AP World History - Ultimate Guide Notes

Unit 1: The Global Tapestry

Review of History Within Civilizations

• Emergence from classical civilization collapse
• Growth of long-distance trade

Overview of Worlds Major Religions in 1200

• Religion as a central historical influence
• Major religions and their divisions
• Impact on social, political, cultural, military developments
• Spread and cultural interactions

Buddhism

• Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)
• Spread across India, China, Southeast Asia, Japan
• Key concepts: 4 Noble Truths, rejection of caste
• Spread via trade routes

Christianity

• Originated from Jesus of Nazareth
• Expansion throughout Europe, Africa, Middle East
• Key beliefs: Jesus as Son of God, Bible teachings
• Became dominant religion in the Roman Empire

Confucianism

• Founded by Confucius in China
• Focus on social and political order, 5 fundamental relations

Hinduism

• Based on Brahma, gods as manifestations
• Goal: unity with Brahma through multiple lives
• Influenced social caste system

Islam

• Founded by prophet Muhammad
• Spread through Middle East, North Africa, Asia
• Key practices: 5 Pillars of Islam

Judaism

• Monotheistic faith of the Hebrews
• Unique relationship with God, world destiny

Developments in the Middle East

Abbasid Dynasty

• Golden Age: arts, sciences, trade-based society
• Decline due to internal rivalries, Mongol invasions

Developments in Europe

Middle Ages

• Division of Eastern and Western Roman Empire
• Rise of feudalism: kings, nobles, vassals, serfs
• Emergence of nation-states: Germany, England, France, Spain, Russia

Developments in Asia

China

• Song Dynasty: Confucianism and foot binding
• Ming Dynasty: after Mongol dominance

Japan

• Feudal system with Emperor, Shogun, Daimyo
• Code of Bushido

India

• Delhi Sultanate and clash between Islam and Hinduism

Southeast Asia

• Spread of religion and establishment of states

Developments in Africa

• Islamic Empire spread
• Hausa Kingdoms: trade stability

Developments in the Americas

Aztecs

• Capital: Tenochtitlan, trade and sacrifice culture

Inca

• Expansionist empire, bureaucratic system

Unit 2: Networks of Exchange

Height of the Middle Ages

• Rise of merchants and burghers
• Hanseatic League: trade and alliances

Crusades

• Military campaigns for religious conversion

The Rise and Fall of the Mongols

• Expansion under Genghis Khan
• Impact on trade, culture, global awareness

Mali and Songhai

• Mansa Musa and Timbuktu's rise

Chinese Technology

• Song Dynasty: bureaucratic advancements

Trade Networks and Cultural Diffusion

• Global trade routes: Hanseatic League, Silk Road
• Spread of culture, religion, and diseases

Indian Ocean Trade

• Dominated by Persians, Arabs

Silk Road and Hanseatic League

• Trade and cultural exchange routes

Expansion of Religion and Empire

• Spread of religions through trade and conflict

Unit 3: Land-Based Empires

Major European Developments

The Renaissance

• Humanism and revival of arts
• Invention of the printing press

The Protestant Reformation

• Martin Luther's challenge to Catholic Church
• Rise of Protestant branches

Scientific Revolution

• New scientific methods and discoveries

European Rivals

Spain and Portugal

• Exploration, cultural expansion, naval power

England

• Elizabethan Age: exploration and colonization

France

• Religious conflicts and territorial expansion

Islamic Gunpowder Empires

Ottoman Empire

• Rise and territorial expansion

Mughal Empire

• Babur's conquest and religious tolerance

Africa

• Songhai Empire, Kongo, Angola

Isolated Asia

China

• Ming Dynasty's restoration and exploration

Japan

• Tokugawa Shogunate and Edo period

Resistance and Key Rebellions

• Various resistance movements around the world

Unit 4: Transoceanic Interconnections

European Expansion

• Treaty of Tordesillas, explorers, and technological advancements

The New World

• Spanish conquest and disease impact
• Encomienda system and African slave trade

The Columbian Exchange

• Transatlantic transfer of goods, people, and ideas

The Commercial Revolution

• Age of Exploration, mercantilism, joint-stock companies

Unit 5: Revolutions

The Enlightenment

• Philosophical and political changes

American Revolution

• Causes and consequences

French Revolution

• Social upheaval and changes in governance

Haitian and South American Revolutions

• Independence movements and results

Industry and Imperialism

• Industrial Revolution's impact on imperialism

Nationalist Movements

• Unification of Italy, Germany, and shift in Russia

Unit 6: Consequences of Industrialization

European Justification for Imperialism

• Ethnocentrism and colonialism

European Imperialism in India and China

• British control and resulting conflicts

European Imperialism in Africa

• Division and colonization

US Foreign Policy

• Monroe Doctrine and Spanish-American War

Unit 7: Global Conflict

The World War I Era

• Alliances, conflicts, and Treaty of Versailles

World War II Era

• Major events, battles, and consequences

The Holocaust

• Genocide and its impact

Cold War

• Ideological conflict and global power dynamics

Unit 8: Cold War and Decolonization

Communism and the Cold War

• Superpower tensions and arms race

Power Grab

• Division of Europe and NATO vs. Warsaw Pact

China and Korea

• Communist rise and wars

Decolonization and Independence in Asia and Africa

• Independence movements and developments

Unit 9: Globalization

International Terrorism and War

• Conflicts in the Middle East and rise of terrorism

World Trade and Cultural Exchange

• NAFTA, EU, and global cultural phenomena

Environmental Change and Global Health Crises

• Environmental concerns and global health issues

Age of the Computer

• Technological advancements and global connectivity