Ap World History Unit 3 Review

Alright, let's dive into a comprehensive review of AP World History Unit 3: Post-Classical Period, c. 600 CE to c. 1450 CE. This era witnessed the reshaping of civilizations, the rise of new empires, and the intensification of global interactions. Understanding the key themes, developments, and comparisons from this period is crucial for success on the AP exam.

AP World History Unit 3 Review: Post-Classical Period (600 CE - 1450 CE)

The Post-Classical Period, spanning roughly from 600 CE to 1450 CE, represents a significant transformation in world history. This era follows the decline of many classical civilizations and precedes the age of exploration and the rise of European dominance. Key themes include the spread of religion, the growth of trade networks, the development of centralized states, and the continuation of cultural and technological exchanges. This review will delve into these themes, providing a solid foundation for understanding this crucial period.

Major Developments and Key Concepts

Before examining specific regions and civilizations, it's essential to understand the overarching trends and concepts that define the Post-Classical Period. These include:

• The Rise and Spread of Islam: Islam emerged in the 7th century and rapidly expanded across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe and Asia.
• The Re-emergence of Empire in China: After a period of disunity, the Tang and Song dynasties restored centralized rule and fostered economic and cultural growth.
• The Development of Trade Networks: The Silk Road, Indian Ocean trade routes, and trans-Saharan trade expanded, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies.
• The Spread of Religions: Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam spread through missionary activity and trade, influencing cultures and societies across continents.
• The Rise of New Political Systems: Feudalism in Europe and Japan, centralized monarchies in various regions, and the development of city-states all contributed to diverse political landscapes.
• Continuity and Change: While new empires and religions emerged, many aspects of classical civilizations persisted, adapting to new circumstances.

Regional Developments

Now, let's explore the specific developments in different regions during the Post-Classical Period:

1. The Islamic World

The rise of Islam is one of the most defining events of this period.

• Origins and Expansion: Islam originated in Mecca in the 7th century with the prophet Muhammad. His teachings, compiled in the Quran, emphasized monotheism, social justice, and submission to Allah. Following Muhammad's death, the Islamic community, or umma, expanded rapidly through military conquest and trade.
• The Caliphates: The Islamic world was initially ruled by caliphs, successors to Muhammad. The early caliphates, including the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties, oversaw a vast empire that stretched from Spain to India. The Abbasid Caliphate, with its capital in Baghdad, experienced a golden age of intellectual and cultural achievements.
• Islamic Achievements: Islamic scholars made significant contributions in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy. They preserved and translated classical Greek texts, which were later rediscovered by Europeans. Islamic art and architecture flourished, exemplified by the Great Mosque of Cordoba and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.
• Internal Divisions: The Islamic world was not always united. The Sunni-Shia split, originating in a dispute over succession to Muhammad, led to enduring political and religious divisions. Independent Islamic states emerged in various regions, challenging the authority of the caliphates.
• The Impact of Islam: Islam profoundly impacted the cultures and societies it encountered. It spread Arabic language and culture, fostered trade and economic growth, and influenced legal and political systems.

2. East Asia

East Asia, particularly China, experienced significant political, economic, and cultural developments.

• The Tang and Song Dynasties: Following a period of disunity after the fall of the Han dynasty, the Tang dynasty (618-907) restored centralized rule in China. The Tang dynasty expanded its territory, promoted trade, and supported the arts. The subsequent Song dynasty (960-1279) experienced an economic revolution, with increased agricultural productivity, urbanization, and the development of paper money.
• Economic Revolution in China: The introduction of Champa rice from Vietnam led to increased food production, supporting a growing population. The development of new technologies, such as the compass and printing, further stimulated economic growth. Chinese merchants engaged in extensive trade along the Silk Road and Indian Ocean routes.
• Cultural Achievements: The Tang and Song dynasties were periods of great cultural achievement. Chinese poets, such as Li Bai and Du Fu, produced some of the most celebrated works in Chinese literature. Landscape painting flourished, and the invention of printing led to the widespread dissemination of knowledge.
• Neo-Confucianism: During the Song dynasty, Neo-Confucianism emerged as a synthesis of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism. It emphasized moral self-cultivation and social harmony, becoming the dominant ideology of the Chinese state.
• Influence on Neighboring Countries: China exerted a significant influence on neighboring countries, including Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. These countries adopted aspects of Chinese culture, such as Confucianism, Buddhism, and the writing system.

