Historical Developments from 1200 to Present

What were the main dynasties in East Asia during the period 1200-1450?

Han, Tang, and Song dynasties.

What is Confucianism and how did it evolve during the dynasties in East Asia?

Confucianism emphasizes filial piety and hierarchies. It fell under the Han but was revived under the Tang and evolved into Neo-Confucianism during the Song due to influences from Buddhism and Taoism.

What significant social practice was prevalent among women during the Song Dynasty?

Foot binding, which severely restricted women's rights.

How did the civil service exam function in the Song Dynasty?

It was used to give government jobs based on merit.

What was Korea's relationship with China during this period?

Korea was a tribute state to China, adopting similar civil service exams, Confucian principles, and Buddhism, while also experiencing reduced women's rights.

What cultural influences did Japan adopt from China?

Japan adopted Buddhism and Chinese writing but was not a tribute state.

How did Vietnam's relationship with China differ from Korea's?

Vietnam was a tribute state that adopted Confucianism, Buddhism, civil service exams, and literary techniques but marginalized women less than in China.

What are the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path in Buddhism?

They are fundamental teachings that outline the nature of suffering and the path to Nirvana, influenced by Hinduism.

What economic innovations occurred during the Song Dynasty?

Commercialization of the economy, introduction of paper money, advancements in iron and steel production, agricultural innovations like champa rice, and transportation innovations such as the Grand Canal and compass.

What characterized the Abbasid Caliphate during its Golden Age?

It was ethnically Arab and in power during a time of significant cultural and scientific advancements, but began to lose power by 1200.

What were the main Islamic empires that rose after the Abbasid Caliphate?

The Seljuk Empire, Mamluk Sultanate, and Delhi Sultanate.

How did Islam spread during this period?

Through military expansion, trade, and the efforts of Muslim missionaries, particularly Sufis.

What was the House of Wisdom in Baghdad?

A library and center of learning where scholars translated Greek works and made advancements in various fields.

What are the key beliefs of Hinduism?

Hinduism is polytheistic, emphasizes reincarnation, and the ultimate goal is to unite with Brahman (the world soul).

How does Buddhism differ from Hinduism in terms of social structure?

Buddhism does not have a caste system and promotes equality among all individuals.

What were the main state-building entities in South Asia during this period?

The Delhi Sultanate, Rajput kingdoms, and various Hindu kingdoms in Southern India.

What were the two main types of states in Southeast Asia?

Sea-based states like the Srivijaya Empire and land-based states like the Khmer Empire.

What is the significance of Angkor Wat?

Originally built as a Hindu temple by the Khmer Empire, it later became a Buddhist site.

What characterized the Maya civilization in Mesoamerica?

They were known for their writing, mathematics, architecture, city-states, tributary states, and human sacrifice.

How did the Aztec civilization rise to power?

Through military prowess and a decentralized power structure based on tributary states.

What system did the Inca use for labor?

The Mit'a system, which required labor from its subjects.

What was the Mississippian culture known for in North America?

Agriculture, hierarchical society, and the construction of mounds, such as those found in Cahokia.

What architectural achievements are associated with Mesa Verde and Chaco?

Creative architecture, particularly in cliff dwellings and large communal structures.

What is the primary difference between the political structures of the Aztecs and the Incas?

The Aztecs had a decentralized power structure while the Incas had a centralized government.

What characterized the Swahili civilization in Sub-Saharan Africa?

It was composed of city-states engaged in Indian Ocean trade, dominated by Islam due to diffusion from Muslim merchants.

What was the significance of Great Zimbabwe in terms of trade?

Great Zimbabwe was involved in Indian Ocean trade, particularly in gold.

What were the Hausa Kingdoms known for in West and East Africa?

They were city-states involved in trans-Saharan trade and experienced a conversion to Islam.

How did Ethiopia's trade differ from other regions in Africa?

Ethiopia was Christian and engaged in Mediterranean and Indian Ocean trade, particularly in salt, with centralized power.

What was the political structure of states in Africa during this period?

States had a hierarchical power structure.

What was the state of Christianity in Eastern Europe during the time of the Byzantine Empire?

Eastern Orthodox Christianity thrived, particularly in the Byzantine Empire, which fell to the Ottomans.

What was the role of Kievan Rus in the preservation of Eastern Orthodox Christianity?

