AP World History Study Guide Unit 1: The Global Tapestry

A set of flashcards covering essential vocabulary and concepts from the AP World History Unit 1 lecture notes detailing significant historical developments from 1200 to 1450.

Song Dynasty

(960-1279) A period in China characterized by great wealth, political stability, and artistic and intellectual innovations.

Grand Canal

An efficient waterway transportation system that enabled China to become the most populous trading area in the world.

Meritocracy

A system in which positions are earned based on abilities and talents rather than social class, expanding bureaucracy in China.

Tribute System

A method in China where other states paid money or provided goods to honor the emperor, generating income.

Neo-Confucianism

A syncretic system that evolved in China, combining rational thought with Daoism and Buddhism.

Daimyo

Powerful landowning aristocrats in Japan who battled for control during the feudal era without a centralized government.

Kowtow

A ritual of deep respect shown by kneeling and bowing, often used in China, particularly in interactions with the emperor.

Philosophy of Islam

Islam emphasized monotheism and laid the foundation for significant cultural and scholarly advancements that influenced the world.

Mali Empire

A powerful trading empire in West Africa that flourished due to the trans-Saharan trade routes, particularly in gold.

Patriarchy

A social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, and control.

Caste System

A hierarchical structure prevalent in Hindu society, which was largely unaltered by the arrival of Islam in South Asia.

Bhakti Movement

A spiritual movement beginning in the 12th century where believers emphasized love and devotion to a personal god.

The Columbian Exchange

The exchange of plants, animals, diseases, and technologies between the Americas and the rest of the world following Columbus's voyages.

Gunpowder Empires

Empires that relied on gunpowder for military conquest and governance, including the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires.

Industrial Revolution

A period of major industrialization from the late 18th to the late 19th century that transformed economies and societies.

Liberalization

The process of relaxing restrictions on trade, which many countries began to adopt in the late 20th century.

Anti-colonial Movements

Movements aimed at ending colonial rule and gaining independence, particularly evident in Africa and Asia throughout the 20th century.

Zionism

The nationalist movement among Jews that supports the re-establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.