AP World History: Unit 1 (1200-1450) Overview

Introduction

• Objective: Understand how major civilizations built and maintained their states.
• Definition of State: A territory politically organized under a single government, not like US states.

Song China

• Song Dynasty (960-1279): Focused on maintaining and justifying rule.
• Methods of Rule:
  • Neo-Confucianism Revival:
    • Emphasized hierarchy and filial piety.
    • Women had subordinate roles; foot binding as a status symbol.
  • Expansion of Imperial Bureaucracy:
    • Civil service exam based on Confucian texts.
    • Gave jobs based on merit.
• Economic Developments:
  • Commercialization and trade of porcelain and silk.
  • Introduction of Champa rice for agricultural growth.
  • Expansion of the Grand Canal for trade.

Influence of Chinese Traditions

• Influenced Korea, Japan, and Vietnam through Confucianism and Buddhism.

Buddhism in Song China

• Spread from India to China:
  • Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path: Core teachings.
  • Forms of Buddhism:
    • Theravada: Monastic focus in Sri Lanka.
    • Mahayana: Broader participation encouraged in East Asia.

Dar al-Islam (1200-1450)

• Religions in Muslim Heartland:
  • Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: Monotheistic religions.
• Decline of Abbasid Caliphate: Rise of Turkic empires (e.g., Seljuk Empire).
• Cultural and Scientific Achievements:
  • Nasir al-Din al-Tusi and trigonometry.
  • Preservation of Greek philosophy.
• Spread of Islam:
  • Through military, merchants, and Sufi missionaries.

South and Southeast Asia

• Religious Influence:
  • Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam shaped societies.
  • Bhakti Movement: Emphasized devotion to one god.
• State Building:
  • Delhi Sultanate: Muslim rule in India.
  • Rajput Kingdoms: Hindu resistance.
  • Vijayanagar Empire: Emerged after failed Muslim expansion.
  • Majapahit Kingdom: Sea-based, Buddhist influence.
  • Khmer Empire: Hindu-Buddhist influences.

The Americas

• Mesoamerica (Aztecs):
  • Use of tribute system and human sacrifice.
• Andean Civilization (Incas):
  • Centralized bureaucracy with the mita system.
  • Mississippian Culture: Known for mound-building.

Africa

• East Africa (Swahili States):
  • Trade-driven, influenced by Islam.
• West Africa (Mali, Ghana, Songhai):
  • Centralized power; elite embraced Islam.
• Great Zimbabwe: Wealth through trade, maintained indigenous beliefs.
• Ethiopia: Unique Christian state among Islamic regions.

Europe

• Religions:
  • Dominated by Christianity (Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox).
• Political Organization:
  • Feudalism and manorialism defined social structure.
  • Nobility held power, with growing monarchial centralization post-1000 CE.

Conclusion

• Global Overview: Varied methods of state building and religious influence across world regions.
• Resources: Suggested materials for further study, including Heimler's AP World History Review Guide.