LTHS WHAP Midterm

Agricultural Revolution

When farming techniques drastically improved the mass cultivation of crops within a relatively short period of time.

Qin Dynasty

Dynasty that established the first great Chinese empire. Lasted from 221 to 207 BCE.

Tang Dynasty

Dynasty that improved agriculture, roads, and canals, which encouraged foreign trade and allowed Song China to be the economic powerhouse of the world in the post-1200 world

Bureaucracy in China

Government members had to pass merit exams (Civil Service Exams) to qualify for positions, promoting skilled officials over aristocrats.

Grand Canal

Series of waterways in China that helped facilitate trade and transportation, connecting northern and southern regions.

Steel/Iron Production

Allowed farm tools to be stronger and more efficient in China, leading to increased agricultural output and supporting population growth.

Champa Rice

A fast-maturing rice variety from Vietnam that allowed for multiple harvests in a year, significantly boosting agricultural productivity in China.

Confucianism

A philosophical system founded by Confucius, emphasizing moral integrity, social harmony, and filial piety, which heavily influenced Chinese culture and governance.

Buddhism

A religion and philosophy founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in the 5th century BCE, focusing on the path to enlightenment through practices such as meditation, ethical living, and mindfulness.

Zen Buddhism

A branch of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and direct experience of enlightenment (satori). It originated in China as Chan Buddhism and later spread to Japan and other parts of the world.

Neo-Confucianism

A revival and reinterpretation of Confucianism that emerged during the Song dynasty, integrating elements of Buddhism and Daoism, focusing on metaphysical concepts and moral philosophy.

Scholar Gentry

A group of civil servants that followed the principles of Confucianism and encouraged members of Chinese society to maintain certain morals like selflessness.

Foot Binding

The practice of tightly binding the feet of young girls in China to alter their shape and size, seen as a symbol of beauty and status.

Tributary System

A political and economic system in which surrounding states or regions pay tribute to a central authority, often seen in historical Chinese relations with neighboring countries, reflecting hierarchy and influence.

Sinification

The process by which non-Chinese societies come under the influence of Chinese culture, including language, customs, and social norms.

Dar-al Islam

After the fall of the pre-1200 Abbasid Caliphate, there was not one unified Islamic government, but regional Islamic empires

Mamluk Empire

Turkish slaves working in Egypt who attacked and seized control of the Egyptian government created a Muslim empire across North Africa known as the Malmlu Sultanate

Seljuk Turks

Muslim Turks who captured parts of the Middle East including Baghdad.

al-Andalus

Muslim empire in Spain that represents tolerance and collaboration between numerous religions in Muslim occupied territories.

Nasiral-Din al-Tusi

Celebrated Islamic Scholar who made advances in math that laid the groundwork for trigonometry.

A’ishah al-Ba’uniyyah

The most prolific female Muslim writer before the 20th century!

Decentralization of government

The process of distributing or dispersing functions, powers, people, or decision-making away from a central authority to local or regional authorities.

What was responsible for bringing Islam to South and Southeast Asia?

Merchants

How would some Hindus escape the Caste System?

Converting to Islam

Toltec

First empire that grew in the Americas. Highly militaristic with a heavy focus on sacrifice. Probably feel due to repeated attacks by northern nomads.

Aztecs

Arose in the 13th Century near lake Texcoco which allowed for farming, fishing, and transportation. Capital city of Tenochtitlan.

Inca Empire

Centered around Lake Titicaca in Peru. Highly Centralized with a main ruler over four provinces. Tribute Empire. Advanced Irrigation made them skilled farmers.

Maya

Decentralized with many city-states throughout the region and were often at war with each other. Known for art, architecture, calendar, and astronomical system.

Africa before Islam

Extremely diverse societies, animistic, and polytheistic.

Bantu

Spread their language and knowledge of metalwork and agriculture throughout Africa.

Stateless Society

A society that operates without a centralized government or authority, often relying on informal systems of governance, kinship ties, and communal decision-making.

How did Islam come to Africa?

Islam comes to Africa from missionaries and many convert because Islam was egalitarian (social equality of believers) with a focus on the authority of the king.

Middle ages / Dark Ages

Time of “backwardness” in Europe where governments were weak and learning was limited compared to the rest of the world.

Catholic Church

Highly hierarchically organized, and it became the most powerful institution in Europe. It was highly corrupt in many places.

Christian Crusades

Tried to end Muslim rule in the Holy Land. Was successful in some places. Opened the West up to greater Eurasian trade.

