Overview
This lecture reviews key state-building, belief systems, and economic developments in major civilizations from circa 1200 to 1450, preparing students for the AP World History Unit 1 exam.
State-Building in Song China
- The Song Dynasty (960–1279) maintained power via Confucianism and bureaucratic expansion.
- Neo-Confucianism revived tradition and emphasized hierarchy (filial piety, women's subordination).
- Bureaucracy relied on civil service examinations based on Confucian teachings; access favored the wealthy.
- Chinese traditions influenced neighbors like Korea (civil service exams, Buddhism), Japan, and Vietnam.
Belief Systems and Cultural Exchange
- Buddhism spread from India to China, splitting into Theravada (individual enlightenment) and Mahayana (broader participation, bodhisattvas).
- Song China's adoption of Champa rice (drought-resistant, multiple harvests) led to population growth and commercialization.
- The Grand Canal enabled internal trade, further boosting the economy.
Dar al-Islam and Muslim State Formation
- "Dar al-Islam" refers to Islamic-governed regions; Abbasid Caliphate's decline led to new Turkic-led empires: Seljuks, Mamluks, Delhi Sultanate.
- Sharia law governed legal systems; military played a central role.
- Scholars like Nasir al-Din al-Tusi advanced math and preserved Greek philosophy at the House of Wisdom.
- Expansion occurred via military conquest, merchant activity, and Sufi missionaries.
South and Southeast Asia
- Main religions: Hinduism (dominant), Islam (elite, via Delhi Sultanate), Buddhism (declining).
- Bhakti movement in Hinduism emphasized personal devotion, challenging caste/gender hierarchies.
- Delhi Sultanate struggled to fully Islamize Hindu-majority regions; Hindu Rajput Kingdoms and Vijayanagara Empire resisted.
- Southeast Asia featured maritime (Majapahit) and mainland (Khmer) empires, shaped by trade and blended religions (e.g., Angkor Wat).
The Americas: Aztec, Inca, and Mississippian Cultures
- Aztec Empire: tribute system, decentralized rule, human sacrifice.
- Inca Empire: centralized bureaucracy, mit'a labor system for state projects.
- Mississippian culture: mound-building, large towns with hierarchical organization.
African States and Trade
- Swahili Coast: independent trading cities, adopted Islam, created the Swahili language (Bantu-Arabic mix).
- West Africa: Ghana, Mali, Songhai empires centralized, converted elites to Islam; Hausa city-states brokered trans-Saharan trade.
- Great Zimbabwe: powerful state based on gold/cattle, retained indigenous religion.
- Ethiopia: Christian monarchy amidst Islamic/indigenous regions, hierarchical power structure.
European State Structure and Religion
- Eastern Orthodox Christianity dominated Byzantine/Kievan Rus; Roman Catholicism unified fragmented Western Europe.
- Feudalism structured society: lords granted land in exchange for military service from vassals.
- Manorialism: peasants (serfs) worked lords' land for protection; power shifted slowly to monarchs over time.
Key Terms & Definitions
- State — Politically organized territory under a single government.
- Confucianism — Chinese philosophy emphasizing social hierarchy and harmony.
- Bureaucracy — Hierarchical administrative system executing government policy.
- Filial Piety — Confucian ideal of respect for parents and ancestors.
- Champa Rice — High-yield, drought-resistant rice variety.
- Dar al-Islam — Regions governed by Islamic law.
- Sharia Law — Islamic legal code based on the Quran.
- Bhakti Movement — Hindu devotional movement emphasizing personal gods.
- Mit’a System — Inca labor tax for state service.
- Feudalism — Decentralized political system based on land and vassalage.
- Manorialism — Economic system centering on lord’s estates and serf labor.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review class notes on major civilizations: Song China, Dar al-Islam, South/Southeast Asia, Americas, Africa, Europe.
- Study key belief systems: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Confucianism.
- Practice multiple choice questions on state-building, economy, and religion in Unit 1 contexts.