Historical Changes from 600-1450

These flashcards cover major themes and events from the 600-1450 time period, focusing on key historical developments, cultural exchanges, and transformations in social and political structures.

What major empire emerged alongside Islam in the 600-1450 period?

The Islamic Empire

Which dynasty in China was known for its industrial revolution?

Sung Dynasty

What is the blend of Confucianism and Buddhism called that spread in China?

Neo-Confucianism

What significant schism occurred in Christianity during this period?

The division into Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

How did camels contribute to trade in the Sahara?

Camels increased trade across the Sahara.

What catastrophic event drastically affected Europe's population in this period?

The Black Death

Which cultural movement indicated Europe's dominance during this historical phase?

The Italian Renaissance

What political system characterized the Tang Dynasty?

A merit-based bureaucracy.

What was the caliphate system in the Islamic world?

A theocracy where the religious leader and political leader were the same.

How was trade facilitated across the Sahara?

Through the exchange of gold, ivory, slaves, and spices.

What role did the Islamic world play in Eurasian culture?

It was a unifying cultural and economic force.

What are the main artistic features of Islamic art?

Geometric designs typically forbidding human figures.

What scientific knowledge did Islamic scholars develop?

Knowledge that the earth rotates on its axis and revolves around the sun.

What mathematical concepts were developed during the Islamic Golden Age?

Algebra, Arabic numerals, decimal system, and concept of zero.

What was the significance of the trans-Sahara trade?

It aided the rise of African empires and spread Islam in West Africa.

What significant trade goods were exchanged in the Indian Ocean trade routes?

Slaves, ivory, gold, and porcelain.

What was the primary economic driver of the Mongol Empire?

Trade improvements across Asia and eastern Europe.

Who was Genghis Khan?

The Mongol khan who unified the clans and led the Mongols in conquering much of Asia.

What sophisticated military tactics did Genghis Khan employ?

Surprise tactics like fake retreats and false leads.

What technological innovations were prominent during the Tang and Song dynasties?

Gunpowder, movable type printing, and seafaring aids.

What economic changes characterized the Tang and Song dynasties?

Agricultural revolutions leading to increased production and population growth.

What financial innovations emerged in China during the Tang and Song dynasties?

Paper money and letters of credit.

What impact did the Crusades have on European culture and economy?

Increased desire for Eastern goods and led to exploration.

What led to the division of Christianity into Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism?

The issue of icons during the schism in 1054.

What type of governance emerged in Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire?

Feudalism.

What major demographic change occurred due to the Black Death?

A significant decrease in Europe's population.

What two travelers documented their journeys, expanding knowledge of other cultures in the 13th and 14th centuries?

Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta.

What was the role of women during the transformation period of 600-1450?

Women gained rights to keep dowries and often managed households.

What were the primary crops that contributed to agricultural growth in China during this era?

Champa rice and tea.

What characterized the Mongol invasions and their impact on trade routes?

Initially disrupted trade routes, but later brought peace known as Pax Mongolica.

What led to the rise of powerful kings in Europe during the Crusade period?

Kings supported the Pope's call for Crusades.

What was the significance of the Pax Mongolica?

A period of extended peace and stability across trade routes.

How did the Tang and Song dynasties contribute to urbanization?

Increased agricultural production led to the growth of cities.

In what ways did Nomadic migrations impact societal structures in Eurasia?

They spread cultures, religions, and created political unifications.

What was the primary reason for conquest and expansion among nomadic groups?

The search for new pastures and resources.

How did the Byzantine Empire influence the surrounding cultures?

By maintaining a bureaucracy and holding different groups of peoples.

What facilitated the growth of trading cities in East Africa?

Development of trading networks in the Indian Ocean trade.

What was a major consequence of the Crusades for Europe?

Heightened trade and cultural exchanges with Muslim civilizations.

What distinct features characterized Amerindian civilizations during this period?

Patriarchy, agriculture, and trade systems.

What major political change did the Catholic Church undergo after the fall of the Roman Empire?

It became the ultimate religious authority in Europe.