AP World History: Review Terms

Mr. Johnson's suggested review items

Neo-Confucianism

evolved in China between 770 and 840. It was a syncretic system, combining rational thought with the more abstract ideas of Daoism and Buddhism. Emphasized ethics rather than the mysteries of God and nature. It became immensely popular in the countries in China’s orbit, including Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.

Champa Rice

Rice imported to China from Vietnam in order to fuel population growth during the Song Dynasty

Civil Service Exams

Tests used by multiple Chinese Dynasties (peaked in ming/song dynasties) to determine future civil administrators

Shogun

In Japanese feudal society, supreme military commander who held more power than the emperor

Silk Roads

A system of ancient caravan routes across Central Asia, along which traders carried silk and other trade goods. Expanded under Mongol rule.

Samurai

Class of warriors in feudal Japan who pledged loyalty to the daimyo in return for land

Daoism/Laozi

A Philosophy based on the ideas of the Chinese thinker Laozi, who taught that people should be guided by a universal force called the Dao

Dar al-Islam

An Arabic term that means the "house of Islam" and refers to lands under Islamic rule

Mecca/Medina

Islamic holy city; Mecca is the birthplace of Muhammad and the city all Muslims turn to in prayer

Abbasid Caliphate/Empire

Descendants of the Islamic Leader Muhammad. Lead during the Golden Age of Islam (750-1250)

Delhi Sultinate

Islamic state in northern India established by Mahmud's successors in 1206 A.D. that began to establish the presence of Islam on the Indian subcontinent for more than three centuries

Caste System

A set of rigid social categories that determined not only a person's occupation and economic potential, but also his or her position in society

Monsoons

Seasonal winds that were used to sail trade ships in the Indian Ocean

Kingdom of Angkor

Great Hindu empire that dominated Southeast Asia for 600 years and eventually converted to Buddhism

Aztecs (Mexica)

Native population in what is considered modern day Mexico. They were destroyed by the Spaniards.

Tenochtitlan

Capital of the Aztec Empire, located on an island in Lake Texcoco, boasting large floating chinampa. and was subjuct to Spanish invasion and destruction

Incas

A Native American people who built a notable civilization in the Yucatan Peninsula in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. They boasted a military and administrative elite as well as a vast and advanced road network. Francisco Pizarro of Spain later conquered the empire.

Chinampas

Raised fields constructed along lake shores in order to increase agricultural yields. Grew Champa Rice

Mansa Musa

Emperor of the kingdom of Mali in Africa. He made a famous pilgrimage to Mecca and established trade routes to the Middle East in which he destabilized local economies with his immense wealth.

Timbuktu

Mali (West Africa) trading city that became a center of wealth and learning.

Confucianism

A philosophy that adheres to the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. It shows the way to ensure a stable government and an orderly society in the present world and stresses a moral code of conduct

Great Zimbabwe

A powerful state in the African interior that apparently emerged from the growing trade in gold to the East African coast; flourished between 1250 and 1350 C.E.

Camels

Pack animals that increased Trans-Saharan trade

Mali Empire

A strong empire of Western Africa with trading cities such as Timbuktu and Gao. It had many mosques and universities and was ruled by two great rulers, Sundiata and Mansa Musa. The fall of the empire was caused by the lack of strong rulers who could govern well.

Kingdom of the Kongo

Trading kingdom containing provinces which were ran by governors which contained districts ran by officials

Bananas

The introduction of a new food crop encouraged a fresh migratory surge in Africa (Bantu Migration)

Feudalism

A political system in which nobles are granted the use of lands that legally belong to their king, in exchange for their loyalty, military service, and protection of the people who live on the land

Holy Roman Empire

Loose federation of German states and principalities, headed by an emperor elected by the princes

Crusades

A series of holy wars from 1096-1270 AD undertaken by European Christians to free the Holy Land from Muslim rule

House of Wisdom

Islamic Center of Learning located in Baghdad

Srivijaya Empire:

(670-1025) was a Hindu kingdom based on Sumatra. It built up its navy and prospered by charging fees for ships traveling between India and China.

Hausa Kindgoms

Before 1000, a collection of Kin- based connections and no central authority. Located in today’s Nigeria.

Mali Empire

An Islamic empire in west Africa that became incredibly wealthy due to the Gold in the area. Notably, Mansa Musa came from here on his voyage to Mecca and destroyed the Gold industry.

Caravanserai

 Inns along the silk roads spaced about 100 miles apart allowing merchants to rest and feed their animals. 

Mughal/Qing Dynasty

The last imperial dynasty in China, ruled by the Manchu people. Developed greatly but faced internal challenges and challenges with western influence, Notably, not ruled by the Han Chinese ethnicity.

Ottoman Empire

expanded to Turkey, North Africa, SE Asia, and Balkan Europe. Lasted 600 years, the longest running Islamic empire. 

Sufism

a mystical Islamic belief system that seeks direct personal experience with God through spiritual practices and rituals.

Safavid Empire

Originated in the Safavid order of Sufism. Established in Iran. Lacked a navy despite being in the Arabian Sea and the lack of natural defenses. Yet they rose to power from strong leadership and land army.

Mughal Empire

a prominent Islamic empire in South Asia known for its cultural achievements, including architecture and the spread of Islam, lasting from the early 16th to the 19th century.

Sikhism

emerged in the context of the Mughal Empire in India during the 15th century. It was influenced by both Hinduism and Islam, reflecting the diverse religious landscape of the time. Sikhism's foundational principles promote equality and reject the caste system, which became significant during the sociopolitical upheaval of the period.

Protestant Reformation

The various efforts of Puritans and Calvinists, challenging the Catholic church.

Catholic Reformation

Efforts within the catholic Church to resist the protestant reformation. Including; Inquisition/punishing non-believers, Council of Trent/Fixed issues within the church and reaffirmed marriage and other rituals, Jesuits/Undertook missionary work.