Lecture Notes on Units 3 and 4 (1450-1750) - AP World History

Introduction

• Focus on the period 1450-1750, covering Unit 3 and Unit 4.
• College Board breaks this period into two units: Unit 3 and Unit 4.
• These units are crucial for the exam, representing significant portions of it.
• Emphasis on understanding key empires and themes.

Unit 3: Land-Based Empires

Big Ideas

• Gunpowder Empires: Rise of empires based on mastery of gunpowder, crucial for expansion.
• Significant empires: Manchus, Mughals, Ottomans, Safavids
• Rivalries and Conflicts: Notably between Ottomans and Safavids.

Expansion and Administration

• Key empires expanded via gunpowder, effective governance, and strong military.
• Bureaucratic elites: Devshirme system in Ottoman Empire, Bannermen in China
• Legitimizing Power: Use of architecture, religion, portraits to demonstrate power
• Tax Systems: Various methods like tax farming in the Ottomans, Zamindar system in Mughals

Belief Systems

• Protestant Reformation: Break from Catholic Church led by Martin Luther, beginning in 1517.
• Sunni vs Shia: Ongoing conflict exemplified by Ottoman vs Safavid rivalry.
• Sikhism: Emergence of a syncretic religion in India.

Unit 4: Transoceanic Interactions

Innovations and Maritime Empires

• Key technological advancements: Compass, Astrolabe, Caravel
• Explorers to Know: Christopher Columbus, Zheng He (Ming Dynasty)
• Trading Post Empires: European powers established small coastal trading posts.

Columbian Exchange

• Extensive exchange of plants, animals, cultures, human populations, technology, and ideas.
• Key Exchanges: Potatoes and tomatoes to the Old World; diseases like smallpox to the New World.

Labor Systems and Economic Changes

• Coerced labor: Encomienda system, Chattel slavery from Africa
• Mercantilism: Economic policy where colonies existed for the benefit of the mother country.
• Joint-stock Companies: Formed to fund exploration and colonization (e.g., Dutch East India Company).

Resistance and Socio-Political Changes

• Resistance to colonization: Examples include Queen Nanny's maroons in Jamaica.
• Casta system: Social hierarchy in Spanish colonies based on race.

Exam Preparation

• Focus on understanding key themes and examples from these units.
• Engage with practice tests and resources like the Ultimate Review Packet.
• Participate in Q&A and review sessions to solidify knowledge.

Conclusion

• Units 3 and 4 cover critical transformations in global history.
• Review and understand the societal, economic, and political shifts that occurred during 1450-1750.

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These notes are designed to help consolidate knowledge of Units 3 and 4, focusing on key themes, events, and examples necessary for success on the AP World History exam.