commonly consumed in China during the 19th century, highlighting the role of alcohol in social customs and the diverse culinary traditions of the region.
What term refers to the evil spirits that the Nicobar Islanders believed inhabited their world?
- Eewees
- Yowie
- Kappa
- Chupacabra
Correct Answer: Eewees
Correct Answer Explanation: The Nicobar Islanders held beliefs in Eewees, evil spirits that they believed influenced their daily lives and required appeasement through rituals and offerings.
Who was the chief of the village of Sáoui on Kar-Nicobar, who proudly wore an old blue uniform frock?
- Captain John
- Chief Owi
- Prince Aquasie
- Auguste Tigard
Correct Answer: Captain John
Correct Answer Explanation: Captain John, the leader of the Sáoui village on Kar-Nicobar, reflected the influence of European colonialism on the islands, adopting Western attire and a title reflecting his position of authority.
Who was the French supercargo who resided on Kar-Nicobar and provided valuable information about the island?
- Auguste Tigard
- Captain John
- Owi-Bing-Hong
- William Bolts
Correct Answer: Auguste Tigard
Correct Answer Explanation: Auguste Tigard, a French merchant, played a significant role in understanding the Nicobar Islands’ potential for agricultural production, providing valuable insights to the Novara Expedition during their visit.
What was the name of the Chinese supercargo who served as an interpreter for the Novara Expedition in Nangkauri?
- Owi-Bing-Hong
- Whampoa
- Dr. Wong-fun
- Raden Saleh
Correct Answer: Owi-Bing-Hong
Correct Answer Explanation: Owi-Bing-Hong, a Chinese merchant, facilitated communication between the Novara Expedition and the local population in Nangkauri, demonstrating the important role of interpreters in navigating cultural differences during the era of exploration and colonization.
Who was the African prince from Coomassie who settled in Java after studying in Germany?
- Prince Aquasie Boachi
- Captain John
- Owi-Bing-Hong
- Auguste Tigard
Correct Answer: Prince Aquasie Boachi
Correct Answer Explanation: Prince Aquasie Boachi’s presence in Java exemplifies the intermingling of cultures during the 19th century, showcasing the impact of education and global connections on individuals and societies.
What renowned German geologist and naturalist made significant contributions to understanding Java’s natural history?
- Dr. Junghuhn
- Dr. Hasskarl
- Dr. Wong-fun
- Padre Lorenzo
Correct Answer: Dr. Junghuhn
Correct Answer Explanation: Dr. Junghuhn’s expertise in geology and natural history contributed greatly to understanding the complex landscapes and biodiversity of Java, influencing scientific knowledge of the region.
What German botanist led a mission to Peru to collect Cinchona plants for cultivation in Java?
- Dr. Hasskarl
- Dr. Junghuhn
- Padre Lorenzo
- William Bolts
Correct Answer: Dr. Hasskarl
Correct Answer Explanation: Dr. Hasskarl’s mission to Peru reflects the colonial pursuit of valuable resources, particularly the Cinchona tree, which yielded quinine, a vital medicine for treating malaria, demonstrating the intertwined interests of science and colonial expansion.
Who was the Tagalese priest who hosted the Novara Expedition at Los Baños, showcasing the role of native clergy?
- Padre Lorenzo
- Dr. Hasskarl
- Dr. Junghuhn
- Whampoa
Correct Answer: Padre Lorenzo
Correct Answer Explanation: Padre Lorenzo’s role as a host to the Novara Expedition illustrates the presence of native clergy within the Spanish colonial system in the Philippines, revealing the complex interplay of religious institutions and colonial power structures.
Who was the Chinese ship-chandler in Singapore, showcasing the efficiency of Chinese merchants?
- Whampoa
- Padre Lorenzo
- Dr. Wong-fun
- Raden Saleh
Correct Answer: Whampoa
Correct Answer Explanation: Whampoa, a Chinese merchant in Singapore, exemplified the business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit of the Chinese community in the region, highlighting their role in trade and economic development.
