AP World History - Unit 1 Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Time Period: Circa 1200 to 1450
• Key Focus: Understanding how major civilizations are building and maintaining their states
• Definition of State: A territory politically organized under one government

Chinese Civilization - Song Dynasty

• Time Period: 960 to 1279

• Main Methods of Rule:

  • Emphasis on Confucianism:
    • Revival known as Neo-Confucianism
    • Hierarchical society: citizens submit to the state, women to men, juniors to elders
    • Filial piety: importance of children obeying parents
  • Imperial Bureaucracy:
    • Expansion helped maintain rule
    • Civil Service Examination based on Confucian classics ensured merit-based jobs

• Role of Women:

  • Subordinate position
  • Stripped of legal rights, practice of foot binding

• Economy:

  • Commercialization: produced more goods than consumed
  • Significant goods: Porcelain and Silk
  • Agricultural advances: Introduction of Champa rice
  • Transportation: Expansion of the Grand Canal

Influence on Neighboring Regions

• Korea, Japan, Vietnam: Influenced by Chinese traditions
  • Civil Service Examination
  • Adoption of Buddhism

Role of Buddhism in Song China

• Origins: Buddhism from India
• Four Noble Truths: Core teachings
• Mahayana Buddhism: Encouraged broader participation
• Theravada Buddhism: More confined to monastic life

Dar al-Islam

• Translation: House of Islam
• Dominant Empires: Transition from Arab to Turkic dominance
  • Notable Empires: Seljuk, Mamluk Sultanate, Delhi Sultanate
• Cultural and Scientific Achievements:
  • Scholars like Nasir al-Din al-Tusi
  • Preservation of Greek philosophy
• Expansion of Islam:
  • Military expansion, trade, and Sufi missionaries

South and Southeast Asia

• Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam

• Bhakti Movement: Innovation in Hinduism

• State Building:

  • South Asia: Delhi Sultanate (Muslim), Rajput Kingdoms (Hindu resistance)
  • Southeast Asia: Majapahit Kingdom (Buddhist), Khmer Empire (Hindu to Buddhist)

Americas

• Civilizations: Mesoamerica and Andean

  • Aztec Empire: Tribute system, Human sacrifice
  • Inca Empire: Mita system, Centralized bureaucracy

• Mississippian Culture: First large-scale civilization in North America

  • Known for mound-building

African States

• East Africa:
  • Swahili Civilization: Trade-driven, influenced by Islam
• West Africa:
  • Empires: Ghana, Mali, Songhai
• Great Zimbabwe: Trade and economy based on gold
• Ethiopia: Christian state amidst Islamic regions

Europe

• Religion: Dominated by Christianity

  • Eastern Orthodox in Byzantine Empire, Roman Catholic in Western Europe

• Political Structure:

  • Feudalism: System of lords and vassals
  • Manorialism: Economic structure

• Centralization: Monarchs began to grow in power post 1000 CE

Conclusion

• Study Resources: Further help and study materials available through the AP World History Heimler Review Guide.