Units 1-3

Historical Connections (1200-1450)

The intertwining of local cultures and beliefs with broader political, economic, and religious systems across various regions.

Key Themes of Unit 1

Structure and legitimacy of governments, influence of belief systems on political power, trade patterns, and social hierarchies.

Major Regions of Focus

East Asia, Islamic world, Africa, Americas, and Europe and their unique, interconnected developments.

Trade Networks (1200-1450)

Systems of trade and exchange that spread goods, ideas, and cultures, highlighting the interconnectedness of societies.

Major Trade Routes

Silk Roads, Indian Ocean trade, and Trans-Saharan trade, expanded due to state support and technological advances.

Mongol Empire's Impact on Trade

The Mongol Empire facilitated trade expansion and the spread of Islam through various trade networks.

Expansion of Land-Based Empires (1450-1750)

Focus on how empires expanded and maintained control despite common challenges.

Motivations for Imperial Expansion

Security, trade control, military technologies, and governance strategies.

Notable Empires

Ottomans, Safavids, Mughals, Qing, and Tokugawa, each showcasing unique imperial administration and cultural identity.

Challenges and Decline of Empires

Factors that shaped empires and led to their eventual challenges and decline due to cultural, social, and economic factors.