AP World History Unit 1 Overview: Circa 1200 to 1450

Introduction to State Building

• State Definition: A politically organized territory under a single government.
• Focus of Unit 1: Explore how different civilizations build and maintain their states.

China: Song Dynasty

• Time Period: 960-1279 (dates not necessary for exam)

• Main Methods: Confucianism & Bureaucracy

  • Confucianism Revival: Neo-Confucianism emerged, focusing on hierarchy and filial piety.
  • Role of Women: Subordinate, restricted legal rights, and social practices like foot-binding.
  • Bureaucracy: Expanded through civil service exams based on Confucian texts.

• Economic Developments: Commercialization & Agriculture

  • Commercialization: Production surplus for trade.
  • Significant Goods: Porcelain and silk.
  • Agricultural Innovation: Champa rice introduced, leading to population growth.

• Influence on Neighboring Regions

  • Examples include Korea's civil service exams and Buddhism adoption.

Dar al-Islam

• Geographical Influence: Spread over Afro-Eurasia.

• Religious Centers: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

• Islamic Political Entities: Transition from Arab to Turkic dominance (e.g., Seljuk Empire).

  • Cultural and Scientific Contributions: Significant advancements by scholars like Nasir al-Din al-Tusi.

• Spread of Islam:

  • Through military expansion, merchant activities, and Sufi missionaries.

South and Southeast Asia

• Religious Influence: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.
• Bhakti Movement: Simplification in Hinduism, emphasizing devotion to one deity.
• State Building:
  • South Asia: Delhi Sultanate's Islamic influence and rival Hindu kingdoms.
  • Southeast Asia: Sea-based (Majapahit) and land-based (Khmer) empires.

Americas: Mesoamerica and Andean Civilization

• Aztec Empire: Tribute system, significant expansion.
• Inca Empire: Centralized bureaucracy, mita labor system.
• Mississippian Culture: Agriculture-focused, known for mound-building.

Africa

• Trade and Religion: Integral to state power and development.
• Swahili Civilization: Trade-based city-states with significant Muslim influence.
• West African Empires: Ghana, Mali, Songhai, and Hausa Kingdoms.
• Great Zimbabwe: Trade center with indigenous religious practices.
• Ethiopia: Christian state amidst Islamic surroundings.

Europe

• Christian Dominance: Eastern Orthodox vs. Roman Catholic.
• Feudalism and Manorialism:
  • Feudalism: Hierarchical system of lords and vassals.
  • Manorialism: Economic and social system centered on large estates.
• Monarchical Power: Gradual increase in centralization post-1000 CE.

These notes summarize the main ideas of AP World History Unit 1, focusing on state-building methods across different regions and the influence of belief systems from circa 1200 to 1450.