AP World History Study Guide: Semester 1

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and themes from the AP World History notes, providing a tool for review and study.

Silk Roads

Ancient trade routes connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas.

Feudalism

A political system based on land ownership, characterized by the exchange of land for military service and labor.

Crusades

Military campaigns launched by European Christians to reclaim Jerusalem from Muslim control, significantly impacting cultural exchange.

Pax Mongolica

A period of peace and stability created by the Mongol Empire, enhancing trade across the Silk Roads.

Delhi Sultanate

A Muslim empire that ruled over northern India, promoting the spread of Islam through trade and conquest.

Gunpowder

A revolutionary military technology developed in Asia that transformed warfare in both Europe and Asia.

Mansa Musa

Emperor of the Mali Empire, known for his pilgrimage to Mecca and promotion of education and Islam.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another, often facilitated by trade.

Astrolabe

A navigational tool used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies, aiding mariners in determining their latitude.

Caravel

A small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed by the Portuguese, crucial for exploration.

Transoceanic Trade

Trade that crossed oceans, connecting Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, leading to the establishment of global trade networks.

Ming Dynasty

Chinese dynasty known for restoring Han Chinese rule and enhancing maritime exploration under Zheng He.

Trans-Saharan Trade

Trade routes across the Sahara Desert connecting West African kingdoms with North Africa and the Mediterranean.

Chinampas

Agricultural innovations developed by the Aztecs in Mesoamerica, allowing for increased food production through floating gardens.

Mercantilism

An economic theory promoting government regulation of a nation's economy for augmenting state power.

Lateen Sail

A triangular sail that allowed ships to sail effectively against the wind, crucial for maritime exploration.