3. Europe

Europe underwent significant transformations during the Post-Classical Period, marked by the decline of the Roman Empire and the emergence of new political and social systems.

• The Byzantine Empire: The Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, continued to thrive after the fall of Rome in 476. The Byzantine Empire preserved Roman traditions and developed its own distinct culture, characterized by Orthodox Christianity and Hellenistic influences. Constantinople, its capital, was a major center of trade and culture.
• Feudalism: In Western Europe, the collapse of centralized authority led to the development of feudalism. Feudalism was a decentralized political and social system based on reciprocal obligations between lords and vassals. Lords granted land (fiefs) to vassals in exchange for military service and loyalty.
• The Manorial System: The manorial system was the economic basis of feudalism. Manors were self-sufficient agricultural estates owned by lords and worked by peasants, or serfs. Serfs were bound to the land and owed labor services to the lord.
• The Role of the Church: The Catholic Church played a dominant role in medieval European society. The Church provided religious guidance, education, and social services. Monasteries preserved classical knowledge and served as centers of learning.
• The Crusades: The Crusades were a series of religious wars launched by European Christians against Muslims in the Middle East. While the Crusades failed to achieve their primary goal of recapturing Jerusalem, they had significant consequences, including increased trade, cultural exchange, and the weakening of feudalism.
• The High Middle Ages: The High Middle Ages (c. 1000-1300) witnessed a revival of trade, urbanization, and intellectual activity in Europe. New towns and cities emerged, universities were founded, and Gothic cathedrals were built.

4. The Americas

The Post-Classical Period saw the rise of complex civilizations in the Americas.

• The Maya Civilization: The Maya civilization flourished in Mesoamerica from around 250 to 900 CE. The Maya developed a sophisticated writing system, a calendar, and advanced astronomical knowledge. They built impressive cities with temples, pyramids, and palaces.
• The Aztec Empire: The Aztec Empire emerged in central Mexico in the 14th century. The Aztecs built a powerful empire through military conquest and established their capital at Tenochtitlan. They practiced intensive agriculture, developed a complex social hierarchy, and engaged in human sacrifice.
• The Inca Empire: The Inca Empire arose in the Andes Mountains of South America in the 15th century. The Incas built a vast empire through military conquest and administrative organization. They constructed an extensive road system, developed sophisticated agricultural techniques, and practiced state-controlled economy.
• Other Cultures: Beyond the major empires, various other cultures flourished in the Americas, including the Mississippian culture in North America and the Chimu culture in South America.

5. Africa

Africa experienced diverse developments during the Post-Classical Period, marked by the growth of trade networks and the rise of new empires.

• Trans-Saharan Trade: The trans-Saharan trade connected North Africa with sub-Saharan Africa. Gold, salt, and slaves were major commodities traded across the Sahara. The introduction of the camel facilitated trade and communication.
• The Kingdom of Ghana: The Kingdom of Ghana emerged in West Africa as a major trading state. Ghana controlled the gold trade and grew wealthy from taxing merchants.
• The Kingdom of Mali: The Kingdom of Mali succeeded Ghana as the dominant power in West Africa. Mali's most famous ruler, Mansa Musa, made a pilgrimage to Mecca in the 14th century, showcasing Mali's wealth and influence.
• East African City-States: Along the East African coast, a series of city-states developed, engaging in trade with the Indian Ocean world. These city-states, such as Kilwa and Mombasa, were influenced by Islamic culture and language, leading to the development of Swahili culture.
• Great Zimbabwe: In southern Africa, the kingdom of Great Zimbabwe emerged as a powerful state, known for its impressive stone architecture.

