AP World History 2.2 Flashcards

Mongols

nomadic group originating from the Central Asian steppes, known for their vast empire and impact on Eurasian history. They united under Genghis Khan in the early 13th century, creating one of the largest contiguous empires in history, which facilitated trade, cultural exchange, and the spread of ideas across Europe and Asia.

khan

title of nobility in Central Asia, historically used by rulers and military leaders among Mongol and Turkic peoples. The title denotes authority and governance, influencing leadership structures in various societies and contributing to the establishment of empires, such as the Mongol Empire.

kuriltai

traditional Mongolian assembly or council, primarily used for decision-making and leadership selection among the Mongols. It was instrumental in the rise of Genghis Khan and shaped Mongolian governance, impacting political organization and unity among nomadic tribes.

Genghis Khan

born as Temüjin, was the founder of the Mongol Empire in the early 13th century. His innovative military strategies and unification of Mongol tribes led to unprecedented territorial expansion, influencing trade routes and cultural exchanges across Eurasia, laying the groundwork for modern globalization.

khanate

political entity ruled by a khan, often a subdivision of a larger empire. The establishment of various khanates after Genghis Khan's death facilitated regional governance and cultural diversity, shaping the political landscape of Central Asia and influencing modern nation-states.

Pax Mongolica

period of peace and stability across the Mongol Empire during the 13th and 14th centuries, allowing for safe trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road. This era significantly impacted economic development and cultural interactions between East and West, fostering globalization.

Golden Horde

Mongol khanate that ruled over a significant portion of Russia and parts of Eastern Europe from the 13th to the 15th centuries. Its dominance facilitated trade and cultural exchanges between East and West, influencing the development of Russian principalities and shaping the region's history.

Il-khanate

Mongol state that ruled over Persia and parts of the Middle East in the 13th and 14th centuries. It facilitated cultural and intellectual exchanges between East and West, contributing to the spread of knowledge and the eventual rise of the Persian Renaissance.

Kublai Khan

grandson of Genghis Khan and the founder of the Yuan Dynasty in China during the 13th century. His reign marked the first time a foreign power ruled all of China, leading to significant cultural and economic exchanges that shaped Chinese history and influenced global trade routes.

Yuan Dynasty

first foreign dynasty to rule China, established by Kublai Khan in the late 13th century. It facilitated cultural exchange and economic growth, influencing Chinese society and governance, and its legacy can still be seen in modern Chinese culture.

Uyghur alphabet

script used by the Uyghur people, developed in the 8th century from the Old Turkic script. Its use facilitated the spread of literature and culture among Turkic peoples, influencing written communication and cultural identity in Central Asia.

White Lotus Society

religious and political movement in China that emerged in the late Ming Dynasty, advocating for social reform and rebellion against oppressive regimes. Its activities contributed to significant uprisings, influencing Chinese society and political dynamics in subsequent centuries.

bubonic plague

swept through Europe and Asia in the 14th century, leading to the deaths of millions. Its impact on population, economy, and social structures reshaped European society, contributing to the end of feudalism and paving the way for the Renaissance.