AP World Unit 1

Song Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty known for its wealth, political stability, artistic and educational advancements, high manufacturing abilities, and religious growth.

Meritocracy

A system where power is determined by ability rather than position, exemplified by the civil service exam based on Confucianism teachings in the Song Dynasty.

Grand Canal

An inexpensive and effective waterway transportation system in China during the Song Dynasty, facilitating internal trade and naval protection.

Champa Rice

A fast-growing and drought-resistant rice breed introduced during the Song Dynasty, enhancing agricultural productivity and allowing for summer and winter crops.

Proto-industrialization

Community-based production using simple tools, seen in rural areas during the Song Dynasty, where artisans made more than they could sell.

Confucian Scholars

A social class in China during the Song Dynasty, known for their influence and production/consumption of literature, contributing to the Chinese Renaissance.

Heian Period

A period in Japan (794-1185) where Chinese politics, art, and literature were emulated, leading to cultural advancements like "The Tale of Genji," the world's first novel.

Delhi Sultanate

A Muslim kingdom in India (1200s-1500s) with a Chinese-style organized bureaucracy, facing challenges due to India's large size and diverse population.

Hinduism

A polytheistic religion in India with a hierarchical caste system, contrasting with Islam's monotheism and equality for all Muslims.

Srivijaya

A Hindu kingdom based in Sumatra during the 7th to 11th centuries, known for its navy and control of sea routes in Southeast Asia.

Mayan Civilization

Stretched over Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala, with a city-state government ruled by a king and focused on religion, science, and technology.

Aztecs

Established in Mexico, with a city-state government, a tribute system, and a theocracy, known for their social hierarchy and human sacrifices.

Inca Empire

Spanning from Ecuador to Chile, with a government based on provinces, a mandatory public service system (mit'a), and a strong focus on religion and achievements like the quipu.

Sub-Saharan Africa

Shaped by Bantu migrations, communal kin-based networks, and the rise of larger kingdoms after 1000, with slavery deeply rooted in society.

Hausa Kingdoms

Seven loosely connected states in Nigeria, focused on trade, with a specialized military state and the introduction of Islam in the 1300s.

Ghana Empire

Traded gold and ivory, had a centralized government in Koumbi Saleh, and declined by the 1000s paving the way for Mali.

Mali Empire

Thriving on gold trade, led by Mansa Musa, and known for its immense wealth and Islamic influence.

Zimbabwe

Known for stone houses, agriculture, grazing, and trade, with a decline due to overgrazing and environmental destruction.

Ethiopia (Kingdom of Axum)

Prosperous in trade, with a mix of Indian, Arabian, and Roman influences, and known for its rock churches and separate development of Christianity.

Feudalism

Decentralized government based on land for loyalty, evolving into monarchies in the later Middle Ages, with the manorial system and tech developments promoting population growth.

Church in the Middle Ages

Provided structure in regions where states lacked organization during the medieval period.

Powerful States Emergence (1200-1450)

States like France and the Holy Roman Empire rose to power, sometimes challenging the authority of the church.

Diffusion of Religion

Various religions such as Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity actively promoted missionary activities to convert people, leading to widespread religious influence.

Hinduism in South Asia

Remained dominant alongside Islam, eventually causing conflicts in the region.

Trade Networks

Facilitated the spread of religions and technologies, connecting different regions through commerce.

Patriarchal Social Organization

Prevailed in societies with some cultural variations, limiting women's rights in certain regions like China where foot binding was practiced.

Women's Rights

Varied across regions, with examples like convent life in South Asia contrasting with the loss of independence experienced by women in China.

Technological Diffusion

Trade routes spread innovations like Champa rice and paper, contributing to urbanization and manufacturing growth in China.

Printing Innovation

Revolutionized literacy and knowledge dissemination, aiding in the spread of information across Europe and Asia.

Interactions between Europe and Asia

Trade relations were significant but not always peaceful, with exchanges of goods and knowledge occurring alongside conflicts.

Mongol Influence

Conquered territories but also facilitated the spread of knowledge, contributing to political stability and expansion in Eurasia.

Turkish Empires

Despite being separate entities, the Turks formed strong and large empires, impacting the political landscape of the regions they inhabited.