44. What was the geocentric view of the universe before Copernicus, and how did he challenge it? 45. Why did the 3rd Estate in France play a central role in starting the French Revolution? 46. How did Hernan Cortes and Francisco Pizarro contribute to Spanish imperial expansion? 47. How did the Indian Ocean trade network foster cultural exchange and diasporic communities? 48. What cultural and religious exchanges occurred along the Silk Road? 49. How do satellites play a role in monitoring and responding to modern weather systems? 50. What impact has global communication had on the availability and diversity of news and information?

44. The geocentric view placed Earth at the universe's center; Copernicus proposed a heliocentric model. 45. The 3rd Estate's dissatisfaction with taxation and lack of representation sparked the French Revolution. 46. Cortes and Pizarro expanded Spanish territory through the conquest of the Aztecs and Incas. 47. The Indian Ocean trade fostered cultural exchange and established diasporic communities. 48. Cultural and religious exchanges along the Silk Road included the spread of Buddhism and Islamic influences. 49. Satellites play a crucial role in monitoring weather systems and enhancing disaster response. 50. Global communication has improved access to diverse news but poses challenges regarding misinformation. Explanation 44. The geocentric view posited that Earth was the center of the universe, with all celestial bodies orbiting it. Copernicus challenged this by proposing a heliocentric model where the sun is at the center, fundamentally altering astronomical thought. 45. The 3rd Estate, comprising commoners and the bourgeoisie, represented the majority yet had little political power. Their grievances over taxation and lack of representation fueled discontent, leading to their pivotal role in initiating the French Revolution. 46. Hernan Cortes conquered the Aztec Empire, while Francisco Pizarro defeated the Inca Empire. Both conquests expanded Spanish territories in the Americas, significantly enhancing Spain's wealth and influence through resource extraction and colonization. 47. The Indian Ocean trade network facilitated cultural exchange by connecting diverse regions, allowing for the sharing of goods, ideas, and traditions. This interaction led to the establishment of diasporic communities, enriching local cultures and fostering global connections. 48. Along the Silk Road, there were significant exchanges of culture and religion, including the spread of Buddhism, Islam, and various artistic styles. These interactions influenced societies along the route, promoting mutual understanding and hybrid cultures. 49. Satellites monitor weather patterns, track storms, and provide real-time data on atmospheric conditions. They enhance forecasting accuracy and enable timely responses to natural disasters, improving disaster preparedness and response strategies. 50. Global communication has increased access to news and information, enabling diverse perspectives and voices. It fosters greater awareness of global issues but also raises concerns about misinformation and media monopolies affecting content diversity.