Ap World Study Guide

Silk Roads

Land-based trade routes connecting many regions of Eurasia.

Sea Roads

The world’s largest sea-based system of communication and exchange before 1500.

Trans-Saharan Roads

Trade routes that connected West Africa with North Africa and the Mediterranean.

Pax Mongolica

The period of peace and stability created by the Mongol Empire across Eurasia.

Chinggis Khan

The birth name of Temujin, the founder and leader of the Mongol Empire.

Mansa Musa

The famous ruler of Mali known for his pilgrimage to Mecca and promotion of Islam.

Bills of Exchange

Contracts promising payment, allowing merchants to conduct business without carrying all their wealth.

Flying Cash

A Chinese system that allowed money to be transferred without physically carrying coins.

Caravanserai

Inns or guesthouses along trade routes for merchants to rest and resupply.

House of Wisdom

An academic center in Baghdad focused on research, translation, and preservation of knowledge.

Monsoons

Seasonal wind patterns that aided navigation and trade across the Indian Ocean.

Marco Polo

A European merchant known for his travels to Mongol-controlled China and detailed accounts of his experiences.

Zen Buddhism

A form of Buddhism particularly associated with Japan, often practiced by the wealthy.

Arab Dhow

A type of sailing vessel used by Arab merchants in the Indian Ocean.

Great Zimbabwe

A powerful state in southern Africa connected to trade in gold along the East African coast.

Merchant Diasporas

Groups of merchants who lived outside their homeland while maintaining their cultural practices.

Cahokia

A pre-Columbian Native American city located across the Mississippi River from modern-day St. Louis.

Crusades

Religious wars primarily between Christians and Muslims, demonstrating interaction and conflict.

Zheng He

A Chinese admiral known for leading large fleets across the Indian Ocean for trade and diplomacy.

American Web

A network of trade connecting parts of the pre-Columbian Americas.

Chaco Phenomenon

A complex settlement organization among peoples of Chaco Canyon in present-day New Mexico.

Buddhism

A religion that spread along the Silk Roads, significantly influenced by trade.

Islam

A religion that spread through trade, conquest, and cultural exchange in various regions.

Environmental Effects

Trade routes facilitated the spread of not just goods, but also crops and diseases such as the Bubonic plague.

A — Answer (SAQ Formula)

The first part of the SAQ formula, providing a direct answer to the question.

E — Evidence (SAQ Formula)

The second part of the SAQ formula, providing a specific historical example.

R — Reasoning (SAQ Formula)

The third part of the SAQ formula, explaining how the example supports the answer.