time period 1

What were the traditional features of government in East Asia (China) in the 13th Century?

This most significant dynasty was the Song Dynasty of China, which used traditional methods of Confucianism, an imperial bureaucracy, 'Mandate of Heaven' and the Civil Service Exam to maintain and justify its rule.

What was Confucianism and Filial Piety?

Confucianism was a philosophy that provided a structure to society based upon the 'Five Relationships' where people used a superior/subordinate relationship. One of the features of it is Filial Piety where older generations are highly respected and venerated by the younger generations.

Describe the political organization of Japan in the 13th Century.

In 13th century Japan, political organization was dominated by the feudal system under a Shogun, where the shogun held military power while the emperor remained a symbolic figurehead. Samurai warriors served as the military class, maintaining loyalty to their daimyo lords, who governed local regions.

What was the cultural relationship between China and the rest of East Asia in the 13th Century?*

In the 13th century, China exerted significant cultural influence over East Asia through the spread of Confucianism, Buddhism, and administrative practices, particularly impacting Korea and Japan. These regions adopted Chinese writing systems, art, architecture, and governance models, integrating them into their own cultural and political frameworks. (Heian architecture- located in Japan but was influenced by China)

What were the different branches of Buddhism, where did it originate, and where did they spread?*

Buddhism originated in India and evolved into several branches: Theravada, which spread to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia; Mahayana, which spread to China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam; and Vajrayana, which spread to Tibet and Mongolia. Each branch adapted to local cultures and traditions, influencing religious practices and societal values in these regions. (Tibetan in Tibet had a more mystical approach and could be practice by anyone)

Describe the economy of Song China.

The economy of Song China was highly advanced, characterized by a booming trade network, agricultural innovations like the use of Champa Rice, and the widespread use of paper money. Urbanization and commercial activity flourished, with major cities becoming bustling centers of commerce and industry.

How did innovations change East Asia in the 13th Century?*

The economy of Song China grew drastically as a result of increased production, long distance trade, and innovations in agriculture and manufacturing. ( Champa rice and the Grand Canal expansion)

Describe Dar al-Islam in the time c. 1200-1450.

Dar al-Islam "house of peace" refers to all territory under the rule of Islam. Islam originated on the Arabian peninsula, but Dar al-Islam grew as a realm spanning from Spain to the Indian subcontinent. Islam spread widely, bringing about an Islamic 'Golden Age' (8th-13th centuries). Though dominated by Islam, Dar al-Islam was largely tolerant religiously, especially towards Judaism and Christianity.

What was the political (government) organization of Dar al-Islam in the late 13th Century?*

The Abbasid Caliphate (kingdom) once dominated Dar al-Islam, but fragmented in this time and a new Islamic states emerged (eg. New Islamic states: Seljuk Empire, Mamluk sultanate of Egypt, Delhi Sultanate).

How and why did Islam's influence spread so widely and rapidly?

Islam's influence continued to expand to many parts of Afro-Eurasia due in small part to military expansion, but primarily spread due to the activities of merchants and missionaries along long-distance trade routes.

How did the Muslim world facilitate the spread of knowledge and culture during its Golden Age (8th-13th centuries)?*

Through long distance trade, missionary work and its central location within Afro-Eurasia, Muslim states became the 'collectors' and 'distributors' of past and current learning. (eg. House of Wisdom, translated works of Greek and Roman philosophy, symbol for zero, algebra, geometry)

What were the effects of the Muslim world being the main center of knowledge during its golden age (8th-13th centuries)?

In Europe, the cultural reawakening of the Renaissance, focused on 'rediscovery' of Greek and Roman scholarship; in North Africa, the spread of Islam and development of new centers of learning; in South Asia, the development of a new versions of Islam like Sufism; in the Indian Ocean, the spread of maritime navigational technology.

Describe the dominant features of culture in South Asia (present day India) from 1200-1450.*

With Hinduism and the Caste system still dominant, as Islam expanded in South Asia syncretic belief systems emerged that combined elements of both Islam and Hinduism. (eg. Sufism, Bhakti Movement).

