Unit 1 Ap World History Review

The period from 1200 to 1450 CE witnessed profound transformations across the globe, setting the stage for the interconnected world we know today. Examining the socio-political structures, economic systems, cultural developments, and interactions of various societies during this era is crucial for understanding subsequent historical trends. This Unit 1 AP World History review provides a comprehensive overview of these key developments, ensuring you're well-prepared for your exam.

I. Key Concepts and Themes

Before diving into specific regions and events, let's outline the overarching themes that define this period:

• State-Building: The rise and fall of empires and kingdoms, consolidation of political power, and the development of governance structures.
• Cultural Development and Interactions: The spread of religions, philosophical ideas, and artistic styles; cultural syncretism; and the role of trade in cultural exchange.
• Economic Systems: Agricultural innovations, trade networks, the rise of urban centers, and the development of financial instruments.
• Social Structures: Social hierarchies, gender roles, and the impact of demographic changes.
• Technological Innovations: Advancements in navigation, agriculture, and warfare, and their impact on society.

II. State-Building in Eurasia

A. China

The Song Dynasty (960-1279) experienced significant economic and technological advancements, along with a flourishing of art and culture.

• Political Developments: The Song Dynasty continued the centralized bureaucratic system established by the Tang Dynasty, relying on a merit-based civil service exam. However, the dynasty faced challenges from nomadic groups in the north, ultimately leading to the loss of territory.
• Economic Innovations:
  • Agricultural Productivity: The introduction of Champa rice from Vietnam led to increased food production, supporting a larger population.
  • Trade and Commerce: Development of Grand Canal facilitated internal trade. The adoption of paper money and credit further stimulated the economy.
  • Manufacturing: The iron and steel industry expanded significantly, producing tools, weapons, and construction materials.
• Cultural and Intellectual Developments: Neo-Confucianism, a revival of Confucian thought incorporating Buddhist and Daoist elements, gained prominence. Printing technology facilitated the spread of knowledge and literacy.
• Continuities: Despite the change in dynasties, the emphasis on Confucianism, bureaucratic administration, and agricultural economy remained consistent.

B. The Islamic World

The Islamic world experienced a golden age of intellectual and cultural achievements, followed by political fragmentation.

• The Abbasid Caliphate (750-1258):
  • Golden Age: Flourishing of science, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy. Significant contributions were made in algebra, astronomy, and optics. The House of Wisdom in Baghdad was a center of learning.
  • Political Fragmentation: By the 10th century, the Abbasid Caliphate began to decline, with regional dynasties asserting their independence. The rise of the Seljuk Turks in the 11th century further diminished the Caliph's power.
• Emergence of New Islamic States:
  • The Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526): Established by Turkic invaders in India, the Delhi Sultanate spread Islam and introduced new administrative and artistic styles.
  • The Mamluk Sultanate (1250-1517): Based in Egypt, the Mamluks were originally slave soldiers who rose to power and defended the region against the Mongols and European Crusaders.
• Cultural and Intellectual Contributions: Islamic scholars preserved and translated classical Greek texts, which later influenced European thought. Islamic art and architecture flourished, characterized by intricate geometric patterns and calligraphy.

C. Europe

Europe experienced a period of decentralized political power and agricultural recovery after the fall of the Roman Empire.

• Feudalism: A decentralized political and social system based on land ownership and reciprocal obligations. Kings granted land to nobles (vassals) in exchange for military service and loyalty. Peasants (serfs) worked the land in exchange for protection.
• The Manorial System: An economic system centered on self-sufficient agricultural estates (manors). Serfs were tied to the land and obligated to provide labor and a portion of their harvest to the lord.
• The Rise of Nation-States: By the later part of this period, centralized monarchies began to emerge in England, France, and Spain, consolidating power and establishing national identities.
• The Crusades: A series of religious wars launched by European Christians to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control. The Crusades had a significant impact on European society, leading to increased trade, cultural exchange, and exposure to new ideas.
• The Renaissance (beginning in the 14th century): A renewed interest in classical art, literature, and philosophy, marking a transition from the Middle Ages to the early modern period.

III. State-Building in the Americas

A. The Maya Civilization (250-900 CE)

Though past its peak by 1200, understanding the Maya is essential.

