AP World History Unit 1: 1200-1450

Overview

• Focus on major civilizations around the world and how they built and maintained their state.
• "State" refers to a politically organized territory under one government.

China: The Song Dynasty

Key Themes

1. Neo-Confucianism

   • Revival of Confucianism with influences from Buddhism removed.
   • Hierarchical society: citizens submit to the state, juniors to elders, etc.
   • Emphasis on filial piety.
   • Role of Women:
     • Subordinate position, loss of legal rights.
     • Practices like foot binding as status symbols.

2. Imperial Bureaucracy

   • Expansion to maintain rule.
   • Civil service exams based on Confucian texts.
   • Open to all men, but realistically favored the wealthy.

3. Economic Prosperity

   • Commercialization and trade of porcelain and silk.
   • Agricultural innovations, e.g., Champa rice.
   • Expansion of the Grand Canal for trade.

Influence on Neighboring Regions

• Korea, Japan, and Vietnam influenced by Chinese traditions.
• Adoption of practices like civil service exams and Buddhism.

Dar al-Islam

Key Themes

1. Islamic Expansion

   • Transition from Arab to Turkic empires (Seljuk, Mamluk, Delhi Sultanate).
   • Islam's influence through military and trade.
   • Sufi missionaries aiding expansion.

2. Cultural and Scientific Achievements

   • Advances in mathematics, philosophy, and preservation of Greek texts.
   • House of Wisdom in Baghdad as a center of scholarship.

South and Southeast Asia

Key Themes

1. Belief Systems

   • Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam shaping societies.
   • Bhakti movement in Hinduism emphasizing devotion.

2. State Building

   • Delhi Sultanate's rule and establishment of rival Hindu kingdoms.
   • Southeast Asia: Majapahit and Khmer Empire's integration of trade and religious influence.

The Americas

Key Themes

1. Mesoamerica: Aztec Empire

   • Tenochtitlan as a major city.
   • Tribute system and human sacrifices.

2. Andean Civilization: Inca Empire

   • Centralized bureaucracy and mita labor system.
   • Comparison: Aztecs decentralized, Incas centralized.

3. Mississippian Culture

   • Agricultural focus around the Mississippi River.
   • Known for monumental mounds.

Africa

Key Themes

1. East Africa: Swahili Civilization

   • Commerce-driven city-states influenced by Muslim traders.
   • Development of the Swahili language.

2. West Africa: Ghana, Mali, Songhai Empires

   • Centralized states driven by trade.
   • Elite conversion to Islam.

3. Great Zimbabwe

   • Wealth through trade, maintained indigenous religion.

4. Ethiopia

   • Christian state amidst Islamic regions.

Europe

Key Themes

1. Belief Systems

   • Dominance of Christianity with Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic branches.
   • Influence of Muslims and Jews in Europe.

2. State Building

   • Feudalism as the main social, political, and economic system.
   • Emergence of powerful monarchies over time.

Conclusion

• Unit 1 covers a period of significant political, social, and cultural developments across the globe, with each region contributing uniquely to the world historical narrative.