Unit 1 & 2 AP World Test

Confucianism

a philosophy founded in China by Confucius that aims to restore social harmony through 5 patriarchal relationships (4 leader-follower, 1 equal-equal), filial piety, and doing the morally correct thing. It supported the ruler. EX: China spread confucianism to nearby countries.

Bureaucracy

an organized system of appointed officials of separate departments that come together as a government. EX: China was bureaucratic and had 6 administrations. Officials were selected via civil service exams and could move up in social class.

Innovation

The development or combination of new ideas, used for practical purposes and to improve tools or processes. EX: Champa rice replacing other rice.

Buddhism

 a belief system founded by Siddhartha Gautama that especially influenced (South) Asia that emphasises that the end of suffering comes through lack of desire. Mahayana, Tibetan, and Thervadan. EX: Mahayana Buddhism became popular in China because it was less rigid.

Song Dynasty

The Chinese dynasty between 920-1279 which was very confucianist and used a bureaucratic government with civil service exams. China tried via trade and gained things like Champa rice.

Filial Piety

The care towards elders and placing one’s family before oneself. EX: Chinese confucianism relationships promoted filial piety.

Role of Women in China

Women did not have much freedom due to confucianism and the patriarchal bureaucracy. There was an emphasis on submission and passivity; the feet of women were often bound. They could work as cooks, maids, or dressmakers, but were always regarded as less than men.

During the Song dynasty, some rights were expanded. Women could control dowries, inherit property, and run restaurants. Industrialization replaced textile women with men.

China’s Influence on Neighbouring Countries

Korea- adopted confucianism and civil service exams/administrative style. Never adopted the ability to move up in social classes and had little influence besides the aristocrats. Women’s rights decreased and could no longer inherit equal property shares or remarry. They adopted Mahayana Buddhism.

Vietnam- Adopted confucianism, Buddhism, and Toaism. Originally, language, style, and clothing were mandated by Chinese rules, but eventually they became independent by using the tribute system. Officials were confucian scholars and they used the Chinese language.

Japan- Not threatened to adopt Chinese practices, but voluntarily sent monks and scholars. Samurai were influenced by confucianism and Buddhism, but remained largely separate religiously, kept a unique language, and women had more rights. They adopted the Chinese calendar and court rankings (merit-based), but never fully adopted their administrative system.

China promoted sea and silk trade and spread their ideals via traders/explorers like Zheng-He. Other countries respected China and gave tributes in return for protection or knowledge.

Chinese Products and Innovations

Products: silk, porcelain, Champa rice, Iron production,

Innovations: junk boats, gunpowder, Champa rice, compass, early versions of printing, paper, scroll art

Abbasid Caliphate

An Arab dynasty that ruled the Islamic world until Turkic-speaking pastoralists became increasingly involved in politics, overthrowing the government and starting the Seljuk Turkic Empire.

Seljuk

a Muslim state that ruled parts of the Middle East and Anatolia in the 11th-12th centuries, ruled by Islamic Turkic sultans (not Kaghans, the Turkic name). It eventually separated into smaller Sultanates and ruled by separate Persian or Turkic military dynasties before being invaded by the Mongols.

Ottoman Empire

a large Turkic-warrior state that ruled over parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe with a large Christian population and capital city of Constantinople. It had a huge land mass, duration, great wealth, diversity, and economy.

Sufi

An Islamic missionary who spread the faith.

Role of Islam in Government

Many rulers were caliphs, or Islamic religious and political leaders. There was little to no separation of faith and government, even under new titles like sultan.

Advancements in Math, Medecine, and Science in Dar al-Islam

Islamic countries (due to Muhammad) emphasised trade and the spread of knowledge, such as developments in subject ranging from botany to astronomy. EX: observatories, herbology, algebra

Intellectual Transfers in Spain

Christians, Jews, and Muslims tolerated each other enough to share secular knowledge on a variety of topics. Books were even translated from Arabic to Latin and Spanish. This eventually spread knowledge beyond regional boundaries via trade.

Role of Hinduism in South Asia

Muslim grew in northern India (especially in less-Hindu areas or among low-class “untouchable” Hindus). India NEVER fully converted and remained largely Hindu, even in the Delhi Sultanate (which had an Islamic sultan) and Vijayanagar (it’s location protected it from Muslim invasions).

Caste System (South Asia)

A rigid social structure, especially promoted in Hindu India, with no social mobility. In Hinduism, your caste was determined on how well you had followed your “dharma” in the past life, and the only way to move up in the next life was to follow it closely in this life, keeping people committed to their role in society.

Islam

A monotheistic religion founded by the Prophet Muhammed that features 5 pillars (one of which is the Hajj, or a pilgrimage to Mecca). Muslims believe Jesus is a prophet and not the Son of God. It greatly influenced the Middle East, Dar-al Islam (EX: caliphates) and North & South Asia.

