AP WORLD HISTORY STUDY GUIDE UNITS 1-4

What were some key innovations during the Song Dynasty in China?

The Grand Canal, Champa rice, gunpowder, neo-Confucianism, and bureaucratic exams.

What was the tribute system used by the Aztec Empire?

A system where conquered peoples paid tributes to the Aztecs, often through goods or services, including human sacrifices.

Who were the prominent leaders of the Mali Empire and what were their contributions?

Sundiata, the founder, and Mansa Musa, known for his hajj to Mecca and the spread of wealth.

What was the significance of Ibn Battuta during the period of connectivity?

Ibn Battuta was an Islamic scholar who traveled extensively and documented diverse cultures.

What technological innovations improved navigation during the era of exploration?

The astrolabe, magnetic compass, and lateen sail.

What was the main motive for European exploration during the 1450-1750 CE period?

The motives were often termed as God (spread Christianity), Gold (wealth/resources), and Glory (fame/power).

What was the consequence of the Columbian Exchange on the Americas?

A demographic catastrophe due to diseases such as smallpox, leading to significant population decline.

What was the Casta System in the Americas?

A social hierarchy based on race, including Peninsulares, Creoles, Mestizos, Mulattoes, Indigenous peoples, and enslaved Africans.

What were the economic theories guiding maritime empires in the 1450-1750 CE period?

Mercantilism, where colonies provided raw materials and markets for the mother country.

What characterized the political system of feudalism in Europe?

A decentralized political and economic system involving lords, vassals, and serfs.

How did the Great Zimbabwe contribute to trade in Africa?

It was a prosperous trade city that facilitated commerce and interaction with other regions.

What was the Pax Mongolica?

A period of stability and trade under the Mongol Empire that facilitated cultural exchange.

What were the core beliefs of Sikhism?

A blend of Hinduism and Islam, originating in the Punjab region of India.

Which innovation allowed for the spread of crops like Champa rice from Vietnam to China?

The diffusion of crops via trade networks and improved agricultural techniques.

What role did the Catholic Church play in Europe during the period of 1200-1450 CE?

A dominant cultural and political force, although it began to decline due to factors like the Black Death and the Great Schism.