AP World History - Unit 1: The Global Tapestry

Review of History Within Civilizations

• Rise of new states following collapse of classical civilizations
  • Growth in long-distance trade

Overview of World's Major Religions in 1200

• Religion as a crucial connector of events
• Key Points:
  1. Belief systems continue to impact history
  2. Major religions have divisions - focus on overall religion
  3. Importance of understanding theological basis and impacts on society
  4. Origin and spread influence cultural interactions

Religious Mysticism

• Mystical experiences through prayer and meditation

Buddhism

• Cultures: India, China, Southeast Asia, Japan
• Context:
  • Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE), evolved into Buddha
  • Four Noble Truths: life suffering, suffering caused by desire, freedom from desire, prescribed path
  • Split into Theravada (meditation, simplicity) and Mahayana (rituals, spiritual comfort)
  • Impact: Rejected caste system, absorbed back into Hinduism in India, continued in other regions through trade

Christianity

• Cultures: Originated within Jewish community, spread across Europe, Africa, Middle East
• Context:
  • Based on Jesus of Nazareth, crucified in 30 CE, believed to be Messiah
  • Teachings: devotion to God, love for others
  • Impact: Became influential in Mediterranean, official religion of Roman Empire

Confucianism

• Cultures: China
• Context:
  • Founded by Confucius, focuses on social and political order
  • Five fundamental relationships (ruler-subject, parent-child, etc.)
  • Impact: Flourished in China, compatible with other religions

Hinduism

• Cultures: India
• Context:
  • Belief in Brahma, goal to merge with Brahma
  • Guides: Vedas, Upanishads
  • Impact: Connected to caste system, limited global acceptance

Islam

• Cultures: Caliphates, North Africa, Central Asia, Europe
• Context:
  • 7th century, Muslims follow teachings of Muhammad, words in Quran
  • Five Pillars of Islam
  • Impact: Rapid spread in Middle East

Judaism

• Cultures: Hebrews
• Context:
  • Holy people with unique relationship with God
  • Hebrew Bible
  • Impact: First major monotheistic faith

Developments in the Middle East

Abbasid Dynasty

• Golden Age of Islamic Empire (750-1258 CE)
• Capital: Baghdad, center of arts and sciences
• Decline due to internal strife and Mongol invasions

Developments in Europe

Middle Ages

• Eastern Roman Empire became Byzantine Empire
• Western Europe collapsed, strong Christianity

European Feudalism

• Hierarchical system: King, Nobles, Vassals, Peasants
• Features: Three-field system, code of chivalry

Emergence of Nation-States

• Transition from feudal to modern countries
• Key developments in Germany, England, France, Spain, Russia

Developments in Asia

China

• Song Dynasty: Confucian values, Neo-Confucianism
• Ming Dynasty followed Mongol rule

Japan

• Feudal structure: Emperor, Shogun, Daimyo, Samurai, Peasants
• Code of Bushido

India

• Delhi Sultanate and clash between Islam and Hinduism

Southeast Asia

• Spread of religion, Khmer Empire

Developments in Africa

• Spread of Islam into North Africa
• Hausa Kingdoms: Economic stability through trade

Developments in Americas

Aztecs

• Central Mexico, expansionist, Tenochtitlan

Inca

• Andes Mountains, expansionist, Cuzco

Maya

• Not detailed in the text