South Asian Civilizations and Religion

Hinduism- prominent in India, Buddhism- spreads but does not take hold, Islam- prominent among Turkic Empires

Civilizations had Islamic caliphs or Hindu religious/political rulers, which determined the structure (caste systems, allowed practices, religious buildings built. India was not very unified, and much syncretism between religions occurred in Dar-al Islam.

Srivijaya Empire

A primarily Buddhist Empire that gained power and wealth by controlling ports in the Indian Ocean. They taxed ships and traded spices, and Indian government officials, and had some Hindu influences.

Khmer Empire

A Hindu and Buddhist Empire dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu that exported exotic jungle goods with China and India. They built the largest religious structure to represent the home of the gods, Ankor Wat, which was used by several different religions later on. They were ruled by royalty.

Great Zimbabwe

An African country on a hill, surrounded by a stone wall, ruled by a royal family and local religious/political leaders. It was overcrowded with large factories and mines that produced beads, pottery, ivory, and gold. Overcrowding and sanitation issues lead to its decline.

Ethiopia

Eastern African country ruled by a Christian Kind and protected by mountains, which preserved their Christian religion despite being surrounded by Islamic African countries. They had 12 underground churches (“New Jerusalem”) and believed they were descendants of King Solomon.

Mali

An Islamic African country famously ruled by Mansa Musa, known for its extreme wealth (gold). Many scholars later studied subjects like law, math, and astronomy in the capital city Timbuktu.

Innovation, Growth, and Diversity of African States

Many African states rose to power via trade (EX: Swahili city-states connect sand and sea routes) and had a variety of religions and government systems. They traded products like gold, ivory, slaves, and salt. Traditional African religions and animalism blended with Islam and Christianity.

Aztecs (Mexicas)

A people that lived in on an island in the Valley of Mexico (Americas) who were known for their sacrificial religion that involved killing to help the Sun god defeat darkness. They originally started as nomads, but rose to power by intimidating and marrying neighbours. They created “floating gardens” (waru waru) to produce crops (like maize or chili peppers) and had parallel religious cults, though their government was patriarchal. They did not reinforce conquered areas, but instead required labor and goods. They invented the death whistle and were even hired as brutal mercenaries.

Incas

A people that lived in the Andes Mountains (Americas) that was the largest imperial, bureaucratic state. The emperor was an absolute ruler and seen as a descendant of a god, and had parallel gender officials and religions. Local officials of conquered lands were assimilated, and talented people were recruited (sons were assimilated, talented daughters provided goods and were married to officials). Everyone had to eventually work for the state, building a huge Inca road system and other projects. They developed Ashlar masonry (stones without mortar), which was used for Machu Picchu.

Feudalism

A societal system where the top of the hierarchy (Kings or nobles) granted land (fiefs) to those in subordinate positions called vassals (knights or Lords) in exchange for labor, protection, military service, or loyalty.

Manorial System

Lords who owned manors would provide small plots, protection, and some food to serfs (agricultural peasants tied to the land) in exchange for labor.

Role of Christianity in Europe

The majority was Christian and the Pope acted as a political/religious ruler, and religion and government worked to legitimise one another. It acted as the main unifying system in an otherwise largely decentralized government. In Spain, Muslim rule was overthrown by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.

Agricultural Economy in Europe

Manors provided nearly all resources for daily life, and labor was provided by serfs. The Black Death allowed serfs to negotiate terms because their labor was essential, as trade was less common in some regions and farms had to be maintained by individual manors.

New Trading Cities of the Silk Road

The silk road boosted economy and populations in areas along the route, causing trade cities to form. EX: Kashgar (China) and Samarkand (Uzbekistan)

Commercial Practices along the Silk Road

Paper money and credit allowed traders to purchase the items they wanted through an intermediary good without going through a supply chain and the convenience of wants. Caravans and caravanserai (places to stop along the roads) improved travel by making it safer, increasing the amount traded. Inventions like saddles and stirrups for camels made travel more comfortable.

Luxury Good on the Silk Road

Luxury goods, which were in high demand, were mainly traded through the Silk Road. China produced silk and porcelain. Other goods include gems, spices, and pottery. These goods were often restricted to the upper class (China even banned the lower classes from wearing silk) to show their superiority.

Caravansarai

Places along the Silk Road where caravans could rest, get food and water, shelter, and interact with other traders of different cultures safely. Monasteries could act as them, as well. They improved trade and blended cultures.

Forms of Credit

Flying cash- a trader could deposit coins in one trade city and redeem them via a paper check (bill of exchange) in another. This was an early form of banking and made traveling lighter.

Paper money- an intermediary good that removed the chain of trade and coincidence of wants.

Money Economies

As trade developed, the economy moved towards different forms of credit such as flying cash/paper money and bills of exchange/checks, making travelling lighter and more direct. People began to divert from a good-trading system to a currency and early banking system.

Iron Production

China’s manufacturing of iron and steel increased as they gained wealth from the trade of luxury goods like porcelain and silk.

Indian Ocean Trade Technology and Innovations

Astrolabe- a portable star-map device that could help traders navigate

Compass- helped navigation

Monsoon winds- assisted boats by providing strong winds to make travel faster. Traders had to plan their trips.

