Overview
This lecture reviews the key concepts, regions, belief systems, and state structures in Unit 1: The Global Tapestry (1200-1450 CE) for AP World History: Modern.
Periodization & Course Structure
- AP World History is divided into four major periods; 1200-1450 is the first.
- Unit 1 covers the post-classical era’s major regions and is worth 8-10% of the exam.
- Know the world regions: East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Dar al-Islam, the Americas, Africa, and Europe.
East Asia (China)
- Song Dynasty ruled China (dynastic cycle with emperors and bureaucracy).
- Bureaucracy was selected by the civil service exam, based on Confucianism (mutual respect, filial piety).
- East Asia spread beliefs like Confucianism and Buddhism to Korea and Japan (cultural influence).
- China had the world’s largest economy (rice, paper, money, gunpowder, porcelain, Grand Canal).
Dar al-Islam (Islamic World)
- Dar al-Islam refers to Islamic regions; dominant force in West Afro-Eurasia.
- Abbasid Caliphate declined by 1258 (Mongol conquest); Turks (sultanates) rose to power.
- Islam spread by warfare, merchants, and Sufis (Islamic mystics).
- Innovations included algebra, medical practices, preserved Greek/ancient knowledge, House of Wisdom in Baghdad.
South & Southeast Asia
- Dominated by Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam; each shaped different regions.
- Notable states: Delhi Sultanate (Islamic), Vijayanagara (Hindu), Srivijaya (Buddhist).
- Bhakti movement emerged as a spiritual form of Hinduism.
- Region is more important in later units due to Indian Ocean trade.
The Americas
- State systems showed innovation, diversity, and expansion.
- Focus: Aztecs (chinampa agriculture, human sacrifice) and Incas (Mita labor system, road networks, mountain empire).
Africa
- State-building often linked to the trans-Saharan trade (gold, salt, Islam).
- Mali Empire: Mansa Musa’s Hajj, Timbuktu as a trade and intellectual hub.
- Other notable regions: Great Zimbabwe (southern Africa), Axum/Ethiopia (Christian kingdom), Swahili culture (Bantu-Arabic blend).
Europe
- Decentralized political structure: many small duchies, lordships, no strong central government.
- Feudalism: exchange of land for service (military, labor), manorialism: economic system based on lords’ estates and serf labor.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Periodization — dividing history into distinct periods for analysis.
- Dynastic cycle — succession of ruling families in China.
- Bureaucracy — system of government administrators.
- Filial piety — Confucian respect for elders and ancestors.
- Dar al-Islam — the Islamic world.
- Sufis — Islamic mystics who spread Islam through spiritual practices.
- Bhakti movement — spiritual Hindu revival emphasizing personal devotion.
- Chinampa — Aztec floating farming system.
- Mita — Incan labor tax system.
- Feudalism — decentralized political structure based on land-for-service.
- Manorialism — economic system of lord’s estates worked by peasants or serfs.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Complete the Unit 1 study guide and review the answer key provided.
- Familiarize yourself with the six world regions and their major states and religions (1200-1450).
- Practice comparison skills for AP World History using the supplemental practice sheet.