World History Review Unit 1

These flashcards cover key concepts discussed in the World History lecture, providing a comprehensive overview of major themes in East Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Europe.

How did the Song Dynasty maintain and justify their rule?

The Song Dynasty maintained their rule through a centralized bureaucracy, Confucian ideals, and the civil service examination system, fostering loyalty and meritocracy.

What helped Song China to have such a strong economy?

Factors included advancements in agricultural techniques, trade expansion, technological innovations like the compass, and a thriving market economy.

What were some of the main ideas of Confucianism?

Key ideas include the importance of hierarchy, filial piety, moral integrity, social harmony, and the role of education in governance.

Describe life of women in Song China?

Women often faced restrictions, with foot binding as a cultural practice, limited roles to household management, and varying degrees of autonomy depending on class.

Describe at least 4 examples of technology that was developed in China during this time period.

Examples include the invention of the compass, gunpowder, printing technology, and advancements in metallurgy.

How did China influence its neighbors in East and Southeast Asia during this time period?

China influenced through cultural exchange, trade, the spread of Confucianism and Buddhism, and the adoption of governance models.

What are the principles of Buddhism?

Key principles include the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, the concept of suffering, and the pursuit of enlightenment.

Why was the introduction of Champa Rice so important for the Song Dynasty?

Champa Rice improved food security, led to population growth, and facilitated economic stability and agricultural productivity.

Describe 5 political characteristics of medieval Japan.

Characteristics included a feudal system, the power of shoguns, samurai loyalty, a decentralized government, and the influence of Buddhism and Shinto.

What is the connection between Islam, Judaism and Christianity?

All three are monotheistic Abrahamic religions, share common prophets, and emphasize ethical conduct and community.

Describe political aspects of the Abbasid caliphate c. 1200.

The Abbasid caliphate featured a centralized government, extensive bureaucracy, cultural flourishment, and challenges from emerging regional powers.

Describe the new Islamic political entities that replaced the declining Abbasid caliphate.

New entities included the Fatimid caliphate, Seljuk Empire, and various regional sultanates that asserted local control.

What practices in the new Islamic empires were borrowed from previous empires?

Practices included administrative systems, taxation methods, military organization, and cultural works from Persian and Byzantine models.

What were some of the innovations of Dar al-Islam and their effects?

Innovations included advancements in medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and architecture, leading to cultural and scientific exchanges.

Describe the expansion of the Islamic World c. 1200-1450.

Expansion involved territorial conquests, trade networks, cultural diffusion, and the spread of the Arabic language and Islamic practices.

Describe how Islam affected society and governments in the Middle East?

Islam introduced new legal codes, social reforms, and a unifying religious identity, influencing governance and societal norms.

What religions could be found in South Asia and what effect did they have on society?

Major religions included Hinduism, Buddhism, and later Islam, which shaped social hierarchy, cultural practices, and political structures.

Describe the emergence of new states in South Asia and how they kept power.

New states emerged through military conquests, alliances, and patronage of religion and culture, establishing authority via local legitimacy.

Describe the Caste System and how it affected society.

The Caste System structured society into rigid social classes, influencing occupation, marriage, and social interaction, leading to inequality.

Describe the development of the Aztec Civilization.

The Aztec Civilization developed urban centers, a complex society, advanced agriculture, and engaged in extensive trade networks.

How did the Aztecs maintain control of their empire?

They maintained control through military conquest, tribute systems, and an extensive network of alliances and vassal states.

How did the Inca maintain and improve their empire?

The Inca maintained control through a centralized administration, extensive road systems, agricultural innovations, and effective communication.

Describe the development of the Swahili Civilization in East Africa.

The Swahili Civilization developed through trade with Arabs, diverse cultural influences, urbanization, and the emergence of city-states.

Describe the development of the empires of West Africa (Ghana, Mali, and Songhay).

These empires grew wealthy through trade in gold and salt, established complex societies, and expanded religious and cultural influence.

Describe how the development of Great Zimbabwe in Southern Africa was similar and different from other African states in this time period.

Great Zimbabwe was similar in engaging in trade but differed in its unique stone architecture and lack of an identifiable centralized rule.

Describe how the development of Ethiopia in East Africa was similar and different from other African states in this time.

Ethiopia was similar in engaging in regional trade and Christianity but differed in its establishment as a long-standing Christian kingdom.

Describe the belief systems of Europe and how they affected European society.

Belief systems included Christianity and feudal loyalties, shaping social structures, moral values, and political hierarchies.

What was feudalism?

Feudalism was a social system in medieval Europe characterized by the exchange of land for military service and loyalty.

Describe the relationship between the government and religion.

Government and religion were closely intertwined, with the Church influencing politics, laws, and societal values.