AP World Final Review

How did Chinese dynasties use Confucianism to rule?

Merit-based bureaucracy (civil service exams) and social hierarchy to promote order and loyalty.

How did Chinese cultural traditions influence neighboring states?

Influenced their politics and government systems.

How did Buddhism shape societies in Asia?

Influenced ethics, art, government, and daily life.

How did Buddhism change as it spread?

It adapted to local cultures through syncretism.

What are the main schools of Buddhist thought?

Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana.

Yuan Dynasty – Social

Expanded territory; women lived more independent lives.

Yuan Dynasty – Political

Monarchy; capital at Khanbaliq (Beijing); ruled by Kublai Khan.

Yuan Dynasty – Interaction with Environment

Failed invasions of Japan, Indochina, Burma, and Java; improved trade with other regions.

Yuan Dynasty – Cultural

Blended Chinese traditions with Mongol practices; increased cultural exchange.

Yuan Dynasty – Economic

Expanded and improved trade networks.

Yuan Dynasty – Technological

Gunpowder warfare, advanced astronomy, and paper money.

Who first used paper money and why?

China; easier to make and carry than heavy metal coins, especially for large transactions.

What is feudalism? Where was it used?

Medieval European social, political, and economic system based on land exchanged for loyalty.

What is serfdom?

System where peasants (serfs) were bound to the land they worked.

How is serfdom different from feudalism?

Feudalism is the political/social system; serfdom is the labor system within it.

What is a nomadic pastoralist?

Groups who move with their herds to find fresh pasture and water.

How did nomadic pastoralists influence Afro-Eurasia?

Connected civilizations through trade networks, technology, religion, and culture.

Example of a network linked by nomads

Silk Roads

What was the Bubonic Plague?

Infectious disease caused by Yersinia pestis bacteria.

How did the Bubonic Plague spread?

Through fleas, rodents, and other animals.

Silk Roads

Wealthiest land trade route; traded luxury goods.

Indian Ocean Trade

Center of world trade; maritime exchange of goods, ideas, and technology.

Trans-Saharan Trade

Trade network across the Sahara Desert connecting North and West Africa.

What are the three Islamic Gunpowder Empires?

Ottoman, Safavid, Mughal.