Who was the Javanese artist of princely descent who became a prominent painter in Java after studying in Europe?
- Raden Saleh
- Dr. Wong-fun
- Whampoa
- Padre Lorenzo
Correct Answer: Raden Saleh
Correct Answer Explanation: Raden Saleh’s artistic success, combining European influences with traditional Javanese themes, reflects the cultural exchange and artistic dynamism that flourished in Java during the colonial era.
Who was the Chinese physician who studied in Edinburgh and the United States, demonstrating the increasing influence of Western education?
- Dr. Wong-fun
- Raden Saleh
- Whampoa
- Padre Lorenzo
Correct Answer: Dr. Wong-fun
Correct Answer Explanation: Dr. Wong-fun’s pursuit of Western education highlights the growing influence of Western ideas and practices in China, showcasing the changing landscape of knowledge and the increasing integration of Chinese society with the global world.
What was the approximate population of the Nicobar Islands in 1858?
- 10,000 – 12,000
- 5,000 – 6,000
- 2,000 – 3,000
- 1,000 – 2,000
Correct Answer: 5,000 – 6,000
Correct Answer Explanation: The Nicobar Islands, despite their geographical significance and potential for resource exploitation, were sparsely populated, with an estimated population of 5,000 to 6,000 during the Novara Expedition’s visit in 1858.
What was the approximate value of goods exchanged annually in Singapore in 1858?
- £2,000,000
- £5,000,000
- £11,000,000
- £20,000,000
Correct Answer: £11,000,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Singapore’s strategic location as a free port and its thriving trade network generated an estimated £11,000,000 in annual trade value in 1858, reflecting its importance as a regional hub for commerce.
What was the approximate population of Singapore in 1858?
- 50,000
- 100,000
- 150,000
- 200,000
Correct Answer: 100,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Singapore, despite its rapid growth, had a population of around 100,000 in 1858, with a significant portion being Chinese immigrants seeking better opportunities.
What was the approximate annual production of pearl sago in Singapore in 1858?
- 50,000 cwt.
- 75,000 cwt.
- 100,000 cwt.
- 125,000 cwt.
Correct Answer: 100,000 cwt.
Correct Answer Explanation: Singapore was a major center for the production of pearl sago, a starchy food obtained from palm pith, with an estimated annual production of 100,000 cwt. in 1858, reflecting the island’s economic activities.
What was the estimated annual consumption of opium per head in Singapore in 1858?
- 100 grains
- 200 grains
- 330 grains
- 450 grains
Correct Answer: 330 grains
Correct Answer Explanation: The consumption of opium in Singapore was significantly higher than in Java, with an estimated annual per capita consumption of 330 grains in 1858, highlighting the prevalence of opium use in the region.
What was the approximate population of Java and Madura in 1858?
- 5,000,000
- 8,000,000
- 10,000,000
- 12,000,000
Correct Answer: 10,000,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Java and Madura, with their fertile lands and rich natural resources, had a combined population of approximately 10,000,000 in 1858, showcasing the significance of the island as a center of population and economic activity.
What was the estimated annual coffee bean production in Java in 1858?
- 500,000 piculs
- 600,000 piculs
- 700,000 piculs
- 800,000 piculs
Correct Answer: 800,000 piculs
Correct Answer Explanation: Java, known for its coffee plantations and the “culture system” that relied on forced labor, produced an estimated 800,000 piculs of coffee beans annually in 1858, showcasing the island’s significance in global coffee trade.
What was the approximate budget surplus of the Dutch East Indies in 1859?
- 20,000,000 guilders
- 30,000,000 guilders
- 41,000,000 guilders
- 50,000,000 guilders
Correct Answer: 41,000,000 guilders
Correct Answer Explanation: The Dutch East Indies, despite the costs of maintaining their colonial administration, had a significant budget surplus of 41,000,000 guilders in 1859, reflecting the economic benefits derived from colonial exploitation of resources and labor.
What was the approximate population of Manila in 1858?
