Mid Time Period 1 Study Kit AP World

What were the traditional features of government in East Asia (China) in the 13th Century?

This most significant dynasty was the Song Dynasty of China, which used traditional methods of Confucianism, an imperial bureaucracy, 'Mandate of Heaven' and the Civil Service Exam to maintain and justify its rule.

What was Confucianism and Filial Piety?

Confucianism was a philosophy that provided a structure to society based upon the 'Five Relationships' where people used a superior/subordinate relationship. One of the features of it is Filial Piety where older generations are highly respected and venerated by the younger generations.

Describe the political organization of Japan in the 13th Century.

In 13th century Japan, political organization was dominated by the feudal system under a Shogun, where the shogun held military power while the emperor remained a symbolic figurehead. Samurai warriors served as the military class, maintaining loyalty to their daimyo lords, who governed local regions.

What was the cultural relationship between China and the rest of East Asia in the 13th Century?*

In the 13th century, China strongly influenced East Asia, especially Korea and Japan, by spreading Confucianism, Buddhism, and government systems. These countries adopted Chinese writing, art, architecture, and ways of ruling, blending them with their own traditions. For example, Japan used Heian architecture based on Chinese styles, and the two were so similar it was hard to tell them apart.

What were the different branches of Buddhism, where did it originate, and where did they spread?*

Buddhism started in India and later divided into three main branches. Theravada spread to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, Mahayana to China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, and Vajrayana to Tibet and Mongolia. Each type adapted to local cultures and shaped people’s beliefs. For example, Mahayana welcomed everyone, emphasized compassion, and encouraged worship of the Buddha.

Describe the economy of Song China.

The economy of Song China was highly advanced, characterized by a booming trade network, agricultural innovations like the use of Champa Rice, and the widespread use of paper money. Urbanization and commercial activity flourished, with major cities becoming bustling centers of commerce and industry.

How did innovations change East Asia in the 13th Century?*

The economy of Song China grew drastically as a result of increased production, long distance trade, and innovations in agriculture and manufacturing. For example, Champa Rice, a rice that came from the Champa Kingdom, was drought resistant and could be harvested twice a year which helped agriculture prosper better than traditional rice imports.

Describe Dar al-Islam in the time c. 1200-1450.

Dar al-Islam, meaning "house of peace," includes all lands ruled by Islam. It started on the Arabian Peninsula and grew to cover areas from Spain to India. During the 8th to 13th centuries, it experienced an Islamic Golden Age. Though mainly Islamic, Dar al-Islam was mostly tolerant of other religions like Judaism and Christianity.

What was the political (government) organization of Dar al-Islam in the late 13th Century?*

The Abbasid Caliphate (kingdom) once dominated Dar al-Islam, but fragmented in this time and new Islamic states emerged. One of the states emerged, called the Mamluk Empire, was able to come in power by seizing it from the Abbasid

How and why did Islam's influence spread so widely and rapidly?

Islam's influence continued to expand to many parts of Afro-Eurasia due in small part to military expansion, but primarily spread due to the activities of merchants and missionaries along long-distance trade routes.

How did the Muslim world facilitate the spread of knowledge and culture during its Golden Age (8th-13th centuries)?*

Muslim states became centers of learning through trade, missionary work, and their location in Afro-Eurasia. For example, the House of Wisdom was a library where scholars studied religion and Greek philosophy. These ideas were translated into Arabic and later spread to Europe.

What were the effects of the Muslim world being the main center of knowledge during its golden age (8th-13th centuries)?

In Europe, the Renaissance was a cultural revival of Greek and Roman ideas. In North Africa, Islam spread and new learning centers grew. In South Asia, new forms of Islam like Sufism developed. In the Indian Ocean, navigation technology spread.

Describe the dominant features of culture in South Asia (present day India) from 1200-1450.*

As Islam spread in South Asia, it blended with Hinduism and the Caste system, creating new syncretic beliefs. For example, Sufism, a branch of Islam, focused on spiritual and mystical experiences.

Describe the features of culture in Southeast Asia from 1200-1450.

Increased cross-cultural interactions, largely due to the trade across the Indian Ocean, contributed to the spread of belief systems such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and later Islam into Southeast Asia.

Describe the governments in South Asia from c. 1200-1450.*

Governments used Islam or Hinduism to support their rule. When a minority religion ruled over a majority, some were religiously tolerant. The Vijayanagara Empire was mostly Hindu and sent missionaries to the Delhi Sultanate, but later converted to Islam and formed a rival kingdom.

Describe the features of government in Southeast Asia from c. 1200-1450*

From 1200 to 1450, Southeast Asian rulers used religion to justify their power—starting with Hinduism, then shifting to Buddhism or Islam. The Khmer Empire, a wealthy Hindu state, built Angkor Wat to represent the Hindu universe. Later, its rulers became Buddhist and added Buddhist statues to the temple without removing the Hindu parts, showing religious blending, or syncretism.

Describe the growth of new states in the Americas c. 1200-1450*

In the Americas, new states expanded their size using military conquest, state-sponsored religion and centralized economic systems to dominate and incorporate smaller states. For example, the Mesa Verde had innovations that provided water and housing complexes to the region.

Describe the growth of new states in Africa c. 1200-1450*

In Africa, the spread of Islam combined with long distance trade amongst Afro-Eurasia brought about the rise of new states and highly developed urban centers. For example, Great Zimbabwe was able to immense great wealth when it participated in the IOTN and controlled several ports.

Describe some of the cultural characteristics of East Africa c. 1200-1450.

Muslim merchants, traveling along the Indian Ocean brought their religion, language, and other ideas. Over time, a new syncretic language emerged called Swahili. It blends traditional (African) Bantu languages with Arabic words.

Describe the religious breakdown of Europe c. 1200-1450.

From 1200 to 1450, Europe had many religions. Western and Northern Europe were mostly Roman Catholic, led by the Pope. Eastern Europe and Russia followed Eastern Orthodox Christianity, led by a Patriarch. Muslims lived in Spain and the Balkans, and Jewish communities were mostly in cities in Central and Eastern Europe.

Describe the dominant political system in Europe c. 1200-1450.

Europe was ruled by feudalism, a decentralized system where weak kings and strong local lords shared power. Land was traded for loyalty between higher and lower lords. Local lords collected taxes, raised armies, and handled legal matters.

Describe the dominant economic system of Europe c. 1200-1450.

The manorial system described the division of land within European states. In medieval Europe, manors were self-sufficient communities. Under a lord's direction, serfs (a type of forced labor) provided agricultural labor and produced most of the necessary goods.