Outline Question 1

What event caused the initial split in Islam?

The split occurred after Muhammad’s death over who should succeed him — leading to division between Sunnis and Shiites.

Who were the 'rightly guided caliphs'?

The first four leaders after Muhammad who guided the Muslim community

How did Sunni and Shiite beliefs about leadership differ?

Sunnis believed leadership should be chosen by community consensus (calips, Umyyads, Abassid Coailation); Shiites believed it should stay within Muhammad’s bloodline through Ali.

What impact did this division have on Islamic law and politics?

They developed separate interpretations of Islamic law (sharia) and political authority, creating long-lasting religious opposition.

What was the state of the Islamic world by 1500?

By 1500, it was vast but politically divided, dominated by the Ottomans, and known for trade, scholarship, and culture.

Why did the Tang Dynasty suppress Buddhist monasteries?

Because Buddhist wealth and influence threatened state control and Confucian/Daoist traditions.

Which philosophies clashed during the Tang era?

Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism — the Tang rulers eventually favored Confucianism.

How did the Ming Dynasty maintain political stability by 1500?

By enforcing Confucian order, strong central government, and limiting foreign contact after ending maritime voyages.

What were the key differences between Roman Catholicism and Greek Orthodoxy?

The West (Roman Catholic) had a Pope as absolute authority; the East (Greek Orthodox) shared power among bishops.

What major schism resulted from these tensions?

The Great Schism of 1054.

How did the Christian world respond to the spread of Islam?

Eastern Christians defended Constantinople; Western Christians fought Islamic expansion in Iberia and the Crusades.

What was Europe like by 1500?

Fragmented but strengthening — rise of monarchies, Renaissance, and exploration expanding global influence.

How did each civilization change between 600–1500?

Each world faced internal division but by 1500 had strong states/empires emphasizing order and stability.

How did these 'worlds' connect or influence each other by 1500?

Trade, religion, and exploration connected the three civilizations into an emerging global network.