AP World History Modern Amsco Reading: Chapter 1.7

Essential Question

• Question: In what ways was the process of state building in various parts of the world between 1200 and 1450 similar and different?
• Trend: States in core areas grew larger, smaller states declined; more centralized, powerful states were built globally but the process varied regionally.

State Building and New Empires

• Asia:
  • Mongols created the largest land-based empire.
  • Song Dynasty in China: technological and cultural progress.
• Middle East:
  • Abbasid Caliphate fragmented.
  • New Muslim states arose in Africa, Middle East, and Spain.
• South Asia:
  • Chola and Vijayanagar empires used trade; Delhi Sultanate was land-based.
• Africa:
  • Mali Empire was larger and more centrally administered than Ghana.
• Americas:
  • Aztecs formed a tributary empire; Inca used Mita system.
  • Most of the Americas lacked centralized states.
• Europe:
  • Decline in feudal ties; centralized states developed, especially in England and France.
• Japan:
  • Became more decentralized and feudal.

The Role of Religion in State Building

• Islamic World:
  • Islam unified diverse populations; rulers legitimized by shared beliefs.
• China:
  • Confucianism tied to civil service; Neo-Confucianism spread to Korea and Japan.
• South Asia:
  • Hinduism and Buddhism strengthened states.
• Europe:
  • Roman Catholic Church was both a state-building force and a rival power.

Diffusion of Religion

• Major religions spread, encouraging conversion.
• Islam's spread in South Asia increased due to military invasions; Hinduism remained predominant.
• Trade networks facilitated the spread of religions.

State Building through Trade

• Cross-cultural exchanges fueled by trade increased.
• China:
  • Champa rice led to population growth; manufacturing capabilities rose.
  • Paper manufacturing spread to Europe, increased literacy.
• Europe:
  • Benefited from exchanges with the Middle East and Asia.
• Contact with Asia:
  • Muslims in Spain, Christian crusades, Mongol conquests influenced state building.

Impact of Nomadic Peoples

• Mongols:
  • Dominated large areas; facilitated trade and cultural exchanges.
• Turkish Peoples:
  • Built separate empires in Eastern Mediterranean, Persia, South Asia.
• Nomadic role in commerce diminished over time.

Patriarchy and Religion

• Social organization was patriarchal, but religion's impact varied.
• Opportunities for Women:
  • Convent life and Buddhist communities offered opportunities.
• China:
  • Women lost independence due to foot binding.

Types of State Building (1200-1450)

1. Emergence of New States:
   • Examples: Mamluk Empire, Seljuk Empire, Delhi Sultanate.
2. Revival of Former Empires:
   • Examples: Song Dynasty, Mali Empire, Holy Roman Empire.
3. Synthesis of Traditions:
   • Examples: Japan, Delhi Sultanate, Neo-Confucianism.
4. Expansion in Scope:
   • Examples: Aztecs, Incas, East African City-States.

Themes and Thoughts

• Decentralization vs. centralization was a major theme.
• War played a key role in state building, with lasting impacts across centuries.
• Future topics to cover: Cold War, industrialization, and more.

Conclusion

• This concludes Unit 1 and Chapter 1.7.
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