AP World History: Modern Unit 1 - The Global Tapestry (1200–1450 CE)

Practice question-and-answer flashcards covering key concepts from Unit 1 AP World History: Modern, including state formation, religious legitimacy, trade networks, and social developments from 1200 to 1450 CE.

What was a mamluk in the context of the Abbasid Caliphate?

An enslaved person, often of Turkic origin, trained as a soldier who could rise to significant military and political power.

What was the most direct political result of the disintegration of the Abbasid Caliphate?

The rise of independent Turkic states and political fragmentation across the Islamic world.

How did Sufi missionaries help spread Islam during periods of political fragmentation?

They were Muslim mystics who traveled to new regions, built religious communities, taught in local languages, and adapted Islamic practices to local cultural traditions.

How did the caliphate system combine political and religious authority?

The caliph served as both the supreme political leader and the supreme religious authority of the Islamic community.

What is the primary historical difference between Sunni and Shi'a Islam regarding leadership after Muhammad's death?

Sunni Islam emphasized community consensus and accepted early caliphs, while Shi'a Islam emphasized leadership through Muhammad's family, especially Ali and his descendants.

Who was King Adityawarman, and how did he demonstrate legitimacy around $1350\text{ CE}$?

He was the king of the Malayapura kingdom in Sumatra, Indonesia, whose Sanskrit inscription on a statue of the bodhisattva Amoghapasa praised his military success, spiritual purity, knowledge, and divine protection.

What is a bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism?

A spiritually advanced being who delays complete enlightenment in order to help other living creatures achieve salvation.

What is syncretism, and how was it used by Southeast Asian rulers?

Syncretism is the blending of different religious or cultural traditions. Southeast Asian rulers combined Hindu beliefs, Buddhist teachings, local spiritual traditions, and divine kingship concepts to support their political authority.

How were exotic goods such as jaguar pelts, fine textiles, and feathers used in Maya society?

Maya rulers and elites used exotic goods to display wealth, perform religious ceremonies, reinforce social hierarchies, reward allies, and manage political connections through tribute.

What is a ritual economy as seen in the Maya civilization?

An economic system in which the exchange of luxury and exotic goods directly supports religious ceremonies, royal rituals, and political institutions.

Why is the continued existence of Ethiopian Christianity between $1200$ and $1450$ considered an example of cultural continuity?

It persisted over time through earlier religious conversions, established Christian institutions, cultural transfers, and political support from Ethiopian rulers.

What event in $1450$ demonstrated Ethiopia's long-distance diplomatic connections?

An Ethiopian diplomatic embassy was sent to Naples, illustrating official diplomatic relationships across geographic and religious boundaries.

How did King Zara Yacob (King David) establish religious legitimacy in Ethiopia?

He was praised as civilized, just, pious, and a Christian ruler, using religious morality to justify his political authority.

What was the economic cause-and-effect pattern caused by the Black Death in medieval Europe?

$$\text{Black Death} \rightarrow \text{population decline} \rightarrow \text{labor shortages} \rightarrow \text{higher wage demands}$$

What was the primary objective of King Edward III's Statute of Laborers in $1351$?

To limit worker wage demands following the Black Death by legally freezing wages at $1346$ levels and forcing workers to serve under threat of imprisonment.

Why did King Edward III consult with nobles and clergy before issuing the Statute of Laborers?

It reflected the decentralized and fragmented nature of European feudal monarchies, where kings depended on cooperation with local landowning lords and religious leaders.