AP World History: Unit 1 Review

Overview

• Time Period: Circa 1200 to 1450
• Focus on major civilizations and how they build and maintain states
• Definition of State: A territory politically organized under a single government

China: Song Dynasty

• Duration: 960 to 1279

• Methods of Rule:

  1. Confucianism
     • Revival called Neo-Confucianism (adapted from Buddhism)
     • Emphasized hierarchical society
     • Filial piety: children obey parents, societal roles enforced
     • Women's rights diminished; subjected to foot binding
  2. Imperial Bureaucracy
     • Civil service exam based on Confucian texts
     • Jobs earned on merit, theoretically open to all men

• Economic Developments:

  • Population growth, commercialization of economy
  • Exported goods: porcelain and silk
  • Introduction of Champa rice leading to food surplus and population growth
  • Expansion of the Grand Canal facilitating trade

Influence on Neighboring Regions

• Korea, Japan, Vietnam influenced by Chinese traditions
• Adoption of civil service exams, Buddhism, and Confucian practices

Buddhism in Asia

• Spread from India to China
• Four Noble Truths: Central tenets of Buddhism
• Mahayana vs. Theravada Buddhism
  • Mahayana: Broader participation, bodhisattvas help others
  • Theravada: Monastic focus, individual enlightenment

Dar al-Islam

• Regions: Islamic faith organizing principle in various regions
• Islamic Empires: Transition from Arab to Turkic dominance
  • Example: Seljuk Empire
• Cultural and Scientific Contributions
  • Advances in mathematics, translation of Greek works
  • House of Wisdom in Baghdad
• Expansion Methods: Military conquest, merchants, Sufi missionaries

South and Southeast Asia

• Religious Influence:
  • South Asia: Dominated by Hinduism, declining Buddhism, rising Islam
  • Southeast Asia: Buddhism and Islam prominent
  • Bhakti movement in Hinduism emphasizing devotion
• State Building:
  • South Asia: Delhi Sultanate, Rajput Kingdoms, Vijayanagara Empire
  • Southeast Asia: Majapahit Kingdom, Khmer Empire

The Americas

• Civilizations: Aztec and Inca Empires
• Aztec Empire:
  • Founded by Mexica people
  • Tribute system, human sacrifice
• Inca Empire:
  • Mita system, centralized bureaucracy

Africa

• Swahili Civilization: Trade-based, influenced by Islam
• West African Empires: Ghana, Mali, Songhai; trade-driven, Islam observed by elites
• Great Zimbabwe: Trade-based, indigenous religion
• Ethiopia: Christian state, hierarchical structure

Europe

• Religious Influence: Dominated by Christianity (Orthodox and Roman Catholic)
  • Byzantine Empire: Eastern Orthodox
  • Western Europe: Roman Catholicism
• Political Structure:
  • Feudalism and manorialism
  • Decentralized states, growing power of monarchs

Additional Resources

• AP World History Heimler Review Guide for comprehensive study materials.