All Periods and Units APWH Vocabulary

Champa Rice

Is a type of fast-growing rice that was introduced to China from the Champa Kingdom in present-day Vietnam. This rice could be harvested twice a year, significantly increasing food production and allowing farmers to grow more crops. It was also drought-resistant, meaning it could grow even in areas with less water. This agricultural innovation helped support a growing population and contributed to economic prosperity.

Proto-Industrialization

Refers to the early phase of industrial development where small-scale, home-based, or community-based production of goods took place before the advent of large factories. In China, this meant that many families and communities produced items like textiles, steel, and porcelain in their homes or small workshops using simple tools. This process laid the groundwork for later industrialization by increasing production and trade.

Artisans

Artisans are skilled craftworkers who make things by hand. In China, artisans were responsible for producing a wide range of high-quality goods, such as silk fabrics, porcelain, metal tools, and other handmade products. These items were often highly valued and traded both within China and internationally.

Scholar Gentry

Were educated members of society who held government positions and came from land-owning families. They were well-versed in Confucian philosophy and often obtained their roles through civil service exams. This class became very influential in Chinese society, holding significant power and status.

Filial Piety

Is a Confucian value that emphasizes respect and devotion to one's parents and ancestors. In Chinese culture, it meant that children were expected to honor their parents, obey them, take care of them in their old age, and carry out rituals to honor deceased ancestors. This value helped maintain social harmony and reinforced family bonds.

Grand Canal

Is an extensive and ancient man-made waterway in China that connects the Yellow River and the Yangtze River. It was expanded during the Tang and Song Dynasties to improve transportation and trade within the country. The Grand Canal allowed for the efficient movement of goods and people, boosting internal trade and helping to integrate the economy of different regions.

Song Dynasty

Ruled China from 960 to 1279. It followed the Tang Dynasty and is known for its significant cultural, economic, and technological advancements. The Song Dynasty established a strong central government and expanded the bureaucracy, leading to a period of great prosperity and innovation.

Imperial Bureaucracy

In China was a large organization of government officials who carried out the empire's policies and day-to-day administration. These officials were appointed based on their skills and knowledge, often determined through civil service exams. This system helped maintain order and efficiency in governing the vast empire.

Meritocracy

Is a system where individuals are selected and advanced based on their abilities and talents rather than their social status or family background. In the Song Dynasty, this was achieved through civil service exams, which allowed talented individuals, regardless of their economic background, to enter government service if they demonstrated their knowledge and skills.

Woodblock Printing

Is an early printing technique where text or images are carved into wooden blocks, inked, and then pressed onto paper to create multiple copies. This method was developed in China and allowed for the mass production of books and documents, making written materials more accessible and promoting literacy and knowledge spread.

Foot Binding

Was a cultural practice in China where young girls' feet were tightly wrapped to prevent them from growing naturally. This resulted in small, deformed feet, which were considered a mark of beauty and high social status. However, it also severely limited women's mobility and was a symbol of their subservient position in society.

Buddhism

Is a major world religion that originated in India and spread to China and other parts of Asia. It teaches that life is filled with suffering caused by desire and that by following a path of ethical living, meditation, and wisdom, individuals can achieve enlightenment and escape the cycle of rebirth.

Theravada Buddhism

A branch of Buddhism that emphasizes personal spiritual growth through meditation and self-discipline. It focuses on the individual's path to enlightenment and is prevalent in Southeast Asia, including countries like Thailand and Myanmar.

Mahayana Buddhism

A branch of Buddhism that focuses on the collective spiritual growth of all beings and emphasizes compassion and service to others. It encourages followers to help others achieve enlightenment. This form of Buddhism became strong in China and Korea.

Tibetan Buddhism

A branch of Buddhism that incorporates a unique blend of Buddhist teachings and local Tibetan traditions. It emphasizes rituals, chants, and the guidance of spiritual leaders known as lamas. It is predominant in Tibet and the Himalayan regions.

Syncretic

Refers to the blending or merging of different religious, cultural, or philosophical traditions into a new, cohesive system. In China, syncretic religions combined elements of Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism, creating unique spiritual and cultural practices.

Chan (Zen) Buddhism

Known as Zen Buddhism in Japan, is a branch of Buddhism that emphasizes direct experience and meditation over formal study and rituals. It focuses on achieving enlightenment through personal insight and practice rather than through scriptures.

Neo-Confucianism

A philosophical movement that emerged in China during the Song Dynasty, combining Confucian ethical teachings with elements of Buddhism and Daoism. It emphasized rational thought, moral principles, and the importance of education and self-cultivation.

