Overview
This lecture covers major developments in Afro-Eurasia and the Americas from 1200-1450 CE, focusing on state-building, trade, social structures, religion, and comparative themes across key regions.
Developments in East Asia (1200-1450)
- Song Dynasty unified China, established lasting bureaucracy based on Confucianism and meritocracy.
- Mandate of Heaven justified rulers; six governmental departments supervised by a censorate.
- Revival of civil service exam created the scholar gentry class; society emphasized filial piety and patriarchy (e.g., foot binding).
- Trade (Silk Roads, Grand Canal) led to commercialization, paper money ("flying cash"), and advanced iron and porcelain production.
- Technological innovations included compass, junk ships, and gunpowder.
- Agricultural advances and iron plows increased population.
- Japan adopted Chinese influences but sought its own identity; Buddhism (esp. Mahayana) and other religions spread via trade.
Developments in Dar al-Islam (1200-1450)
- Abbasid Caliphate led a Golden Age (House of Wisdom, Arabic numerals, papermaking).
- Religious tolerance encouraged conversion via jizya tax; society centered around Baghdad.
- Trade expanded with dhows and lateen sails; credit and bills reduced trade risks.
- Islamic states later included Mamluk Sultanate, Delhi Sultanate, and Ottoman Empire.
- Al-Andalus in Spain was a center for learning and interfaith tolerance.
- Women held relatively high status but urbanization increased restrictions (e.g., hijab, harem).
Developments in South and Southeast Asia (1200-1450)
- Indian subcontinent was ruled by Delhi Sultanate (Muslim) in north and Hindu states elsewhere.
- Ghaznavid conquests integrated but preserved regional diversity; caste system remained.
- Bhakti movement and Sufism emphasized personal religious experiences.
- SE Asian empires (Majapahit, Khmer) flourished through trade, irrigation, religious blending.
- Key trading ports: Melaka and Quilon linked India, China, and the Mediterranean.
State Building in the Americas
- Mayan, Aztec, and Inca Empires had distinct governance, religious rituals, and technological achievements.
- Aztecs used a tribute system and chinampas; Incas established the mita labor system and vast roadways.
- Mississippian culture built earthen mounds and was matrilineal before unknown decline.
State Building in Africa
- Most societies were kin-based; Bantu migrations spread language and technology.
- Hausa kingdoms, Mali (Sundiata, Mansa Musa), Songhai, Ghana, Great Zimbabwe, and Ethiopia emerged as major states.
- Trade (Trans-Saharan, Indian Ocean) and religion (Islam, Christianity, traditional beliefs) shaped societies.
Developments in Europe (1200-1450)
- Feudalism and manorialism structured society; power gradually shifted to monarchs and the bourgeoisie.
- Magna Carta and English Parliament limited royal power.
- Catholic Church dominated education and culture; Crusades exemplified church influence.
- The Renaissance revived classical ideas, leading to humanism and new art.
- Nation-states (England, France, Spain, Russia) centralized and expanded, often linked with religious identity.
Comparisons (1200-1450)
- Societies became more centralized and global trade increased over time.
- Bureaucracies (Song, Abbasid) contrasted with feudal/regional systems (Japan, Europe).
- Religious diversity led to both cultural synthesis and conflict.
- Both Eurasia and Africa saw new and revived empires, and blended traditions.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Mandate of Heaven — Chinese belief that heaven grants legitimacy to rulers.
- Scholar Gentry — Educated class in China selected via civil service exams.
- Jizya — Tax on non-Muslims in Islamic states.
- Bhakti Movement — Hindu devotional trend focusing on emotional connection to a deity.
- Mita System — Incan system of mandatory public service.
- Manorialism — Economic system where peasants worked land owned by lords.
- Humanism — Renaissance focus on human potential and achievements.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review primary sources on Song China, the Abbasid Caliphate, and Mali.
- Draw comparison charts between different state systems (bureaucracy vs. feudalism).
- Prepare case studies on key empires for discussion.