Unit 1 AP World History: The Global Tapestry (1200–1450)

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from Unit 1 AP World History: The Global Tapestry (1200–1450).

Song Dynasty

A major Chinese dynasty known for its golden age of art, literature, and technological innovations.

Confucianism

A system of thought that shapes politics and culture in China, emphasizing morality, social relationships, and justice.

Civil Service Exam

A standardized test in China used to select candidates for government positions based on merit rather than birth.

Champa rice

A fast-ripening rice variety from Vietnam that significantly boosted food supply in China.

Technological innovations

Advancements such as gunpowder, paper money, printing, and porcelain that emerged during the Song Dynasty.

Dar al-Islam

The term used to refer to the Islamic world, where Islam is the dominant religion.

Abbasid Caliphate

An Islamic empire that weakened, leading to the emergence of new Islamic states like the Delhi Sultanate and Mamluk Sultanate.

Cultural diffusion

The spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another, facilitated by trade routes like the Indian Ocean and Silk Roads.

Mali Empire

A powerful West African empire that gained wealth through gold-salt trade.

Mansa Musa

The ruler of the Mali Empire, known as the richest man in history for his wealth and famous pilgrimage to Mecca.

Swahili city-states

Trading cities along the East African coast that played a significant role in Indian Ocean trade.

Feudalism

A social and political system that developed in Europe following the fall of Rome, characterized by fragmented governance.

The Crusades

Religious wars between Christians and Muslims that led to conflict but also cultural exchange.

Aztec Empire

A powerful ancient empire in Mesoamerica known for military conquest and a tribute system.

Inca Empire

A South American empire in the Andes known for advanced infrastructure and a labor system called mita.

Patriarchy

A social system where men hold the dominant power and authority.

Agrarian society

A community that relies on agriculture as the primary means of economic production.

Centralization

A form of governance where power and authority are concentrated in a central organization or leader.

Comparison

A skill that involves analyzing similarities and differences among societies in terms of religion, trade, and government structure.