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.