AP World History Study Guide Unit 1: The Global Tapestry

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms and definitions from the AP World History Study Guide for Unit 1.

Song Dynasty

A dynasty in China (960-1279) marked by great wealth, political stability, and cultural achievements.

Grand Canal

An extensive waterway system in China that facilitated trade and transportation.

Gunpowder

A revolutionary technology that spread from China, influencing military practices globally.

Buddhism

A religion that spread into China and evolved into three major forms: Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan.

Feudalism

A political system in Japan characterized by landowning aristocrats (daimyo) battling for control during the medieval period.

Meritocracy

A system where individuals are promoted based on ability and talent rather than social class.

Neo-Confucianism

A syncretic belief system that blends Confucianism with Buddhist and Daoist ideas, evolving between 770 and 840 in China.

Tributary system

A system where surrounding states acknowledged the superiority of the Chinese emperor through payments or tribute.

Bhakti Movement

A spiritual movement in India emphasizing personal devotion to a god over traditional ritualistic practices.

Mongol Empire

A vast empire led by Genghis Khan, known for its extensive trade networks and cultural exchanges across Eurasia.

Islamic Golden Age

A period marked by significant achievements in science, mathematics, medicine, and culture in the Islamic world.

Trans-Saharan Trade

A major historical trade route that connected North Africa with sub-Saharan Africa, primarily trading gold and salt.

Humanism

A Renaissance focus on human potential and achievements, emphasizing education and reform.

Columbian Exchange

The exchange of goods, diseases, and cultures between the New World and the Old World following Columbus's voyages.

Patriarchy

A social system where men hold primary power, evident in many historical societies, including those of Asia and Europe.

Commercial Revolution

A period of European economic expansion, colonialism, and mercantilism that began in the late Middle Ages.

Sultanate

A form of Islamic government led by a sultan, significant in both South and Southeast Asia.