• Political Organization: City-states ruled by kings, often engaged in warfare and alliances.
• Economic System: Based on agriculture, trade, and tribute.
• Cultural Achievements: Advanced mathematics, astronomy, and a sophisticated writing system. The Maya developed a complex calendar and built impressive temples and pyramids.
• Decline: Environmental factors, overpopulation, and warfare contributed to the decline of the Maya civilization.

B. The Aztec Empire (1345-1521)

• Political Organization: A centralized empire based in Tenochtitlan (modern-day Mexico City). The Aztecs controlled a vast territory through a system of tribute and military conquest.
• Economic System: Based on agriculture, trade, and tribute. The Aztecs developed innovative agricultural techniques, such as chinampas (floating gardens).
• Social Structure: Hierarchical society with a ruling class, priests, warriors, merchants, and farmers.
• Religion: Polytheistic religion with a focus on warfare and sacrifice.
• Cultural Achievements: Impressive architecture, art, and a complex calendar system.

C. The Inca Empire (1438-1533)

• Political Organization: A highly centralized empire based in Cuzco (modern-day Peru). The Inca controlled a vast territory through a system of roads, bridges, and administrative centers.
• Economic System: Based on agriculture, tribute, and labor service (mita). The Inca developed advanced agricultural techniques, such as terracing and irrigation.
• Social Structure: Hierarchical society with a ruling class, priests, warriors, and farmers.
• Religion: Polytheistic religion with a focus on sun worship and ancestor veneration.
• Cultural Achievements: Impressive architecture, engineering, and a sophisticated record-keeping system (quipu).

IV. State-Building in Africa

A. West Africa

• The Kingdom of Ghana (c. 750-1076): Gained wealth and power through control of the gold and salt trade across the Sahara Desert.
• The Mali Empire (c. 1235-1670): Rose to prominence after the decline of Ghana. Mansa Musa, the emperor of Mali, is famous for his pilgrimage to Mecca, which showcased the empire's wealth and power. Timbuktu became a center of learning and Islamic scholarship.
• The Songhai Empire (c. 1464-1591): Replaced the Mali Empire as the dominant power in West Africa. The Songhai continued to control the trans-Saharan trade and promote Islamic learning.

B. East Africa

• Swahili City-States: Located along the coast of East Africa, these city-states engaged in trade with merchants from Arabia, Persia, and India. The Swahili language and culture developed as a blend of African and Islamic influences.
• Great Zimbabwe (c. 11th-15th centuries): A powerful kingdom in southern Africa known for its impressive stone structures. Great Zimbabwe controlled trade routes and possessed significant gold resources.

V. The Spread of Religions

A. Islam

• Expansion through Military Conquest and Trade: Islam spread rapidly through military conquest in the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain. Trade routes also played a crucial role in the diffusion of Islam to West Africa, East Africa, and Southeast Asia.
• Sufism: A mystical branch of Islam that emphasized personal experience and devotion. Sufi missionaries played a significant role in spreading Islam to new regions.
• Cultural Syncretism: In many regions, Islam blended with local customs and beliefs, creating unique cultural traditions.

B. Buddhism

• Spread along the Silk Road: Buddhism spread from India to Central Asia, China, Korea, and Japan along the Silk Road trade routes.
• Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism: Theravada Buddhism, which emphasizes individual enlightenment through meditation, became dominant in Southeast Asia. Mahayana Buddhism, which emphasizes compassion and the role of bodhisattvas, became dominant in East Asia.
• Zen Buddhism: A form of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and direct experience. Zen Buddhism became popular in Japan.

C. Christianity

• The Roman Catholic Church: Continued to be a major religious and political force in Europe. The Pope held significant authority over the church and influenced European politics.
• Eastern Orthodox Christianity: Practiced in the Byzantine Empire and Eastern Europe. The Eastern Orthodox Church differed from the Roman Catholic Church in its theology and practices.

VI. Trade and Exchange Networks

A. The Silk Road

• Exchange of Goods: Silk, spices, tea, porcelain, and other luxury goods were traded along the Silk Road.
• Exchange of Ideas and Culture: Buddhism, Islam, and other religious and philosophical ideas spread along the Silk Road.
• Disease Transmission: The Black Death, a devastating plague, spread along the Silk Road in the 14th century.

