Practice Test Reading Comprehension - 7 | English Language for JAMB PDF Download

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Each stage in the evolution of armaments has left a distinct impact on society. In the early stages, when humans fought using stones and their bare hands, society was still in its formative phase. The discovery and utilization of metal, along with the introduction of spears, knives, and arrows, marked the emergence of small kingdoms. Fire remained a formidable weapon of destruction. The incorporation of cavalry in armies and the advancement of war strategies led to the transformation of some small kingdoms into powerful empires. However, without significant revolutionary developments in armaments, the political structure of society remained relatively stagnant for many centuries.

The next significant breakthrough came with the invention of gunpowder, enabling acts that were previously considered impossible. Gunpowder was harnessed to create ammunition for various guns and cannons. This sudden leap in weaponry not only facilitated the control of large populations by a few armed individuals, leading to the formation of mighty empires, but it also granted select nations with access to this new technology the ability to establish colonies in continents lacking modernized warfare capabilities. Modern technological advancements in armaments played a crucial role in the formation of nation-states in Europe. The extensive use of firepower gave naval forces a lethal advantage, proving to be the greatest asset for any nation in the 19^th century. Small European nations with strong navies, modern arms, and disciplined forces gained control over vast territories in foreign continents, surpassing the size of their parent countries.