AP World History Unit 1: State Building (circa 1200-1450)

Lecture Overview

• Presenter: Steve Heimler
• Purpose: To provide a comprehensive overview for the AP World History Unit 1 exam
• Time Period: Circa 1200 to 1450
• Main Focus: Building and maintaining states across various major civilizations

Definition of "State"

• Politically organized territory under a single government
• Not like U.S. states (e.g., Ohio, Delaware); more akin to modern countries (e.g., United States, Japan)

Chinese State Building - Song Dynasty

• Time Frame: 960 to 1279
• Main Methods:
  • Confucianism (Neo-Confucianism): Revival with emphasis on hierarchy and filial piety
    • Women in subordinate roles, limited rights
    • Social practices: Foot binding among elite women
  • Imperial Bureaucracy Expansion: Merit-based civil service examination
    • Based on Confucian classics
    • Open theoretically to all men, practically to those wealthy enough to study
• Influence on Neighboring Regions: Korea, Japan, Vietnam adopted Chinese traditions (e.g., civil service exams, Buddhism)

Buddhism in Song China

• Origin: India; spread to China before Song Dynasty
• Core Teachings: Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path
• Branches:
  • Theravada: Monastic focus
  • Mahayana: Broader participation, Bodhisattvas aiding others
• Cultural Adaptation: Changes as Buddhism spread

Song China Economy

• Inherited prosperity from Tang and Sui Dynasties
• Commercialization: Increase in trade, porcelain, and silk
• Agricultural Innovations: Champa rice, Grand Canal expansion

Islamic State Building - Dar al-Islam

• Central Region: Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad
• Rise of Turkic Empires: Seljuk Empire, Mamluk Sultanate, Delhi Sultanate
• Religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam (monotheistic)
• Cultural and Scientific Achievements:
  • Nasir al-Din al-Tusi: Advances in trigonometry
  • Preservation of Greek and Roman works
• Expansion Methods: Military, merchant trade, Sufi missionaries

South and Southeast Asia

• Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam
• State Building:
  • South Asia: Decline of Buddhism, rise of Hinduism and Islam
  • Delhi Sultanate: Muslim rule, Hindu resistance (Rajput Kingdoms)
  • Vijayanagara Empire: Hindu revival
  • Southeast Asia: Buddhist Majapahit Kingdom, Hindu-Buddhist Khmer Empire

Americas - State Building

• Mesoamerica: Aztec Empire, tribute system, human sacrifices
• Andean Civilizations: Inca Empire, mita labor system
• North America: Mississippian culture, Cahokia mounds

African State Building

• Swahili Civilization: Trade-based city-states, Muslim influence
• West Africa: Ghana, Mali, Songhai empires, Islam among elites
• Contrast: Great Zimbabwe maintained indigenous beliefs
• Ethiopia: Unique as a Christian state amidst Islamic regions

Europe

• Dominant Religion: Christianity (Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholicism)
• Political Structure: Feudalism, decentralized states
  • Manorialism: Economic life centered on manors, serfdom
  • Church Influence: Cultural unification, political power

Conclusion

• Unit 1 covers diverse methods of state building and cultural exchanges across civilizations.
• Emphasis on belief systems and economic structures as tools for maintaining and expanding power.