UNIT 1 AP World History Modern

What is the main focus of Unit 1 in AP World History: Modern?

How states formed, expanded, and maintained power from c. 1200–1450 through political structures, belief systems, social hierarchies, and economic systems.

What major world regions are studied in Unit 1?

East Asia, Dar al-Islam, South and Southeast Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Europe.

What is meant by “The Global Tapestry”?

The interconnected political, cultural, and social systems that shaped civilizations during c. 1200–1450.

What political continuity existed across most regions during this period?

Rulers used religion and tradition to legitimize authority.

What social continuity existed across most regions?

Patriarchal societies with rigid social hierarchies.

What dynasty ruled China during most of Unit 1?

The Song Dynasty.

What political system characterized Song China?

A centralized imperial bureaucracy.

What belief system influenced Chinese government and society?

Confucianism.

What is Confucianism?

A philosophy emphasizing hierarchy, filial piety, loyalty, and respect for authority.

What was the civil service examination system?

Exams based on Confucian texts used to select government officials.

Why was the civil service exam significant?

It promoted merit-based government rather than aristocratic privilege.

What economic developments occurred during the Song Dynasty?

Commercial agriculture, paper money, expanded trade, and urbanization.

How did Chinese culture influence neighboring regions?

Through the spread of Confucianism, Buddhism, and administrative practices.

How was Japan politically organized during this period?

A feudal system led by shoguns.

What role did the emperor play in Japan?

A symbolic ruler with little real political power.

Who were the samurai?

Warrior elites who served feudal lords.

What was Bushido?

The samurai code emphasizing loyalty, honor, and discipline.

What does “Dar al-Islam” mean?

“House of Islam,” regions where Islamic rule and culture dominated.

What unified the Islamic world politically and culturally?

Islam, Sharia law, Arabic language, and trade networks.

What is Sharia law?

Islamic law derived from the Quran and Hadith.

What aspects of life did Sharia law regulate?

Personal behavior, family life, business practices, and governance.

What role did merchants play in Islamic societies?

They expanded trade and spread Islam along trade routes.

What was the Abbasid Caliphate’s role during this period?

A symbolic religious authority and center of learning.

What belief systems were dominant in South Asia?

Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.

What is Hinduism?

A polytheistic religion emphasizing dharma, karma, and reincarnation.

What was the caste system?

A rigid social hierarchy based on birth.

How did the caste system affect daily life?

It determined occupation, marriage, and social status.

How did Islam spread to South Asia?

Through trade, missionaries, and conquest.

What political state ruled much of northern India?

The Delhi Sultanate.

What political structure was common in Southeast Asia?

Mandala states.

What is a mandala state?

A kingdom with flexible borders and power centered around a ruler.

How did Indian culture influence Southeast Asia?

Through Hindu-Buddhist beliefs, Sanskrit language, and architecture.

What major civilizations existed in Mesoamerica?

The Maya and the Aztec.

How was Aztec society structured?

A rigid hierarchy with an emperor, nobles, warriors, merchants, and peasants.

What role did religion play in Aztec society?

It justified warfare and human sacrifice.

Why did the Aztecs practice human sacrifice?

To appease the gods and maintain cosmic order.

What civilization dominated the Andes Mountains?

The Inca Empire.

How was the Inca government structured?

A highly centralized bureaucracy under an emperor.

What was the mit’a system?

A labor tax requiring citizens to work for the state.

How did the Inca economy function without money?

Through labor, tribute, and state redistribution.

What role did trade play in African empires?

Trade generated wealth and political power.

What goods were commonly traded in West Africa?

Gold and salt.

What was the Mali Empire known for?

Wealth, trade, and Islamic learning.

Who was Mansa Musa?

The wealthy ruler of Mali who promoted Islam.

Why was Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage significant?

It demonstrated Mali’s wealth and increased global awareness of West Africa.

How did Islam spread in Africa?

Through trade and cultural diffusion.

What is religious syncretism?

The blending of Islamic beliefs with traditional African practices.

What political system dominated medieval Europe?

Feudalism.

What is feudalism?

A decentralized system where nobles controlled land in exchange for loyalty and military service.

What was manorialism?

An economic system where peasants worked land owned by nobles.

What institution held major power in Europe?

The Roman Catholic Church.

How did the Catholic Church influence society?

It controlled education, morals, and religious life.

How did Europe compare to China and the Islamic world?

Europe was less centralized and less economically advanced.

How did rulers across regions legitimize their power?

Through religion, tradition, military strength, and law.

What similarities existed between Japanese and European feudalism?

Decentralized power, warrior elites, and land-based loyalty.

What role did belief systems play in maintaining social order?

They reinforced hierarchy, obed