AP World History Unit 1: Circa 1200 to 1450

Key Concepts

• Understanding how major civilizations around the world built and maintained their states.
• Definition of 'state': A territory politically organized under a single government, e.g., United States, Japan.

China: The Song Dynasty

• Time Period: 960 - 1279 (exact dates not needed for exam)
• Methods to Maintain Rule:
  1. Confucianism (Neo-Confucianism):
     • Revival of Confucianism, incorporating Buddhism.
     • Promoted hierarchical society (e.g., filial piety).
     • Women had subordinate roles, faced social restrictions like foot binding.
  2. Imperial Bureaucracy:
     • Hierarchical government to carry out the emperor's will.
     • Civil service exams based on Confucian classics; theoretically open to all men but in practice favored the wealthy.
• Economic Developments:
  • Commercialization, production of goods for trade (porcelain, silk).
  • Agricultural innovations like Champa rice leading to population growth.
  • Expansion of the Grand Canal for trade.

Influence on Neighboring Regions

• Korea, Japan, Vietnam: Adopted Chinese traditions like civil service exams and Buddhism.

Role of Buddhism in Song China

• Originated in India, spread to China with variations like Theravada and Mahayana.
  • Theravada: Monastic practice.
  • Mahayana: Broader participation, focus on helping others reach enlightenment.

Dar al-Islam

• Islamic Empires: Transition from Arab to Turkic dominance (e.g., Seljuk Empire).
• Cultural & Scientific Innovations:
  • Contributions by scholars like Nasir al-Din al-Tusi in trigonometry.
  • Preservation of Greek philosophy in the House of Wisdom, influencing the European Renaissance.
• Spread of Islam:
  • Military expansion, merchant activities, Sufi missionaries.

South and Southeast Asia

• Belief Systems: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam
  • Bhakti Movement: Devotion to one Hindu god, challenging hierarchies.
• State Building:
  • Delhi Sultanate: Muslim rule in Northern India, facing resistance from Hindu kingdoms.
  • Vijayanagara Empire: Hindu counter to Muslim rule.
  • Majapahit Kingdom: Sea-based power through trade.
  • Khmer Empire: Hindu, then Buddhist influences (e.g., Angkor Wat).

The Americas

• Mesoamerica and Andean Civilizations:
  • Aztec Empire: Tribute system, Human Sacrifice.
  • Inca Empire: Bureaucratic control, Mita labor system.
• Mississippian Culture: Monumental mounds, political and agricultural centers.

Africa

• East Africa (Swahili Civilization): Trade-based, Islamic influence, blended cultures (Swahili language).
• West Africa: Ghana, Mali, Songhai Empires, Islamic elite, indigenous beliefs.
• Great Zimbabwe: Trade expansion, indigenous religion.
• Ethiopia: Christian state amid Islamic and indigenous African states.

Europe

• Belief Systems:
  • Eastern Orthodox: Byzantine Empire, spread to Kievan Rus.
  • Roman Catholicism: Western Europe, interconnected via the Church.
• State Building:
  • Feudalism: Decentralized power, hierarchical society.
  • Manorialism: Economic system with serfs bound to land.
  • Rise of Monarchies: Gradual centralization of power.

Study Resources

• AP World History Heimler Review Guide: Videos, note guides, practice questions, and exams.