One way to assess students' knowledge of particular eras or periods of history is to ask "what if" or "think" questions, to teach causality and consequences of events. History is contingent, not inevitable. Students can mull these questions individually or discuss them with a partner or in small groups.
Below are 20+ examples. A more detailed series of "what if" questions about eras can be found
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Slender Threads / Global Citizens / Public History to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.