Overview
This lecture covers the major state-building methods, belief systems, and economic developments of key civilizations around the world from circa 1200–1450, preparing students for the AP World History Unit 1 exam.
Chinese State-Building and Society
- The Song Dynasty (960–1279) maintained rule using Confucianism, which emphasized hierarchy and filial piety.
- Neo-Confucianism revived Confucian ideas and resisted Buddhist influence.
- Women’s rights declined under Song, facing legal and social restrictions such as foot binding.
- The imperial bureaucracy expanded and appointed officials through the civil service exam, based on Confucian teachings.
- Chinese state practices spread to Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, influencing their administrative systems.
Buddhism in East Asia
- Buddhism, originally from India, split into Theravada (focused on monks) and Mahayana (broader participation).
- Mahayana Buddhism became widespread in East Asia and promoted helping others achieve enlightenment.
Chinese Economic Developments
- The Song Dynasty saw economic commercialization, with increased porcelain and silk production for trade.
- Introduction of Champa rice, a drought-resistant and fast-maturing variety, boosted food supply and population growth.
- Expansion of the Grand Canal improved internal trade and communication.
Islamic World: Dar al-Islam
- Dar al-Islam unified diverse regions under Islam, but by 1200, the Abbasid Caliphate waned and Turkic empires like the Seljuks rose.
- Military, Sharia law, and preservation of ancient texts (e.g., Nasir al-Din al-Tusi’s advances) were central to state-building and cultural achievement.
- Islam expanded via military conquest, trade (especially in Africa), and Sufi missionaries.
South and Southeast Asia
- Three main religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam) shaped societies; the Bhakti movement emphasized personal devotion within Hinduism.
- The Delhi Sultanate ruled much of northern India but struggled to convert the Hindu majority.
- The Vijayanagara Empire and Rajput kingdoms resisted Muslim rule.
- In Southeast Asia, Majapahit (Buddhist, sea-based) and Khmer (Hindu, then Buddhist) Empires exemplified diversity and religious blending.
Americas: State-Building
- The Aztec Empire (Mexico) relied on tribute and human sacrifice from conquered peoples.
- The Inca Empire (Andes) centralized power using a bureaucratic hierarchy and forced labor (mita system).
- Mississippian culture in North America built large mound complexes and organized society around agriculture.
African Civilizations
- Swahili city-states on the East African coast flourished due to Indian Ocean trade and adopted Islam through cultural mixing.
- West African empires (Ghana, Mali, Songhai) centralized around trade and partial Islamic conversion among elites.
- Hausa kingdoms were city-states focused on trans-Saharan trade.
- Great Zimbabwe prospered from cattle herding, gold trade, and maintained indigenous religion.
- Ethiopia remained Christian and hierarchical, unique in Africa.
Europe: Belief Systems and Feudalism
- Eastern Europe (Byzantine, Kievan Rus) practiced Eastern Orthodox Christianity; Western Europe followed Roman Catholicism.
- Muslims and Jews influenced European society but often faced exclusion.
- Europe was highly decentralized—feudalism dominated: lords granted land to vassals in exchange for allegiance, while peasants (serfs) worked on manors.
- Monarchs slowly gained power, shifting towards centralization after 1000 CE.
Key Terms & Definitions
- State — Politically organized territory under one government.
- Neo-Confucianism — Revival and adaptation of Confucian philosophy, minimizing Buddhist influence.
- Filial Piety — Respect and obedience to one’s parents and ancestors.
- Bureaucracy — Hierarchically organized government officials executing rulers’ policies.
- Civil Service Exam — Test based on Confucian texts for selecting bureaucrats in China.
- Champa Rice — Quick-maturing, drought-resistant rice that increased agricultural yields.
- Dar al-Islam — Regions where Islam is the dominant faith and law.
- Sharia Law — Islamic legal system based on the Quran.
- Bhakti Movement — Hindu devotional movement focusing on personal devotion to a deity.
- Mita System — Incan forced labor service for state projects.
- Feudalism — Decentralized political system with lords, vassals, and serfs.
- Manorialism — Economic system centered on large estates (manors) worked by peasants.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key terms and definitions for each major region.
- Compare and contrast state-building methods (centralized vs. decentralized).
- Study the impact of belief systems (Confucianism, Islam, Hinduism) on social hierarchy and governance.
- Complete any assigned textbook readings or practice questions on Unit 1 topics.