Describe the features of culture in Southeast Asia from 1200-1450.

Increased cross-cultural interactions, largely due to the trade across the Indian Ocean, contributed to the spread of belief systems such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and later Islam into Southeast Asia.

Describe the governments in South Asia from c. 1200-1450.*

Governments used the religions of Islam or Hinduism to maintain and justify their authority. When a religious minority government controlled a majority population, in some instances religious tolerance was prominent. (e.g. Vijayanagara Empire used Hinduism, Delhi Sultanate was run by Muslims)

Describe the features of government in Southeast Asia from c. 1200-1450.*

Government maintained and justified their rule based upon adherence to religion. Early in this timeframe, most states used Hinduism as their justification. Later, Hinduism will be replaced by either Buddhism or Islam. (eg. Srivijaya Empire, Khmer Empire, Majapahit, Sukhothal kingdom, Sinhala dynasties)

Describe the growth of new states in the Americas c. 1200-1450*

In the Americas, new states expanded their size using military conquest, state-sponsored religion and centralized economic systems to dominate and incorporate smaller states (eg. New States in the Americas: Mexica (Aztec), Inca, Chaco, Mesa Verde, Cahokia).

Describe the growth of new states in Africa c. 1200-1450*

In Africa, the spread of Islam combined with long distance trade amongst Afro-Eurasia brought about the rise of new states and highly developed urban centers (eg. Great Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Hausa kingdoms, Mali, Ghana).

Describe some of the cultural characteristics of East Africa c. 1200-1450.

Muslim merchants, traveling along the Indian Ocean brought their religion, language, and other ideas. Over time, a new syncretic language emerged called Swahili. It blends traditional (African) Bantu languages with Arabic words.

Describe the religious breakdown of Europe c. 1200-1450.

Western and northern Europe was dominated by a version of Christianity called Roman Catholicism which was led by a 'Pope' and headquartered in Rome. In eastern Europe and present day Russia, a different version of Christianity called 'Eastern Orthodox' dominated and it was headed by a person with the title of 'Patriarch'. Present day Spain and the Balkans (Southeastern Europe) had a large population of Muslims. Judaism is spread throughout Europe, but mostly located in small pockets in urban centers within central and eastern Europe.

Describe the dominant political system in Europe c. 1200-1450.

Europe was dominated by the decentralized political system of feudalism which is a result of weak monarchs and a strong local nobility. Land, the traditional source of power and legitimacy, was exchanged for loyalty from a higher lord to a lower lord. Local lords collected taxes, mobilized armed forces and settled legal disputes.

Describe the dominant economic system of Europe c. 1200-1450.

The manorial system described the division of land within European states. In medieval Europe, manors were self-sufficient communities. Under a lord's direction, serfs (a type of forced labor) provided agricultural labor and produced most of the necessary goods.

Describe the Silk Roads.

The Silk Roads continued to serve as vital trade routes connecting East Asia with the Mediterranean world, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures across vast distances. Despite facing challenges such as governmental changes and the spread of disease like the Black Death, the Silk Roads remained essential for the transmission of silk, spices, technology, and religion.

Describe the impact of the Silk Roads on urbanization.*

Long distance trade — including the Silk Roads — led to an increased volume of trade and expanded the geographical range of existing trade routes promoting the growth of powerful new trading cities. (eg. Trading Cities: Kashgar, Samarkand)

How did innovation encourage trade along the The Silk Roads?*

The long distance trade along the Silk Road was encouraged by innovations and improvements to existing transportation and business methods (eg. caravanserai, forms of credit such as Bills of exchange, Banking houses, paper money).

What types of products were traded along the Silk Road c.1200-1450?

Generally, luxury goods were traded along the Silk Roads. Due to the cost of transportation and limited quantities that could be carried across land, a profit for a merchant was only possible with higher priced goods. More specifically, silk, spices and porcelain traveled westward, while horses and jade traveled eastward.

