AP World History Study Guide Unit 1: The Global Tapestry

This set of flashcards focuses on key terms and concepts relevant to developments in East Asia and beyond from c. 1200 to c. 1450 as covered in the AP World History lecture.

Song Dynasty

A period in China (960-1279) known for wealth, stability, and innovations.

Buddhism

A religion that focuses on personal spiritual development and the attainment of a deep insight into the true nature of life.

Confucianism

A philosophical system based on the teachings of Confucius, emphasizing moral values, social harmony, and proper conduct.

Meritocracy

A system where positions are awarded based on ability and talent, rather than wealth or social class.

Grand Canal

An extensive waterway system in China that facilitated trade and transportation.

Gunpowder

An explosive substance invented in China that revolutionized warfare.

Tribute System

An economic system where surrounding states paid money or provided goods to honor the Chinese emperor.

Feudalism

A social structure in which landowning nobles controlled the land and had vassals who worked the land.

Shogun

A hereditary military dictator in Japan.

Cultural Syncretism

The blending of different cultural and religious beliefs.

Neo-Confucianism

A philosophical system that combines ideas from Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism.

Delhi Sultanate

A series of Muslim dynasties that ruled large parts of India from the 13th to the 16th centuries.

Bhakti Movement

A spiritual movement in medieval India emphasizing personal devotion to a deity.

Swahili City-States

City-states along the East African coast that became prominent trading centers.

Maya Civilization

A Mesoamerican civilization known for its hieroglyphic script and complex architecture.

Aztecs

A powerful Mesoamerican civilization known for its architectural and agricultural innovations and human sacrifices.

Inca Empire

A large empire in South America known for its advanced engineering, road systems, and agricultural practices.

Gunpowder Empires

Empires in the early modern period that relied on gunpowder weapons for expansion and control.

Commercial Revolution

The expansion of trade and commerce that transformed European economies during the late Middle Ages.

Columbian Exchange

The widespread transfer of plants, animals, humans, diseases, and cultures between the Americas and the Old World.

Patriarchy

A social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, and control of property.

Trans-Saharan Trade

Trade across the Sahara desert that connected West Africa to North Africa, facilitating the exchange of gold, salt, and other goods.