B. The Indian Ocean Trade

• Exchange of Goods: Spices, textiles, timber, and precious metals were traded across the Indian Ocean.
• Maritime Technology: Advances in shipbuilding and navigation, such as the development of the compass and astrolabe, facilitated Indian Ocean trade.
• Diasporic Communities: Merchant communities from various regions established settlements in port cities around the Indian Ocean, fostering cultural exchange.

C. The Trans-Saharan Trade

• Exchange of Goods: Gold, salt, textiles, and slaves were traded across the Sahara Desert.
• Camel Caravans: The use of camels facilitated trade across the harsh desert environment.
• The Spread of Islam: Islam spread to West Africa through the trans-Saharan trade.

VII. Social and Gender Structures

A. Social Hierarchies

• Nobility, Clergy, and Peasantry in Europe: Feudal society was characterized by a rigid social hierarchy, with nobles owning land, clergy providing religious guidance, and peasants working the land.
• Caste System in India: The caste system continued to be a significant social structure in India, with individuals assigned to different social groups based on birth.
• Meritocracy in China: The civil service exam system in China allowed individuals to rise in social status based on merit, although access to education was often limited to the wealthy.

B. Gender Roles

• Patriarchy: Most societies during this period were patriarchal, with men holding more power and authority than women.
• Women's Roles in Agriculture and Craft Production: Women played a significant role in agriculture and craft production in many societies.
• Limited Opportunities for Women: Women generally had limited access to education, political power, and economic opportunities.

VIII. Technological and Environmental Transformations

A. Agricultural Innovations

• Champa Rice: Increased food production in China.
• Terracing and Irrigation: Allowed for cultivation in mountainous regions.
• Three-Field System: Increased agricultural productivity in Europe.

B. Technological Advancements

• Printing Technology: Facilitated the spread of knowledge and literacy.
• Navigation Tools: Compass and astrolabe improved maritime navigation.
• Gunpowder: Revolutionized warfare.

C. Environmental Impacts

• Deforestation: Increased demand for wood led to deforestation in some regions.
• Soil Erosion: Intensive agriculture practices led to soil erosion.
• The Black Death: A devastating plague that had a significant impact on population and society.

IX. Comparing State Systems

A key AP World History skill is comparing different societies. Here's a framework for comparison:

• China (Song Dynasty): Centralized bureaucracy, meritocratic civil service, economic innovation (Champa rice, Grand Canal).
• Islamic World (Abbasid Caliphate, Delhi Sultanate, Mamluk Sultanate): Intellectual and cultural achievements, expansion of Islam, diverse political structures.
• Europe (Feudal Kingdoms): Decentralized political system, agricultural recovery, emergence of nation-states.
• Americas (Maya, Aztec, Inca): Complex social structures, advanced agricultural techniques, unique religious beliefs.
• Africa (West African Kingdoms, Swahili City-States, Great Zimbabwe): Control of trade routes, spread of Islam, unique cultural traditions.

X. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the significance of the Mongol Empire in this period? The Mongol Empire (13th-14th centuries) had a profound impact on Eurasia, facilitating trade and cultural exchange but also causing widespread destruction and displacement.
• How did the Black Death affect Europe? The Black Death led to a significant decline in population, social upheaval, and economic disruption.
• What role did trade play in the spread of Islam? Trade routes facilitated the spread of Islam to West Africa, East Africa, and Southeast Asia.
• What were the key differences between the Aztec and Inca Empires? The Aztec Empire was based on tribute and military conquest, while the Inca Empire was more centralized and relied on labor service.
• How did agricultural innovations affect population growth? Agricultural innovations, such as Champa rice and the three-field system, increased food production and supported larger populations.

XI. Conclusion

The period from 1200 to 1450 CE was a time of significant change and transformation across the globe. Understanding the key concepts, events, and trends of this era is essential for success in AP World History. By focusing on state-building, cultural development, economic systems, social structures, and technological innovations, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of this crucial period in world history. Remember to compare and contrast different societies and analyze the interactions between them. Good luck with your exam!