Heian Period(794-1185)

A time in Japanese history characterized by a highly refined court culture centered in the capital city of Heian-kyō (modern-day Kyoto). During this period, Japan adopted many aspects of Chinese culture, including art, literature, and governance, but also developed its own distinct cultural identity. The era is known for its contributions to Japanese literature, such as "The Tale of Genji," often considered the world's first novel.

Mamluk Sultanate

A a political entity in Egypt and the Levant established by Mamluks, who were enslaved soldiers of predominantly Turkic origin.Historical Context**: The Mamluks took control of the Egyptian government in 1250, creating a sultanate that lasted until 1517. They were known for their military prowess and for defeating the Mongols and Crusaders.-*Significance*: They played a key role in regional trade, particularly in cotton and sugar, between the Islamic world and Europe. Their power declined with the rise of European sea routes.

Seljuk Turks

A medieval Turko-Persian empire that controlled a vast area from the Hindu Kush to eastern Anatolia and from Central Asia to the Persian Gulf.-*Historical Context: Starting in the 11th century, the Seljuk Turks began conquering parts of the Middle East, extending their power almost as far east as Western China.- Significance*: They introduced the title of sultan, diminishing the power of the Abbasid caliphs, and played a crucial role in the Islamic world, including sparking the Crusades by restricting Christian access to holy sites.

sultan

A Muslim sovereign, a title used by various rulers in the Islamic world.-

Historical Context: The title was first used by the Seljuk Turks to signify their authority, which reduced the Abbasid caliphs' role to mainly religious leaders.-

Significance: The use of the title marked a shift in political power and the organization of Islamic states.

Mongols

A group of nomadic tribes from Central Asia who, under the leadership of Genghis Khan, created one of the largest empires in history.*Historical Context*: In the 13th century, the Mongols conquered vast territories including parts of China, Central Asia, and the Middle East.*Significance*: Their conquests brought massive cultural exchanges and trade along the Silk Road, but also led to the destruction of cities like Baghdad in 1258, ending the Abbasid Caliphate.

Abbasid Caliphate

The third of the Islamic caliphates, following the Umayyad Caliphate, and it ruled a significant part of the Islamic world from 750 to 1258.*Historical Context*: The Abbasids overthrew the Umayyad Caliphate and established their capital in Baghdad, turning it into a center of learning and culture.*Significance*: They presided over the Islamic Golden Age, a period marked by significant advancements in science, technology, culture, and trade.

Mamluks

Were enslaved soldiers, often of Turkic origin, who served Islamic rulers in various capacities including military and administrative roles.*Historical Context*: Many Mamluks gained power and established the Mamluk Sultanate in Egypt, which lasted from 1250 to 1517.*Significance*: The Mamluks were pivotal in regional politics and military conflicts, including repelling Mongol advances and maintaining economic prosperity through trade.

Crusaders

Were European Christians who embarked on military expeditions, known as the Crusades, to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control.

Historical Context: The Crusades occurred between the 11th and 15th centuries, primarily focused on the Middle East.

Significance: These conflicts had significant impacts on both European and Middle Eastern societies, including trade, cultural exchanges, and political relations.

Muhammad

The founder of Islam, regarded by Muslims as the last prophet sent by God to guide humanity.*Historical Context*: Born in Mecca in 570, Muhammad received revelations from God, which were later compiled into the Quran.*Significance*: His teachings and leadership established Islam as a major world religion, with profound influences on the social, political, and cultural landscapes of the regions where it spread.

Sufis

Followers of Sufism, a mystical Islamic belief system focused on the inward search for God and the personal experience of the divine.*Historical Context*: Sufism emerged as a reaction to the perceived materialism and formalism of early Islamic society, emphasizing piety, spirituality, and direct personal experience of God.*Significance*: Sufi missionaries played a key role in spreading Islam to various parts of the world by adapting to and incorporating local traditions.

House of Wisdom

A major intellectual center during the Islamic Golden Age located in Baghdad.*Historical Context: Established by the Abbasid Caliphate in the 9th century, it was a library, translation institute, and academy where scholars from various cultures worked.- Significance*: It was a hub for the translation of Greek, Persian, and Indian texts into Arabic and a center for scientific and philosophical inquiry.

Baghdad

The capital city of modern-day Iraq and was the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate.*Historical Context*: Founded in 762, it became the cultural, commercial, and intellectual center of the Islamic world during the Abbasid period.*Significance*: Baghdad's prominence during the Islamic Golden Age made it a key site for scientific, literary, and cultural achievements.

