AP World History Unit 2 Overview

Oct 17, 2024

AP World History Unit 2 Overview

Time Period: 1200-1450

  • Focus on networks of exchange connecting various states and empires.
  • These networks were more than just trade routes, facilitating cultural diffusion and transfer of religion, languages, and technology.

Major Networks of Exchange

  1. Silk Roads
  2. Indian Ocean Network
  3. Trans-Saharan Trade

General Developments

  • Geographic Expansion: All networks expanded dramatically during 1200-1450, increasing connections among states.
  • Innovations in Commercial Practices and Technology: Facilitated the growth and connectivity of these routes.
  • Wealth and Power: Increased connectivity made states wealthy and powerful.
  • Rise and Fall of States/Cities: Some grew, others collapsed due to increased interconnectivity.

The Silk Road

  • Stretched across Eurasia, primarily trading luxury goods like Chinese silk and porcelain.
  • Innovations:
    • Transportation: Introduction of Caravanserai (inns and guesthouses along routes).
    • Commercial Practices: Development of money economies (e.g., flying money system) and new forms of credit.
  • Trading Cities: Rise of cities like Kashgar.

Indian Ocean Network

  • Maritime trade of bulk common goods and luxury items.
  • Technological Innovations:
    • Improved magnetic compass, astrolabe, and new ship designs like Chinese junk.
  • Commercial Innovations: Similar credit systems as the Silk Roads.
  • Growth of States: Example - Swahili City States.
  • Cultural Diffusion: Establishment of diasporic communities, spread of Islam, emergence of Swahili language.
  • Zheng He: His voyages spread Chinese maritime technology and culture.

Trans-Saharan Trade Network

  • Expanded due to new camel saddles.
  • Empire of Mali: Gained wealth through gold trade and taxation, peaked under Mansa Musa.

Effects of Increased Connection

Cultural Consequences

  • Religion: Spread of Buddhism into China via the Silk Roads.
  • Literature/Art: Translation and transfer of Greek/Roman works.
  • Scientific/Technological: Spread of gunpowder.
  • Rise and Fall of Cities: Hangzhou's rise, Baghdad's fall.
  • Travelers' Accounts: Ibn Battuta’s detailed travel writings.

Environmental Consequences

  • Crops: Transfer of Champa rice to China, leading to population growth.
  • Diseases: Bubonic Plague spread along trade routes.

The Mongol Empire's Role

  • Established the largest land-based empire, replacing powerful empires like the Song and Abbasid.
  • Facilitated Exchange: Pax Mongolica led to increased trade and safety.
  • Technological/Cultural Transfers: Transfer of Greek/Islamic medical knowledge; adoption of the Uyghur script.

Additional Resources

  • AP World History Heimler Review Guide: Offers comprehensive videos, note guides, and practice exams.

This summary provides an overview of the key themes and details of AP World History Unit 2, focusing on the interconnectedness of states through various trade networks and the consequences thereof.