6. Interactions and Exchanges

The Post-Classical Period witnessed increased interactions and exchanges between different regions of the world.

• The Silk Road: The Silk Road continued to be a major trade route, connecting East Asia with the Middle East and Europe. Silk, spices, porcelain, and other goods were traded along the Silk Road.
• Indian Ocean Trade: The Indian Ocean trade network connected East Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Spices, textiles, and other goods were traded across the Indian Ocean.
• The Spread of Religions: Buddhism spread from India to China, Korea, and Japan. Christianity spread throughout Europe and parts of Africa and Asia. Islam spread across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe and Asia.
• Technological and Cultural Exchange: The exchange of technologies and ideas led to significant innovations and developments. The compass, printing, and gunpowder were transmitted from China to other parts of the world. Islamic scholars preserved and translated classical Greek texts, which were later rediscovered by Europeans.

Comparison and Synthesis

The AP World History exam often requires students to compare and synthesize information from different regions and time periods. Here are some examples of comparisons and syntheses relevant to Unit 3:

• Compare the political systems of Western Europe and Japan during the Post-Classical Period. Both regions developed feudal systems with decentralized political authority, but there were also differences in the roles of the emperor and the samurai.
• Compare the role of trade in the development of West African kingdoms and East African city-states. Both regions benefited from trade, but West African kingdoms relied on trans-Saharan trade, while East African city-states participated in Indian Ocean trade.
• Analyze the impact of Islam on different regions of the world. Islam influenced the culture, politics, and economy of the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe and Asia, but its impact varied depending on the specific context.
• Compare the development of empires in the Americas with the development of empires in Eurasia. Both regions saw the rise of powerful empires, but the empires in the Americas were often more isolated and had different forms of social and political organization.

Key Vocabulary and Terms

Understanding key vocabulary and terms is essential for success on the AP World History exam. Here are some important terms related to Unit 3:

• Caliphate: An Islamic state ruled by a caliph, considered the successor to Muhammad.
• Feudalism: A decentralized political and social system based on reciprocal obligations between lords and vassals.
• Manorialism: The economic system of feudalism, based on self-sufficient agricultural estates.
• Crusades: A series of religious wars launched by European Christians against Muslims in the Middle East.
• Silk Road: A major trade route connecting East Asia with the Middle East and Europe.
• Indian Ocean Trade: A major trade network connecting East Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
• Trans-Saharan Trade: Trade across the Sahara Desert, connecting North Africa with sub-Saharan Africa.
• Mesoamerica: A region in Central America where complex civilizations such as the Maya and Aztec developed.
• Andes Mountains: A mountain range in South America where the Inca Empire developed.
• Neo-Confucianism: A synthesis of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism that emerged in China during the Song dynasty.
• Byzantine Empire: The Eastern Roman Empire, which continued to thrive after the fall of Rome in 476.
• Swahili Culture: A culture that developed along the East African coast, influenced by Islamic culture and language.

Practice Questions

To test your knowledge of Unit 3, try answering the following practice questions:

1. Describe the major factors that contributed to the spread of Islam during the Post-Classical Period.
2. Compare the political and economic systems of the Tang and Song dynasties in China.
3. Analyze the role of the Catholic Church in medieval European society.
4. Compare the social and political organization of the Aztec and Inca empires.
5. Discuss the impact of trade on the development of West African kingdoms and East African city-states.

Conclusion

Unit 3 of AP World History covers a vast and complex period of world history. By understanding the key themes, developments, and comparisons from this era, you can gain a solid foundation for success on the AP exam. Remember to focus on the connections between different regions and the continuities and changes that shaped the world during the Post-Classical Period. Good luck with your studies!