Nasir al-Din al-Tus

A Persian polymath who made significant contributions to astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy.*Historical Context*: Born in 1201, he worked in various scientific fields and helped lay the groundwork for trigonometry as a distinct mathematical discipline.*Significance*: His works influenced both Islamic and European scientific thought, particularly in the fields of astronomy and mathematics.

A'ishah al-Ba'uniyyah

A prominent Sufi poet and mystic who lived from 1460 to 1507.*Historical Context*: She is considered one of the most prolific female Muslim writers before the 20th century, with a significant body of work that includes poetry and prose.*Significance*: Her writings reflect deep mystical insights and a rich literary tradition, contributing to the cultural and spiritual life of the Islamic world.

Vijayanagara Empire (Southern India)

A powerful Hindu kingdom in southern India.*Details*: It was established by two brothers, Harihara and Bukka, in 1336 and lasted until 1646. They had initially converted to Islam but reverted to Hinduism to start this empire. The Vijayanagara Empire played a significant role in resisting Islamic invasions in southern India.

Rajput Kingdoms (North India)

Small Hindu kingdoms in northern India. *Details*: These kingdoms were ruled by warrior clans called Rajputs. They were often in conflict with each other, which prevented the formation of a centralized government in northern India. Their constant fighting made the region vulnerable to external invasions.

Delhi Sultanate

An Islamic empire that ruled over northern India.*Details*: Established in the early 13th century, lasted until the 16th century. It brought Islam into northern India and imposed a tax called jizya on non-Muslims. The Sultanate faced challenges in governing the vast and diverse region.

Srivijaya Empire (Sumatra)

A Buddhist kingdom based on the island of Sumatra.*Details*: controlled sea routes between India and China from 670 to 1025. It prospered by charging fees for ships passing through its waters. Srivijaya was an important center for Buddhist learning and culture.

Majapahit Kingdom (Java)

A Hindu kingdom based on the island of Java. *Details*: existed from 1293 to 1520 and controlled many sea routes. It had a strong influence in Southeast Asia and maintained its power through trade. The kingdom was known for its cultural achievements and strong Hindu traditions.

Sinhala Dynasties (Sri Lanka)

Buddhist kingdoms in Sri Lanka.*Details*: These dynasties emerged from early Indian immigrants and became centers for Buddhist learning. They built extensive irrigation systems that supported agriculture and economic growth. Monks and nuns had a significant influence on society and politics.

Khmer Empire (Cambodia)

A powerful empire in Southeast Asia known for its architectural achievements.*Details: also known as the Angkor Kingdom, existed from 802 to 1431. It was famous for its complex irrigation systems and the construction of magnificent temples like Angkor Wat. The empire blended Hindu and Buddhist art and culture.- Modern Location*: Cambodia.

Sukhothai Kingdom (Thailand)

An early Thai kingdom known for its cultural and religious contributions.*Details*: existed from 1238 to 1438. It is considered the birthplace of Thai art, culture, and architecture. The kingdom played a significant role in the spread of Theravada Buddhism in Thailand.

Proselytize

The act of trying to convert someone to a different religion.*Details*: Many religions, including Islam and Christianity, have a tradition of proselytizing, where followers actively seek to spread their faith and gain new converts

Bhakti Movement

A Hindu devotional movement that emphasized personal devotion to a deity.*Details*: Starting in the 12th century in southern India, developing a deep, emotional connection with a personal god. It was inclusive and appealed to people of all social classes, including women and low-caste individuals.

Qutub Minar

A tall tower in Delhi, India, built during the Delhi Sultanate.*Details*: UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its unique architecture, which combines Islamic and Hindu styles. It is one of the tallest minarets in the world and symbolizes the Islamic influence in northern India.

Urdu

A language that developed in South Asia, combining elements of Hindi, Arabic, and Persian.*Details*: emerged as a result of the cultural and linguistic blending during the Islamic rule in India. It uses the Persian script and incorporates vocabulary from Arabic, making it distinct from Hindi.

Mississippian

A culture that developed in the eastern United States around the 700s-800s CE.*Explanation*: Known for building large earthen mounds, the Mississippian culture had complex societies with strict class structures and large urban centers like Cahokia.*Today*: The area includes parts of the eastern United States, especially Illinois, Missouri, and the Mississippi River Valle

Matrilineal Society

A society where lineage and inheritance are traced through the mother's side.*Explanation*: In such societies, family ties and property are passed down through women, rather than men.*Today*: Some Native American tribes in the United States, like the Hopi and Navajo, continue matrilineal traditions.