What were the impacts of Silk Road trade c. 1250-1400?

Silk Road trade between 1250 and 1400 aided the diffusion of technologies such as printing and gunpowder, spreading the process of making steel, fostering cultural exchange and innovation across Eurasia. Additionally, it spurred economic growth in participating regions, leading to the rise of powerful empires and the establishment of cosmopolitan urban centers along the trade routes.

How did the Mongols rise and come to dominate much of Asia?

The Mongols rose to power under the leadership of Genghis (Chinggis) Khan, who unified the nomadic tribes of the Mongolian steppes through military conquest and strategic alliances. Employing innovative military tactics using horse mounted soldiers and benefiting from a period of political fragmentation in Eurasia, the Mongols swiftly expanded their empire, eventually controlling the largest contiguous land empire in history by the early 13th century.

Describe the political organization of the Mongol Empire circa 1250-1400.

After Genghis (Chinggis) Khan conquered his vast empire across Asia, it was organized into a decentralized system of khanates, each ruled by a khan who maintained allegiance to the Great Khan. This structure led to a reliance on local administration while ensuring overarching control and unity under the supreme authority of the Great Khan.

What was Pax Mongolica?

The Pax Mongolica, or Mongol Peace, was a period of relative stability and security across much of Eurasia during the Mongol Empire's rule in the 13th and 14th centuries. This facilitated unprecedented trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Roads, leading to economic prosperity, technological diffusion, and the formation of interconnected commercial networks spanning from China to Europe.

What were the cultural impacts of the Mongol conquests?*

In the majority of instances, each khanate deferred to the local cultural traditions, helping to facilitate cross-cultural contacts across the larger empire. Eventually, Mongol culture disappeared as it was overtaken by the local culture. (e.g. - cross cultural exchange - adoption of Uyghur script, Transfer of Greco-Islamic medical knowledge to western Europe, Transfer of numbering systems to Europe)

1258 CE (HUB DATE)

Mongols sack Baghdad.

~ Represents the end of the Islamic Golden Age and the end of the Song Dynasty in China along with the height of the Mongol Empire. This era is also the beginning of the massive connection of Afroeurasia.

How did innovation encourage trade along the Indian Ocean Trade Network?*

The growth of long-distance trade in standard consumer goods like that of the Indian Ocean Trade Network was encouraged by innovations in maritime technologies (e.g. use of the magnetic compass, the astrolabe and larger ship designs).

What environmental factor(s) played a role in the Indian Ocean Exchange?

The study of the monsoon winds which merchants considered when planning their maritime voyages. The expansion and intensification of long-distance trade routes often depended on environmental knowledge.

What new states developed as a result of the Indian Ocean Exchange and why?*

Due to increased wealth, influence and population, the Indian Ocean trading network caused the growth of states/empires (e.g. city-states of Swahili Coast, Gujarat, Sultanate of Malacca).

How did the Indian Ocean Exchange lead to the development of Diasporic communities?*

As foreign merchants set up communities where they introduced their own cultural traditions into the indigenous cultures and, in turn, indigenous cultures influenced merchant cultures. (e.g. Arab and Persian communities in East Africa, Chinese merchant communities in Southeast Asia, Malay communities in the Indian Ocean Basin)

Who was Zheng He and what was his significance?

Zheng He was a Chinese admiral who led seven exploratory expeditions (1405-1433) around the Indian Ocean. He traveled to Southeast Asia, India, Persian Gulf, Arabia and east African coast where he established tributary relationships. These voyages created significant technological and cultural transfers between regions, but also demonstrated China's ability to be a military, political and economic power in the Indian Ocean.

1405-1433 CE (HUB DATE)

Zheng He Voyages.

~ Represents the era of heightened connectivity amongst Afro-Eurasia resulting from long-distance trade. While this connectivity will foster cultural syncretism, advanced economies and a diffusion of scientific and technological innovations, it also shows China's political, cultural and economic dominance of Afro-Eurasia.