Manorialism

An economic and social system in medieval Europe where the lord of a manor exercised legal and economic power over the peasants who lived on his land, including farming, labor, and protection.

Feudalism

A hierarchical system of government and land ownership in medieval Europe, where land was owned by nobles who granted portions of it to vassals in exchange for military service and loyalty.

The Black Death

A devastating global epidemic that struck Europe and Asia between 1347 and 1351, resulting in the death of an estimated one-third of Europe's population, leading to significant social, economic, and cultural changes.

Compass

An instrument used for navigation and orientation that shows direction relative to the geographic cardinal directions

Astrolabe

An ancient instrument used for solving problems related to time and the position of the stars and planets. It was primarily used by astronomers and navigators.

Caravans

Groups of travelers, often merchants, who journey together for safety and support across deserts or through hostile territories, historically significant in trade routes such as the Silk Road.

Causes of Growth of Trade on Silk Road

Increased demand for luxury goods, improved transportation, and unification under Mongol Empire.

Rudder

A flat piece of wood, metal, or other material that is attached vertically to the stern of a ship or boat, used to control its direction.

Junk Boat

A type of Chinese sailing ship known for its flat-bottomed hull and high stern, traditionally used for fishing and trade on coastal waters and rivers.

Caravanserai

Inns on the Silk Road - grew leading to further cultural and technological exchange along the silk road.

Effects of the Growth of Trade along Silk Road

Growth of cities like Kashgar and Samarkand, Caravanserai, increased demand for goods, increased production and supply.

Flying cash

An early form of paper currency used in China that was transferable and facilitated trade, emerging during the Tang Dynasty as merchants aimed to solve the difficulties of transporting heavy coinage.

Banking houses

Locations that handled flying cash where merchants could deposit money at one location and pull it out in another.

Bill of exchange

People could present these at banking houses saying that they were owed a certain amount and be paid that amount.

The Indian Ocean Trade

crossed waterways all the way from China to the regions bordering the Indian Ocean including the Middle East and Africa.

Lateen sail

A triangular sail that is mounted at an angle on the mast of a vessel, allowing for better maneuverability and the ability to sail at angles into the wind, commonly used in the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean trade.

Stern-Post Rudders

A type of steering device located at the stern of a ship, allowing for improved navigation and control, particularly in larger vessels.

Products from India

Cotton, leather, stonework, and spices like pepper from its coastal city Calicut.

What were Malaysia and Indonesia known as?

Known as Spice Islands because they exported of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg

Exports of African Swahili coastal cities

Ivory, gold and slaves

Exports from China

Silk, porcelain, tea, and spices.

Southwest Asia exports

Horses, figs, and dates

Monsoon winds

Seasonal winds that influenced trade routes in the Indian Ocean, facilitating maritime navigation and agriculture.

Diasporic communities

Groups of people who have settled outside their homeland, often maintaining cultural ties and networks.

Intermarriage

The practice of marrying between different cultural or ethnic groups, often leading to the blending of traditions and customs.

Malacca

Muslim city that grew powerful because of revenue from trade rather than agriculture or manufacturing. Controlled strait of Malacca and charged boats a tax to travel through.

Calicut

Became a massive trade port in India where people came in search of spices like pepper.

Swahili City-States

Independent coastal cities in East Africa that thrived on trade, connecting Africa with the Middle East and Asia, known for their unique culture and language.

Gujarat

A region in India that became a major trade hub, known for its textile industry and trade in spices, connecting the Indian Ocean trade routes.

Somali camel Saddle

A type of saddle specifically designed for transporting goods and people on camels, enhancing trade and mobility in the Somali region.

Missionaries

Individuals who spread religious beliefs, often traveling to convert people in various regions.

Mali Empire

A powerful West African empire known for its wealth, trade in gold, and significant cultural and educational centers, particularly during the reign of Mansa Musa.

Timbuktu

Massive center of trade and Islamic learning. Located in Mali.

Ibn Battuta

a Sufi Muslim traveled across the vast Indian Ocean trade network in search of a greater understanding of the Muslim world.

Marco Polo

European traveler who went as far as China in search of great trade possibilities. He brought back to Europe a depiction of life in China - which was far advanced from that of Europe at the time.

Where did Buddhism spread to?

Spread to East Asia (China, Korea, Vietnam) from India and found favor with lower classes which Confucianism had previously left out.

Where did Buddhism and Hinduism both spread to?