Kievan Rus helped keep Eastern Orthodox Christianity alive after the fall of the Byzantine Empire.

What was the outcome of the Crusades for Western Europe?

The Crusades were largely unsuccessful.

What was the political landscape of Europe during the time of feudalism?

Europe had no large empires and was characterized by feudalism, where powerful lords exchanged land for allegiance from knights.

What is manorialism and how did it affect peasants?

Manorialism bound peasants (serfs) to the land in exchange for protection from a lord, resembling a form of slavery.

What were the two dominant forms of Christianity in Europe?

Eastern Orthodox Christianity in the East and Roman Catholic Christianity in the West.

What were the main factors that led to the expansion of trade networks from 1200-1450?

Innovations in commercial practices and technological advancements increased connectivity between states.

What were the Silk Roads and what did they facilitate?

The Silk Roads were a vast network of trade routes that facilitated trade and the spread of culture and ideas across Eurasia.

What types of goods were primarily transported along the Silk Roads?

Luxury items like silk from China were primarily transported.

What commercial practices contributed to the expansion of the Silk Roads?

The introduction of paper money economies, credit, and banks.

What infrastructure improvements aided Silk Road trade?

Caravanserai (inns for travelers) and improved saddles enhanced transportation.

What were some effects of the expansion of the Silk Roads?

New trading cities emerged, demand for luxury goods increased, and cultural diffusion occurred, including the spread of Buddhism and Islam.

Who was Chinggis Khan and what was his role in the Mongol Empire?

Chinggis Khan, originally Temujin, united various Mongol groups and expanded the empire westward.

What was the Pax Mongolica?

A period of peace established by the Mongol Empire that facilitated trade and communication.

How was the Mongol Empire organized?

It was divided into regions known as khanates.

What were some economic impacts of Mongol rule?

The Silk Roads prospered, infrastructure improved, and trade increased under Mongol rule.

What cultural and technological transfers occurred under the Mongol Empire?

The Mongols facilitated the transfer of medical knowledge, new written languages (like Uyghur script), and other cultural exchanges.

What led to the rapid fall of the Mongol Empire?

The fall was caused by increased centralization of new empires.

What was the Indian Ocean trade network?

A network of sea routes that connected various states throughout Afro-Eurasia through trade.

What caused the expansion of Indian Ocean trade?

The collapse of the Mongol Empire made Silk Roads less safe, leading to increased maritime trade.

What innovations contributed to the Indian Ocean trade expansion?

Innovations included paper money, credit, the compass, astrolabe, lateen sail, understanding of monsoon winds, and improved shipbuilding.

What goods were commonly traded in the Indian Ocean trade?

Cotton textiles, grains, and luxury goods.

What were some effects of Indian Ocean trade?

Growth of powerful trading cities like Swahili city-states, Malacca, and Gujarat, along with new diasporic communities and cultural/technological transfers.

What was the Trans-Saharan trade network?

Trade routes that connected North Africa and the Mediterranean with the interior of West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.

What were the causes of the expansion of Trans-Saharan trade?

Transportation technology, such as camel saddles and caravanserai.

What goods were traded in the Trans-Saharan trade network?

Gold, crops (like kola nuts), horses, and salt.

What was one significant effect of the Trans-Saharan trade?

The expansion of states like Mali, which became wealthy due to its Islamic connections.

What cultural effects resulted from connectivity in trade networks?

Cultural transfers included the spread of religions like Buddhism and Islam, as well as literary and artistic exchanges.

What scientific innovations were influenced by trade?

Innovations included papermaking and gunpowder.

How did trade affect urbanization?

Trading cities became richer, leading to urbanization, while some cities declined due to military movements.

Who were some notable travelers that documented their journeys?

Ibn Battuta, Marco Polo, and Margery Kempe.

What environmental effects did connectivity have on agriculture?

New crops were introduced, such as bananas, champa rice, and citrus fruits, leading to population growth.

What disease spread along trade routes and had a significant impact?

The Bubonic plague (Black Death), which caused a huge population decrease.

What characterized the land-based empires during 1450-1750?

Gunpowder empires that expanded geographically using gunpowder.

What was the Ottoman Empire known for?

Being a Sunni Muslim empire that controlled the Dardanelles and sacked Constantinople.

What was the Safavid Empire's religious affiliation?

Shi'a Muslim.