Junk and Dhow boats- wider Chinese ships and wide-sailed Arab ships

Monsoon Winds

Winds that blew towards Asia in the summer and towards Africa in the winter. Traders planned to sail during these winds because they made travel faster.

Ship Design

Junk boats- Chinese ships with wider, flatter bottoms so as to store more goods

Dhow ships- Arab ships with large, triangular Lateen sails that travelled faster

Swahili City-States

These Islamic city states developed from a string of coastal African territories into crucial trading cities between sand and sea routes. They each had their own king and gained wealth through trade (gold, ivory, etc).

Diasporic Communities

Communities formed by merchants or people that travelled away from their homelands that keep traditional practices and culture. EX: African and Persian merchants settled in Swahili City-states to trade and formed communities. Chinese traders settled on some coasts to manage the flow of trade in the Indian Ocean.

Zheng-He

A Chinese admiral who travelled with a huge fleet of junk ships for the Chinese government. He promoted trade, Islam, and connected many countries using the tribute system. Fleets of ships from other territories followed him back bearing gifts throughout his 6 voyages, boosting the Chinese economy.

Trans-Saharan Trade Innovations

Camels- allowed for longer distance travel

Saddles and Stirrups- comfortable travel

Caravans- made travel safer

Salt- allowed traders to retain water

Mali

Ruled by Mansa Musa, this African country was extremely wealthy and grew its economy through the capital trade city of Timbuktu. They taxed goods, peacefully spread Islam, and had impressive universities. King Mansa Musa spread Islam by building mosques and brought back scholars on his pilgrimage to Mecca (the Hajj).

Gold Salt Slave Trade

The most important trades made along the trans-saharan trade route.

Gold- used for coins

Salt- helped travellers retain water on long journeys, mined from African salt flats

Slaves- trafficked to other countries to be used a servants or labors. They were often captured through warfare or raids.

Environmental Consequences of Trade Routes

Spread of Produce- crops like Champa rice and bananas spread from their original regions. This allowed more production of these goods and a surplus of food, which boosted other production, population, and trade.

Disease- the bubonic plague spread via fleas on rats on trade ships, devastating Europe (1/2-1/3 died within the first year).

Spread of Religions on the Trade Routes

The roads acted as a conduit (carrier) of religions and beliefs, spread through traders and missionaries. This allowed for syncretism, like the grave marker in Kyrgyzstan found with Christian and Buddhist markings

Buddhism- spread to Asia (like China) from India via the Silk Road. The simpler, Mahayana form was popular and spread through merchants, monks, and Buddhist monasteries that hosted caravans.

Islam- spread in Africa (like Swahili city-states) and parts of Asia from the Arabian peninsula via the Indian Ocean and trans-Saharan Desert routes. Muslim and Persian diasporic communities, sufi missionaries, and rulers such as King Mansa Musa promoted the spread of Islam by converting neighbours and building mosques.

Scientific and Technological Consequences

Advancements in medicine, astronomy, and technology like gunpowder and paper spread via the trade routes. Different groups were able to improve upon these innovations or use them in different ways, like how Mongols used gunpowder as a weapon. Improvements in trading were made through transportation and navigation devices. Knowledge and culture spread as more cultures interacted.

Role of Travelers

Travelers like Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo documented their travels and brought back valuable information about foreign places. They illustrate how foreign travelers impacted others by sharing traditions, knowledge, and innovations.

Ibn Battuta- Islamic scholar, observed areas of Dar al-Islam and Africa. He was interested in culture and religion.

Marco Polo- Venetian/European merchant who travelled to China. Focused on economics, government, and trade.

Mongols Definition

Began as pastoralists in Central Asia who united under Chinggis Khan. He incorporated lower classes and removed leaders, preventing rebellions and gaining support. They were extremely brutal horseback riders and archers, and conquered most of Asia and Eastern Europe. This unity spurred safer trade (pax mongolica), and they allowed freedom of religion (as long as they were prayed for).

Mongols Khanates

Yuan Dynasty in China- very harsh rule, high taxes, and removal of the civil service exam. Brought in foreign officials and completely separated Chinese from Mongols- unable to marry and unwilling to learn Chinese or adopt any culture. Minimal impact on either.

Ilkhanate in Persia and Middle East- initially violent invasion, turned agriculture in pastores. Forced production of wine and Mongols became integrated into society and remained there after the fall.

Golden Horde in Russia- very destructive invasion, but only demanded tribute because they did not enjoy it there.

Chagatai Khanate in Central Asia- maintained traditional Mongolian lifestyle

Mongol Influence on Trade and Communication

Protected trade routes and moved skilled workers to different regions, promoting trade and innovation (because they were pastoralists, not craftsmen). They developed the Yam system of horse riding messengers to spread news.

Cultural Transfers by Mongol Rule

Medical knowledge, mathematical advancements, Uyghur script, the bubonic plague.