AP World History Unit 1-1

Proto-industrialization

the growth of large-scale, home-based manufacturing for export before factories became common during the Industrial Revolution

commercial economy

an economic system in which people produce goods and services mainly to sell them for profit rather than to use them themselves

tributary system

a political and economic arrangement in which a weaker state or region pays tribute (money, goods, or services) to a more powerful state in exchange for protection, trade opportunities, or recognition

tribute

a payment of money, goods, services, or other valuable items given by one ruler, state, or people to a more powerful ruler or state

artisans

skilled workers who make products by hand using traditional techniques

manufacturing capability

the ability of a person, company, region, or country to produce goods efficiently and in large enough quantities

porcelain

a hard, smooth, white type of ceramic made by heating fine clay at very high temperatures

cast iron

a type of iron that is melted and poured into a mold to create tools, machines, cookware, and building materials

agriculture productivity

the amount of agricultural output (crops or livestock) produced from a given amount of land, labor, or resources

champa rice

A fast-ripening variety of rice that originated in the kingdom of Champa. Around the 11th century, Champa rice was introduced to China, especially during the Song Dynasty. It greatly improved agricultural productivity and helped China support a growing population.

surplus wealth

often referred to the extra resources produced by a society beyond what was needed for survival

market production

the production of goods and services for sale in a market, rather than for personal or family use

imperial bureaucracy

a system of government in which an empire is administered by appointed officials who carry out the ruler's policies and manage different parts of the empire

meritocracy

a system in which people gain positions, jobs, or power based on their ability, talent, skills, and achievements, rather than their family background, wealth, or social status

civil service exam

A test used by a government to select people for jobs in the public administration. The purpose is to choose officials based on their knowledge and ability rather than their family background or wealth.

scholar-gentry

a class of educated elite people in imperial China who often became government officials.

shogun

The military ruler of Japan from the 12th to the 19th century. Although Japan had an emperor, this person usually held the real political and military power.

daimyo

a powerful feudal lord in Japan who owned large areas of land and ruled over them

feudalism

a political and social system in which land was exchanged for loyalty and military service

centralized government

a system in which most political power is concentrated in a central authority (such as a king, emperor, or national government

sinification

the process by which non-Chinese peoples adopt Chinese culture, language, customs, institutions, and ideas

kowtow

A traditional Chinese gesture of deep respect and submission. People performed it to the emperor, elders, or other highly respected individuals.

upward mobility

the ability of a person or family to move to a higher social or economic position than they had before

hereditary hierarchy

social system in which a person's status, rank, or position is inherited from their family rather than earned through ability or achievement