Human Sacrifice

The act of killing humans as part of a religious ritual.*Explanation*: Practiced by some Native American cultures, including the Aztecs, to honor their gods and ensure cosmic order.*Today*: This practice was historically associated with pre-Columbian civilizations in Central America, particularly Mexico.

Cahokia

The largest city of the Mississippian culture, located in present-day Illinois.*Explanation*: Known for its massive earthen mounds, Cahokia was a major center for trade, politics, and religion.*Today*: Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is located in southern Illinois, near St. Louis, Missouri.

City-States

Independent cities that each function as their own state.*Explanation*: The Maya civilization consisted of numerous city-states, each ruled by its own king and surrounded by farmland.*Today*: The region includes southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvad

Mexica

The people who founded the Aztec Empire.*Explanation*: Originally nomads, settled in central Mexico and built the powerful city of Tenochtitlán.*Today*: Tenochtitlán is now Mexico City, the capital of Mexico.

Theocracy

:A system of government where religious leaders rule in the name of a god.*Explanation*: with the emperor serving as both a political leader and a divine representative of the gods.*Today*: This form of government was specific to the Aztec Empire in central Mexico.

Religion

The Aztecs practiced a complex religion with many gods.*Explanation*: Their religious practices included human sacrifices to appease their gods and ensure the sun would rise.*Today*: Aztec religious practices were centered in what is now Mexico.

Pachacuti

The founder of the Inca Empire.*Explanation*: meaning "earth-shaker," expanded the Inca territory significantly and established a strong centralized government.*Today*: influence was in present-day Peru and extended to other parts of South America.

Incan Empire

A large empire in South America.*Explanation*: Stretched from modern-day Ecuador to Chile, known for its advanced engineering, agriculture, and centralized administration.*Today*: The empire included parts of modern-day Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia.

Mit'a System

A labor system where people provided work for the state.*Explanation*: Instead of paying taxes, Incan subjects worked on public projects like building roads and agricultural terraces.*Today*: This system was used in areas of modern-day Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Chile.

Carpa Nan

The extensive road network of the Inca Empire.*Explanation*: Spanning around 25,000 miles, it connected various parts of the empire and facilitated trade and military movement.*Today*: Remnants of this road system can still be found in Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Chile.

Temple of the Sun

The most important religious site in the Inca capital, Cuzco.*Explanation*: Dedicated to Inti, the sun god, it was the center of Incan religious life and ceremonies.*Today*: The Temple of the Sun, or Qorikancha, is located in modern-day Cuzco, Peru.

Animism

The belief that natural objects and phenomena have spirits.*Explanation*: The Inca practiced animism, believing that mountains, rivers, and other natural features were inhabited by spirits, known as huacas.*Today*: Animistic beliefs were common in the Inca Empire, which spanned modern-day Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile.

Kin-Based Networks

Social systems where families govern themselves.*Explanation*: Instead of a centralized government, small groups of related families managed local affairs. This system was common in Sub-Saharan Africa before larger states formed.

Swahili

A language and culture in East Africa. *Explanation*: Developed from the blending of Bantu and Arabic languages and cultures due to trade between East Africa and the Middle East. It is spoken in several East African countries today.

Zanj Rebellion

A major slave revolt in the 9th century.*Explanation*: Enslaved people from East Africa (Zanj) led a rebellion in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), capturing the city of Basra and holding it for ten years before being defeated.

Trans-Saharan Trade

Trade routes across the Sahara Desert.*Explanation*: This trade connected West Africa to North Africa and Europe, facilitating the exchange of gold, salt, and other goods.

Indian Ocean Trade

Trade routes across the Indian Ocean.*Explanation*: This trade connected East Africa with the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia, promoting the exchange of goods and cultures.

Indian Ocean Slave Trade

The trading of enslaved people across the Indian Ocean.*Explanation*: Enslaved people were taken from East Africa to the Middle East and South Asia, starting centuries before the Atlantic slave trade.

Great Zimbabwe

A large city in the Kingdom of Zimbabwe.*Explanation*: Known for its impressive stone structures, including a massive wall built without mortar. The city was a major center for trade and agriculture in the region.

Chief

A leader of a kin-based network.*Explanation*: They mediated conflicts and managed relations with neighboring groups within kin-based societies.

Hausa Kingdoms

A group of states in what is now Nigeria.*Explanation*: The Hausa people formed several loosely connected states before 1000 CE. These states prospered through trade and had no central authority.

Ghana

A powerful kingdom in West Africa.*Explanation*: Thrived from the 8th to the 11th centuries, trading gold and ivory with Muslim traders. It had a centralized government with a king, nobles, and an army.

