UNIT I: The Global Tapestry (c. 1200 to c. 1450)

Vocabulary flashcards covering major terms and concepts from Unit I: The Global Tapestry (c. 1200–c. 1450).

Song Dynasty

Chinese dynasty (960–1279) known for wealth, stability, Neo-Confucianism, a strong bureaucracy, and manufacturing/trade innovations.

Neo-Confucianism

Revival of Confucian thought in Song China that shaped government, social order, and family life.

Bureaucracy

Large, appointed officialdom carrying out imperial policies; expanded under the Song.

Meritocracy

System in which officials gained power by merit demonstrated on exams.

Civil Service Exam

Exams based on Confucian texts used to select officials, forming Song China’s meritocratic bureaucracy.

Grand Canal

Extensive internal waterway system that boosted internal trade and helped make China a major trading region.

Champa rice

Fast-ripening, drought-resistant rice from Champa that increased agricultural yields and population.

Proto-industrialization

Early economic pattern where rural artisans produced more goods than locally consumed, paving the way for later industrialization.

Cast iron

Iron produced in the Song era enabling stronger metal goods and infrastructure.

Steel

Iron alloy strengthened by removing carbon; used in bridges, gates, anchors, and crafts; linked to manufacturing growth.

Porcelain

Lightweight, strong ceramic highly valued in trade and as a craft product.

Silk

Luxurious textile staple of Afro-Eurasian trade networks.

Tea

Important Chinese export that helped drive trade networks.

Compass

Navigation instrument that enabled long-distance sea travel and more accurate maritime routes.

Paper navigation charts

Printed navigation charts that improved open-sea voyaging and aided sailors.

Trade networks (Silk Roads and Indian Ocean)

Connections across Afro-Eurasia that spread goods, ideas, and technologies.

Mongol Empire

Unified vast territory across Eurasia (largest land empire) and facilitated cross-continental trade and mobility.

Abbasid Caliphate

Islamic caliphate centered in Baghdad; renowned for learning and culture; conquered by the Mongols in 1258.

Ghana Empire

West African empire that grew wealth from trans-Saharan gold trade.

Mali Empire

West African empire that expanded on Ghana’s foundation, dominating gold trade and producing wealth like Mansa Musa.

Mansa Musa

Mali emperor (early 14th century) famed for a lavish pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, signaling Mali’s wealth.

Aztec

Mesoamerican civilization that rose to power in central Mexico and developed the city of Tenochtitlán.

Tenochtitlán

Aztec capital founded around 1325 on Lake Texcoco; major urban and political center.

Delhi Sultanate

Islamic state established in northern India (began 1206), influencing politics and trade.

Magna Carta

1215 English charter limiting royal power and laying groundwork for constitutional governance.

Jin Dynasty

Northern Chinese dynasty established by the Jurchen; rival to the Song and controlled northern lands.