AP World History - Mongols, Ming Dynasty, Mughals, Safavids, Ottomans, Renaissance, and Crusades

Flashcards covering key topics for AP World History Exam #6, including the Mongol Empire, Ming Dynasty, Mughal Empire, Safavid Empire, Ottoman Empire, Renaissance, and Crusades.

What was Temujin's (Genghis Khan) main accomplishment?

Uniting the Mongol tribes and conquering vast territories.

What geographic area did the Mongol Empire encompass?

From China to Eastern Europe, and from Russia to Persia and India.

How did the Mongol Empire affect trade?

Revival of the Silk Road and spread of paper money.

How did the Mongol Empire affect disease diffusion?

Increased ship traffic along Mongol road systems facilitated the spread of diseases like the Black Death.

Why did the Yuan Dynasty in China collapse?

Inflation, economic instability due to unreliable paper currency, and heavy taxation leading to societal unrest.

Who was the founder of the Ming Dynasty?

Zhu Yuanzhang (Hongwu Emperor)

What was the background of the Hongwu Emperor?

Born into a poor peasant family, he rose to power through the Red Turban Rebellion.

What was the Wei-so system?

Developed to have soldiers move to varying points of the country to not develop loyalties to individual rebellions

What changes did the Hongwu Emperor make to the structure of the dynasty?

Revived Confucian learning and implemented the Wei-so system.

Why did the Yongle Emperor move the capital to Beijing?

To provide better defense against potential Mongol invasions; closer to the Mongol border and the Great Wall.

What was the purpose of the Zheng He voyages?

To demonstrate China’s power, open new trade routes, and establish diplomatic relations with foreign nations.

Who founded the Mughal dynasty?

Babur

What were Akbar's achievements and goals?

Fostering cultural harmony (Sulh-i-Kul), expanding the Mughal empire, and abolishing the Jizya tax.

What architectural feats are attributed to the Mughals?

Taj Mahal (Shah Jahan), Humayan’s Tomb and the Red Fort.

How did the Mughals control most of South Asia?

Military superiority, cultural integration, and centralized administration.

Why did the Mughal empire decline?

Weak rulers, overextended empire, revolts, invasions, and British expansion.

Who founded the Safavid dynasty?

Shah Ismail I

What was the relationship between the Ottomans and Safavids?

Antagonistic due to Sunni-Shia religious differences and competition for regional dominance.

How did the Safavids improve their military after the Battle of Chaldiran?

Incorporating gunpowder technologies and creating a standing army.

What were the capitals of the Safavid Empire?

Tabriz (Shah Ismail) and Isfahan (Shah Abbas I)

What events allowed for the creation of the Ottoman state?

Decline of the Seljuk and Byzantine Empires, military conquests, and strategic alliances.

Who was Osman I?

The leader of an Turkish tribe named the Seljuks who founded the Ottoman dynasty. Leader of the Empire.

What areas did the Ottomans initially conquer?

Balkans, Anatolia, and other Byzantine cities.

Who was Timur the Lame?

A Central Asian conqueror who defeated the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I.

How did Timur the Lame affect the Ottoman Empire?

Defeated the Ottoman Sultan which halting expansion and leading to the Ottoman Interregnum.

What was a Janissary?

Elite Ottoman soldiers recruited through the devshirme system.

Why did the Janissaries become a critical part of the Ottoman Empire?

They were known for their discipline and direct service to the sultan; helped the empire expand and maintain power.

How did the Ottomans under Mehmed II conquer Constantinople?

Using massive cannons and hauling ships over land bypassing the Byzantine chain.

What was the significance of the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople?

Ended the Byzantine Empire, marked the rise of the Ottoman Empire, and gave the Ottomans control over key trade routes.

What territories came under the control of the Ottomans under Selim I and Suleiman the Magnificent?

Egypt, Syria, the Hijaz, central Hungary, the Balkans, and parts of Mesopotamia.

What were the sources of Ottoman wealth?

Controlling trade routes, taxes and tribute, conquest, agriculture, and crafts and industry.

How did Western European states react to the Ottoman hold on lucrative trade routes?

Age of Exploration, increased rivalry, and attempts at diplomacy.

What challenges did the Ottoman Empire face?

Internal corruption, economic decline, military weakness, nationalist revolts, and external pressures from European powers.

What does the term Renaissance mean?

A rebirth of classical culture, particularly of Greek and Roman art, literature, and philosophy.

What economic factors allowed for a Renaissance to flourish?

Wealth of merchant families, trade expansion, and urban centers.

What artistic innovations came out of the Renaissance?

Perspective, realism, and famous works like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.

What were the major causes of the Crusading era?

The Byzantine Empire lost land to the Turks which led to Pope Urban II to call for help. Religious motivation and the promise of salvation.

What were the major effects of the Crusading era?

Constantinople never recovered from the sacking by the crusaders. Loss of trust of European Christian Kingdoms, taste for Middle Eastern goods.

Why did the Red Turban Rebellion start?

The Mongols’ heavy taxation, corruption, and disregard for traditional Chinese customs led to widespread discontent and rebellion.

What is Sulh-i-kul?

Universal peace that promoted religious tolerance between Hindus, Muslims, and other groups.