AP WORLD UNIT 1-3

Feudalism

A system where kings give land to lords in exchange for military support, and peasants work the land for protection.

Manorialism

The economic system where peasants live and work on a lord’s land in exchange for food and safety.

Silk Roads

Trade routes across Asia, connecting China, the Middle East, and Europe. Goods and ideas were exchanged.

Dar al-Islam

Areas where Islam was the main religion, such as the Middle East, parts of Africa, and Asia.

Byzantine Empire

The Eastern Roman Empire, known for its capital, Constantinople, and preserving Roman culture.

Sui, Tang, and Song Dynasties

Chinese dynasties that improved China’s economy and culture, making it a powerful empire.

Mongol Empire

A huge empire created by the Mongols, connecting parts of Europe and Asia, making trade easier.

Spread of Islam

Islam spread through trade, military conquests, and peaceful teachings, reaching many parts of the world.

Age of Exploration

European countries like Spain and Portugal explored new lands (America, Africa, Asia) to find trade routes and resources.

Columbian Exchange

The exchange of food, animals, diseases, and culture between the Americas and the rest of the world after Christopher Columbus.

Ottoman Empire

A large Islamic empire that controlled parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, known for its military strength and trade.

Ming Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty known for restoring China’s power, building the Great Wall, and sending out explorers like Zheng He.

The Atlantic Slave Trade

The forced transport of Africans to the Americas to work on plantations, lasting for centuries.

Mercantilism

An economic theory where countries try to make money by exporting more than they import and controlling trade.

The Enlightenment

An intellectual movement in Europe that encouraged new ideas about freedom, equality, and government.

Vasco da Gama

A famous explorer who connected Europe to new lands, changing global trade forever.

Christopher Columbus

A famous explorer who connected Europe to the Americas, fundamentally altering global trade.

Mughal Empire

A large empire in India, known for cultural achievements and the ruler Akbar's tolerance of different religions.

Safavid Empire

A Persian empire characterized by strong Shi’a Islam, creating unique art and architecture.

Russian Empire

Russia expanded across Siberia, becoming a powerful empire.

Songhai Empire

A West African empire wealthy from controlling gold and salt trade.

Sultanates

Islamic governments, like the Delhi Sultanate, that ruled parts of South Asia.

European Gunpowder Empires

The Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires that utilized new weapons to expand their territories.