- 80,000
- 100,000
- 130,000
- 150,000
Correct Answer: 130,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Manila, the Spanish colonial capital of the Philippines, had a population of around 130,000 in 1858, reflecting the city’s growth as a center of trade and administration.
What was the estimated annual tobacco production of Luzon, the largest Philippine island, in 1858?
- 100,000 cwt.
- 150,000 cwt.
- 180,000 cwt.
- 200,000 cwt.
Correct Answer: 180,000 cwt.
Correct Answer Explanation: Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, produced an estimated 180,000 cwt. of tobacco annually in 1858, demonstrating the island’s significance in tobacco production and trade.
What was the approximate annual production of Manila hemp in the Philippines in 1858?
- 300,000 cwt.
- 450,000 cwt.
- 600,000 cwt.
- 750,000 cwt.
Correct Answer: 450,000 cwt.
Correct Answer Explanation: The Philippines, known for its production of Manila hemp, an important fiber used for ropes and other products, produced an estimated 450,000 cwt. annually in 1858, reflecting the island’s role in global trade.
What was the approximate population of Hong Kong in 1858?
- 50,000
- 60,000
- 70,000
- 80,000
Correct Answer: 80,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Hong Kong, a British colony established in 1842, experienced rapid growth and had a population of around 80,000 in 1858, showcasing its rising importance as a trading hub for both European and Chinese goods.
What was the estimated annual import of opium into China in 1858?
- 50,000 – 60,000 chests
- 65,000 – 70,000 chests
- 75,000 – 80,000 chests
- 85,000 – 90,000 chests
Correct Answer: 75,000 – 80,000 chests
Correct Answer Explanation: The Opium trade was a major source of revenue and conflict in China, with an estimated annual import of 75,000 to 80,000 chests of opium in 1858, highlighting the significant economic and political implications of this trade.
What was the estimated number of opium smokers in China in 1858?
- 2,000,000 – 3,000,000
- 3,000,000 – 4,000,000
- 4,000,000 – 5,000,000
- 5,000,000 – 6,000,000
Correct Answer: 4,000,000 – 5,000,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Opium addiction was a widespread problem in China during the 19th century, with an estimated 4,000,000 to 5,000,000 opium smokers in 1858, reflecting the social and health impacts of the opium trade.
By what year had the Tai-ping Rebellion seized control of Nankin, establishing a provisional government?
- 1849
- 1851
- 1852
- 1854
Correct Answer: 1852
Correct Answer Explanation: The Taiping Rebellion, beginning in 1849, gained significant ground and captured the city of Nankin in 1852, establishing a provisional government, showcasing the rebellion’s impact on the political landscape of China.
What was the approximate population of Macao in 1858?
- 65,000
- 80,000
- 97,000
- 110,000
Correct Answer: 97,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Macao, a Portuguese colony, had a population of around 97,000 in 1858, with a majority of its residents being Chinese, reflecting the city’s role as a center of trade and a hub for Chinese emigration.
What was the estimated number of Chinese coolies shipped annually from Macao to the West Indies?
- 5,000
- 8,000
- 10,000
- 12,000
Correct Answer: 10,000
Correct Answer Explanation: Chinese emigration to the West Indies, particularly Cuba, was a significant phenomenon, with an estimated 10,000 Chinese coolies shipped annually from Macao, reflecting the impact of forced labor on Chinese society.
What was the average percentage of Chinese emigrants who died during the voyage to the West Indies?
- 10%
- 16%
- 20%
- 25%
Correct Answer: 16%
Correct Answer Explanation: The journey to the West Indies for Chinese emigrants was perilous, with an estimated 16% mortality rate, highlighting the harsh conditions and dangers associated with this forced migration.
What was the approximate annual export of tea from China in 1858?
- 50,000,000 lbs.
- 60,000,000 lbs.
- 70,000,000 lbs.
- 80,000,000 lbs.
Correct Answer: 70,000,000 lbs.
Correct Answer Explanation: China was a major exporter of tea, with an estimated annual export of 70,000,000 lbs. in 1858, showcasing the importance of tea in global trade and its influence on Chinese culture and economy.