How did innovation encourage trade along the Trans- Saharan Network?*

The growth of long distance trade was encouraged by improvements to existing transportation technologies throughout the Trans-Saharan trade routes (e.g. Caravans & Camel Saddles)

What was the cultural and economic impact of the Trans-Saharan Trade Network?

The Trans-Saharan Trade Network facilitated the spread of Islam, an increase in scholarship, and urbanization in West Africa. Economically, it fueled the growth of prosperous trading cities such as Timbuktu and facilitated the exchange of gold, salt, ivory, and enslaved people across the desert, contributing to the wealth and power of participating societies.

What new states developed as a result of the Trans Saharan Network and why?*

As increasing trade led to new wealth in North Africa, states and empires expanded as they facilitated Afro-Eurasian trade and communication. (eg. Mali, Ghana and Songhai empires in West Africa)

1324 CE (HUB DATE)

Mansa Musa's pilgrimage.

~ Represents an era of wealth and power of new states/empires spreading along new long-distance trade routes. This date also represents the spread of Islam to North Africa along with the associated spread of the importance of learning and knowledge.

How did belief systems spread due to the cultural diffusion of 'Connectivity' c.1200-1450?*

Merchants and missionaries brought their religions as they traveled. This often results in the spread of religion to new regions. Often new religions mixed with existing religions bringing elements of both resulting in a new form of an old religion. (e.g. The influence of Buddhism in East Asia, The spread of Hinduism and Buddhism into Southeast Asia, The spread of Islam in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia)

How did literary and artistic traditions spread due to the cultural diffusion of 'Connectivity' c. 1200-1450?*

Merchants and missionaries brought ideas, learning and art as they traveled. Muslim scholars, such as those of the House of Wisdom (Baghdad) commented on and improved elements of Greek and Roman culture that later helped spark the Renaissance in Europe. (e.g. Revival of Classical Greek & Roman philosophy)

How did scientific and technological innovations spread due to cultural connectivity c. 1200-1450?*

Merchants and missionaries exchanged ideas including technological innovations resulting in the diffusion of inventions throughout Afro-Eurasia. (e.g. Gunpowder from China, Paper from China, Algebra from India, Medical advances from West Asia)

Describe the impacts of trade on large urban areas (cities) due to 'Connectivity c. 1200-1450.*

The impacts on cities are mixed. Some cities along various trade routes grew in terms of cultural and economic significance. Other cities faced destruction as they were at the crossroads of war. (eg - rising city - Kashgar, declining city - Baghdad)

Describe the impact of 'travelers' on the 'Connectivity' of the era c. 1200-1450.*

As exchange networks intensified, an increasing number of travelers within Afro-Eurasia wrote about their travels and peaked the interest of domestic populations to products, knowledge and lifestyles from abroad (e.g. - Ibn Battuta, Margery Kempe, Marco Polo)

Who was Ibn Battuta and why was he significant?

Ibn Battuta, an Islamic scholar known for his extensive travels, whose accounts of which were published. Over a period of thirty years, Ibn Battuta visited most of the known Islamic world as well as many non-Muslim lands. His written works were an important document that shed light on many aspects of the social, cultural, and political history of a great part of the Muslim world and beyond contributing to our understanding of global interconnectedness and cultural diffusion during that time.

Describe the impact on the environment from the 'Connectivity' of the era c. 1200-1450.*

There was continued diffusion of crops and epidemic diseases, including the bubonic plague, along trade routes. (e.g. Bananas in Africa, new rice varieties in East Asia, spread of citrus in the Mediterranean)

1346 - 1351 CE (HUB DATE)

Bubonic Plague across Afroeurasia.

~ Represents the beginning of the era of heightened connectivity amongst Afro-Eurasia. While this connectivity will foster cultural syncretism, advanced economies and a diffusion of scientific and technological innovations, it will also bring a biological exchange including that of disease (epidemic and pandemic).