Spread to Southeast Asia contributing to the growth of empires like the Khmer empire.

Where did Islam spread to?

Spread all over Afro Eurasia

Bhakti movement

A devotional trend in Hinduism that emphasized personal devotion to a deity and sought to promote a more accessible form of worship.

Where are Bananas introduced to?

Africa

Where are cotton, sugar, and citrus fruits introduced to?

Mediterranean

Environment Degradation

Increased populations put pressure on resources. Overgrazing, deforestation, and soil erosion become problems.

Genghis Khan

The founder and first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, known for uniting the Mongol tribes and creating one of the largest empires in history.

Mongol domination

refers to the extensive territorial control and influence established by the Mongol Empire under leaders like Genghis Khan, impacting vast regions across Asia and Europe.

Mongolian army

Was highly trained and efficient with command structures. They used advanced military tactics like the fake out to trick enemies.

Siege weapons

are large-scale artillery used in warfare to break down fortifications or walls, including trebuchets and catapults, significantly enhancing the Mongol army's siege capabilities.

Pax Mongolia

(Mongol Peace) is the term used to refer to the time of economic, social, and cultural growth and stability under the Mongol rule.

Religious Tolerance

is the acceptance of different religious beliefs and practices, which was a significant policy during the Mongol Empire that allowed various faiths to coexist.

Third Golden Age of Silk Road

refers to the period of prosperity and cultural exchange during the Mongol Empire, characterized by increased trade, communication, and the movement of ideas along the Silk Road.

Batu and the Golden Horde (west)

Batu was a Mongol leader who established the Golden Horde, a powerful khanate that controlled parts of Russia and Eastern Europe, promoting trade and cultural exchange.

Hulegu and the Islamic Heartlands (southwest)

Hulegu was a Mongol leader who conquered parts of the Islamic Heartlands, establishing the Ilkhanate and facilitating the spread of Mongol influence and culture in the region.

Kublai Khan and the Yuan Dynasty

Kublai Khan was the grandson of Genghis Khan and the founder of the Yuan Dynasty in China, known for unifying China and promoting trade and cultural exchange.

Decline of Mongols

Waring Khans and general resistance

Gunpowder Empires

Empires that rose to power due to the military advantages provided by the use of gunpowder, which allowed for more effective artillery and weaponry, often leading to significant territorial expansion and dominance during the early modern period.

Qing Empire

The last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912, known for its expansion, cultural achievements, and ultimately facing challenges from Western powers that led to its decline.

Early Modern period

Plagues had ended

End of 100 Year War

Introduction of printing press and increased literacy

Fur trade

The exchange of animal pelts and skins, particularly in North America and Siberia, which became a significant economic activity in the early modern period, driven by European demand for fur products and leading to increased exploration and settlement.

Cossacks

Members of a group of predominantly East Slavic people known for their military communities and a tradition of self-governance. Historically, they were known for their horseback riding skills and ability to serve as frontier warriors in the Russian Empire and beyond.

Volga River

River that allowed Russia to have direct contact with Ottoman Empire

Eastern Orthodox

A branch of Christianity that originated from the Eastern Roman Empire, characterized by its adherence to the traditional Christian faith as defined by the seven ecumenical councils, and maintained a distinct liturgical and theological identity, including the use of icons in worship.

Emperor Kangxi

One of China’s longest rulers - 1661 - 1722 (Very peaceful time)

Expanded China into Taiwan, Mongolia, C. Asia . Imposed a protectorate over Tibet and N. India which reflects China’s power today.

Emperor Qianlong

1736 - 1796 Came in at a time of very high tax collecting and efficient governing.

Violently expanded Chinese borders - conflict still exists today.

Installed the Dalai Lama in Tibet

Expensive campaigns in Tibet and Burma emptied China’s treasury and were unsuccessful.

White Lotus Society

reforms to try and reestablish the Ming Dynasty

The government suppresses it and kills 100,000 peasants.

Yuan Dynasty

founded by Mongol leader Kublai Khan was overthrown by the Ming Dynasty in 1368. Ming rulers stabilized power for over 300 years until Portugal and other European nations came in to try and dominate Asian trade routes. The Ming were overthrown by the foreign Manchu people from Manchuria who established the Qing Dynasty which remained until 1911. .

The rule of Tamerlane

Mongol conqueror who founded the Timurid Empire in the late 14th century. His rule was characterized by military campaigns across Western, Southern, and Central Asia and is noted for both the destruction of cities and cultures and the promotion of art and architecture.