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AP World History Overview: 1200-1450

May 6, 2025

Unit 1 AP World History: 1200-1450

Overview

  • Focuses on the development and maintenance of states around the world during 1200-1450.
  • "State" refers to a politically organized territory under one government.

China: Song Dynasty

  • Song Dynasty (960-1279)

    • Emphasized Neo-Confucianism, a revival of Confucian values blended with new ideas, limiting Buddhism's influence.
    • Promoted hierarchical society; filial piety significant.
    • Women faced increased social restrictions (e.g., foot binding).
    • Expanded Imperial bureaucracy based on civil service exams, promoting meritocracy but favoring wealthy men.
  • Economic Developments

    • Commercialization and trade of goods (e.g., porcelain, silk).
    • Introduction of Champa rice, boosting agricultural productivity and population growth.
    • Expansion of the Grand Canal for trade and communication.
  • Influence on Neighboring Regions

    • Korea, Japan, Vietnam influenced by Chinese bureaucracy and Buddhism.

Dar al-Islam

  • Islamic States

    • Post-1200, decline of Abbasid Caliphate, rise of Turkic empires (Seljuk Empire, Mamluk Sultanate).
    • Continued use of Sharia law.
  • Cultural and Scientific Contributions

    • Innovations in mathematics (e.g., trigonometry) and preservation of Greek philosophical texts.
    • House of Wisdom in Baghdad as a scholarly center.
  • Expansion of Islam

    • Through military conquest, trade (e.g., Mali Empire), and Sufi missionaries.

South and Southeast Asia

  • Religious Influence

    • Hinduism remained dominant; Islam spread due to Delhi Sultanate.
    • Bhakti movement within Hinduism emphasized personal devotion.
  • State Building

    • South Asia: Delhi Sultanate faced resistance from Hindu rajput Kingdoms.
    • Southeast Asia: Diverse states like the Majapahit (sea-based) and the Khmer Empire (land-based) influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism.

Americas

  • Mesoamerica: Aztec Empire

    • Established tribute system; involved in human sacrifices.
  • Andean South America: Inca Empire

    • Centralized bureaucracy; mita labor system.
  • North America: Mississippian Culture

    • Developed around agriculture; known for mound-building.

Africa

  • East Africa: Swahili Civilization

    • City-states engaged in Indian Ocean trade; influenced by Islam.
  • West Africa: Empires

    • Ghana, Mali, Songhai engaged in trade, led to Islamic influence.
  • Great Zimbabwe

    • Wealth from agriculture and gold trade, retained indigenous religion.
  • Ethiopia

    • Unique Christian state amidst Islamic and indigenous belief systems.

Europe

  • Religious Influence

    • Dominated by Christianity (Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox).
  • State Building

    • Largely decentralized; organized through feudalism and manorialism.
    • Shift towards centralized monarchies post-1000 CE.