AP World First Semester Final Exam Notes

Buddhism

A religion that asserted that mental discipline alone could win salvation and emphasized meditation as a key practice.

Confucianism

A philosophy that was revived during the Tang dynasty and continued into the Song dynasty, emphasizing a natural hierarchy.

Neo-Confucianism

A modern version of Confucianism that sought to rid Confucian thought of the influence of Buddhism.

Theravada

A branch of Buddhism focused on the old teachings and individual efforts to reach Nirvana.

Mahayana

A branch of Buddhism that allowed for change and emphasized helping others reach Nirvana.

Mamluks

Slaves who served in the Islamic world and formed a significant military class.

Delhi Sultanate

A Muslim rule in India that helped establish Islam as the second most common religion.

Song Dynasty

A powerful dynasty in China known for advancements in navigation and trade.

Abbasid Caliphate

The last significant caliphate before the rise of Turkic Empires, influential in Islamic history.

Sufis

Islamic brotherhoods that believed in magical practices to come closer to God.

Hinduism

The most popular religion in South and Southeast Asia that allowed its followers to practice freely under Islamic rule.

Inca Empire

A bureaucracy-based empire in South America known for using the Mit’a system for labor.

Aztecs

A significant Mesoamerican empire that practiced human sacrifice and ruled from Tenochtitlán.

Great Zimbabwe

A powerful trading empire in Southern Africa known for farming, cattle herding, and trading gold.

Ethiopia

An African kingdom that flourished due to trade and was predominantly Christian.

Feudalism

A system of allegiances between lords, monarchs, and knights in medieval Europe.

Serfdom

A labor system where serfs were bound to land for military and political protection.

Bills of Exchange

Documents that legally stated when someone was to be paid.

Flying Money

Vouchers used in trade that proved prior payments had been made.

Mongols

People who ruled the Mongolian Empire and conquered a vast territory, including parts of Asia.

Khanates

The four kingdoms that arose after Genghis Khan's death, including the Yuan Dynasty.

Caravanserai

Rest stops located along trade routes where travelers and merchants could rest and refuel.

Credit

Financial instruments that made long-distance trade easier by reducing the need for carrying cash.

Porcelain

Thin pottery invented in China that became highly desired in trade.

Swahili Coast

A hub of trade culture and interaction in East Africa.

Gujarat

A region in India that played a critical role in Indian Ocean trade.

Sultanate of Malacca

A Muslim city-state that thrived on Indian Ocean trade revenues.

Camel Saddle

An important invention that enabled large-scale trade across long distances.

Ibn Battuta

A Moroccan scholar known for his extensive travels and accounts of Islamic lands.

Marco Polo

An Italian traveler who documented his visits to the Yuan court.

Juvaini

A Persian historian whose writings provide insight into the Mongol Empire.

Ottomans

The most significant Islamic empire, known for its expansion and military innovations.

Safavids

A Shi’ite empire that began in the early 1500s, emerging from smaller Muslim states.

Ming Dynasty

The first ethnically Han dynasty in China after the Mongols, known for stability and order.

Qing Dynasty

Established by the Manchu people, it expanded significantly and maintained various Chinese traditions.

Mughal Empire

A powerful empire in India that succeeded the Delhi Sultanate and achieved extensive cultural integration.

Janissaries

Elite warriors in the Ottoman Empire, originally Christian boys taken and trained for military service.

Devshirme

A system in the Ottoman Empire that recruited boys for military and bureaucratic roles.

Protestant Reformation

A movement initiated by Martin Luther that challenged the Catholic Church.

Indulgences

Documents sold by the Catholic Church that promised forgiveness of sins.

Counter-Reformation

The Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation, aiming to reform its practices.

Anglican Church

A Christian denomination that arose in England during the Reformation.

Sikhism

A new belief system combining elements of Islam and Hinduism.

Sunni

A major branch of Islam that believes leadership can be elected.

Shi’ite

A branch of Islam that holds leadership must be from Muhammad's family.

Caravel

A type of ship developed by the Portuguese for exploration and trade.

Lateen Sail

Triangular sails that improved the maneuverability of ships.

Compass

Navigational tool that helped explore and navigate maritime routes.

Columbian Exchange

The exchange of plants, animals, diseases, and people between the Old and New Worlds.

Domesticated Animals

Animals such as horses and cattle brought to the Americas by Europeans, transforming Indigenous life.