AP World History: The Global Tapestry (c. 1200 - c. 1450)

Overview

• Era Overview: From 1200 to 1450, several large empires emerged globally.
  • Influenced by regional trade which increased since 600 CE.
• Key Empires:
  • Song Dynasty (China): Wealthiest and most innovative.
  • Aztec Empire (Mesoamerica): Influenced by the Mayans.
  • Islamic World: Centered around Baghdad and Spain.
  • African & Southeast Asian States: Grew from regional trade.
  • Mongol Empire: Unified large territories, facilitating trade and cultural exchange.

Developments in East Asia

Song Dynasty (960-1279)

• Political & Social Development:

  • Unified China, prospering with arts and political stability.
  • Neo-Confucianism: Influenced social classes, family system.
  • Bureaucracy: Expanded through meritocracy and civil service exams, contributed to empire's eventual weakness due to high costs.

• Economic Developments:

  • Agriculture: Champa rice increased productivity; innovations like plows and irrigation.
  • Manufacturing & Trade:
    • Development of gunpowder and guns.
    • Discovery of coal, production of steel, and porcelain.
    • Proto-industrialization: Home/community-based production.
    • Grand Canal: Support for internal trade.
    • Maritime advancements with navigation charts.
  • Tributary System: Economic stability and trade stimulation.

• Social Structures:

  • Growth of urbanization, creation of the scholar-gentry class.
  • Confucian influence on hierarchy and women's roles (e.g., foot binding).

Intellectual & Cultural Developments

• Printing & Literature: Invention of paper, woodblock printing; expanded access to literature.
• Religious Influence:
  • Buddhism's adaptation and syncretism (e.g., Zen Buddhism).
  • Neo-Confucianism: Ethical focus merging Confucianism with Buddhism.

Japan, Korea, and Vietnam

• Japan:

  • Cultural Influence: From China, but with distinct Japanese developments (e.g., The Tale of Genji).
  • Feudalism: Similar to Europe, with powerful daimyo over central authority.
  • Shogunate: Real power with the Minamoto shoguns, leading to regional rivalries.

• Korea:

  • Close Cultural Ties with China: Emulation of political and cultural systems.
  • Powerful Aristocracy: Limited Chinese-style reforms.

• Vietnam:

  • Resistance to China: Distinct cultural differences, greater gender equality.
  • Village Autonomy: Limited political centralization, resistance to Chinese control.

Key Themes and Concepts

• Economic:
  • Expansion and influence of trade networks.
• Societal:
  • Development of social hierarchies, urbanization.
• Technology & Culture:
  • Innovations in production, spread of religious and cultural ideas.