Mali

A powerful kingdom that replaced Ghana.*Explanation*: Flourished in the 13th and 14th centuries, known for its wealth from gold trade. Famous rulers included Sundiata and Mansa Musa, who expanded trade and made Mali a center of learning.

Zimbabwe

A kingdom in southern Africa.*Explanation*: Known for its impressive stone structures, Great Zimbabwe was a major center of trade, agriculture, and wealth in East Africa.

Ethiopia

A Christian kingdom in East Africa.*Explanation*: known for its rock-hewn churches, maintained a strong Christian identity even as Islam spread in the region. The kingdom prospered through trade with India, Arabia, and the Roman Empire.

Magna Carta

A document signed in 1215 by King John of England.*Explanation*: Required the king to respect certain rights, like fair trials. It was a big step towards limiting the king's power and protecting people's rights.

English Parliament

The law-making body of England.*Explanation*: Formed in 1265, it included representatives from different classes. It gradually gained power, influencing how England was governed.

Manors

Large estates or lands.*Explanation*: Were self-sufficient, producing everything needed for life, reducing the need for trade.

Manorial System

An economic and social system in medieval Europe.*Explanation*: This system involved lords managing large estates where peasants worked the land in exchange for protection.

Three-Field System

An agricultural practice where land was divided into three parts.*Explanation*: One part grew food crops, another grew legumes to enrich the soil, and the third was left empty to recover. This rotation improved soil fertility and crop yields.

Feudalism

A political and social system in medieval Europe.*Explanation*: Lords gave land to vassals in exchange for loyalty and service. Peasants worked the land and provided goods in return for protection.

Serfs

Peasants who were tied to the land.*Explanation*: Couldn't leave the manor without permission and had to work the land and give part of their produce to the lord.

Primogeniture

A system where the eldest son inherits all the property.*Explanation*: This practice kept estates intact but left younger sons with fewer opportunities.

Bourgeoisie

The middle class in medieval Europe.*Explanation*: This group included merchants, shopkeepers, and craftspeople who gained wealth through trade and business.

Burghers

Wealthy town residents.*Explanation*: Often played a significant role in local government and commerce.

Estates-General

A French advisory body.*Explanation*: It included representatives from the clergy, nobility, and commoners, but had little power because the upper classes weren't regularly taxed.

Estates

The three social classes in France. *Explanation*: The clergy (First Estate), the nobility (Second Estate), and commoners (Third Estate) made up the Estates-General.

Otto I

A German king crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 962.*Explanation*: He revived the title from Charlemagne, marking the start of the Holy Roman Empire, which struggled with the Church for power.

Crusades

Military campaigns by European Christians to reclaim the Holy Land.*Explanation*: These campaigns were driven by religious, social, and economic factors and led to increased cultural exchange between Europe and the Middle East.

Marco Polo

An Italian traveler from Venice.*Explanation*: He visited China and described its customs, sparking European interest in Asia.

Renaissance

A cultural revival in Europe from the 14th to 17th centuries.*Explanation*: This period saw a renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman art, literature, and ideas, leading to significant developments in art and science.

Humanism

A focus on human potential and achievements. *Explanation*: Humanists emphasized education and individual potential, influencing art, literature, and philosophy during the Renaissance.

Lay Investiture Controversy

A conflict over who could appoint church officials.*Explanation*: This struggle between the Church and secular rulers was resolved by the Concordat of Worms in 1122, granting the Church autonomy.

Great Schism

The division of the Christian Church in 1054.*Explanation*: It split into the Roman Catholic Church in the west and the Orthodox Church in the east, shaping religious boundaries in Europe.

Antisemitism

Prejudice against Jews.*Explanation*: Jews faced widespread discrimination in medieval Europe, leading to expulsions and migrations, particularly to eastern Europe.

Little Ice Age

A period of cooling temperatures from the 14th to 19th centuries.*Explanation*: This climate change reduced agricultural productivity, leading to food shortages, social unrest, and slowed urban growth.

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Radio

type of new media communication that came about in the early 1900's, brought news, music, and cultural events

Shipping container

standard sized units that could be carried on a truck, train, or stacked on a ship, improved the spread of goods

Green Revolution

large increase in crop production in developing countries achieved by the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and high-yield crop varieties

Cross breeding

Breeding two living things to get a hybrid ie: crops and mules (horse/donkey)

genetic engineering

Manipulating a cell or organism to change its basic characteristics

Antibiotic

Specialized medicine that only kills bacteria, unfortunately less useful due to bacteria building a resistance over time

Birth control

method used to reduce births, contraception; devices or medication that prevent you from getting pregnant