What was notable about the Mughal Empire under Akbar?

It was known for its religious tolerance.

What was the Qing Dynasty established by?

The Manchu people after the fall of the Mongol Empire.

What methods did rulers use to legitimize and consolidate power?

Methods included large bureaucracies, military expansion, religious ideas, art, and innovations in tax collection.

What was the Devshirme system in the Ottoman Empire?

A system where the bureaucracy was staffed by enslaved Christians.

What tax systems were used to finance imperial expansion?

The Zamindar system in the Mughal Empire and tax farming in the Ottoman Empire.

What was the Great Schism in Christianity?

The split of Christianity into two branches: Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic.

What were indulgences in the context of the Catholic Church?

Indulgences were sold to fund the construction of religious buildings, leading to a loss of confidence in the church.

Who was Martin Luther and what did he do?

Martin Luther was a reformer who wrote the 95 theses criticizing corrupt practices of the church and was excommunicated, starting the Protestant Reformation.

What were the two main responses of the Catholic Church to the Protestant Reformation?

The Reformation, which called for change, and the Catholic/Counter Reformation, which was the church's response to reform.

What was the main religious division in the Ottoman and Safavid Empires?

The Ottoman Empire was predominantly Sunni, while the Safavid Empire was Shi'a, leading to conflict.

What is the belief difference between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims?

Shi'a Muslims believe successors must be blood relatives of Muhammad, while Sunni Muslims believe successors can be anyone spiritually qualified.

What was the Bhakti movement and its significance in South Asia?

The Bhakti movement, a Hindu devotional movement, syncretized with Sufism (Islam), leading to the creation of Sikhism.

What technological advancements did sea-based empires adopt for exploration?

Maritime technologies such as the magnetic compass, astrolabe, lateen sail, and improved shipbuilding innovations.

What were the types of ships developed by Portugal during the age of exploration?

The Caravel (smaller with cannons), Carrack (larger for trade), and Fluyt (designed for trade with high cargo capacity).

What was the main motivation for state-sponsored maritime exploration by European monarchs?

The desire for Asian and Southeast Asian spices, along with economic and religious motivations.

What were the causes for Spain's exploration during the age of exploration?

Political rivalry, envy, desire for wealth, and the need for alternative routes to Asia.

What was the Columbian Exchange?

The transfer of new diseases, food, plants, and animals between the Eastern and Western hemispheres.

What were some effects of the Columbian Exchange on Native Americans?

Transfer of diseases such as malaria, measles, and smallpox, to which Native Americans had no immunity.

What types of crops were exchanged during the Columbian Exchange?

European crops like wheat and grapes, African crops like bananas and sugar, and New World crops like maize and potatoes.

What is mercantilism?

A state-driven economic system emphasizing the buildup of mineral wealth by maintaining a favorable balance of trade.

What were cash crops in the context of the Columbian Exchange?

Crops grown for export, such as sugarcane, which were significant in the economic systems of empires.

How did the Columbian Exchange affect animal populations in the Americas?

Animals like pigs, sheep, and cows were brought to the Americas, causing environmental changes and population growth.

What role did the printing press play in the Protestant Reformation?

The printing press allowed Martin Luther's 95 theses to spread widely, fueling the Reformation.

What was the significance of the Ottoman Empire's victory over the Safavid Empire?

It marked the intensification of political rivalry and religious conflict between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims.

What was the impact of European exploration on indigenous populations in the Americas?

Exploration led to the introduction of diseases that decimated indigenous populations and significant cultural changes.

What was the primary economic goal of European empires during the age of exploration?

To control mineral wealth and maintain a favorable balance of trade through mercantilism.

What is a favorable balance of trade?

A situation where states wanted more exports than imports.

What role did joint-stock companies play in maritime empires?

They were limited liability businesses, often chartered by the state, funded by a group of investors.

What does limited liability mean in the context of joint-stock companies?

Investors could only lose the money they invested in the business.

What does it mean for a joint-stock company to be chartered by the state?

The government approved the business and granted it trade monopolies.

Give an example of a successful joint-stock company.

The Dutch East India Company.

How did the Dutch East India Company contribute to Dutch power?

The company became wealthy, allowing the Dutch to expand their power and influence.

How did states and merchants interact in the context of maritime trade?

States used merchants to expand their influence, while merchants relied on states for trade monopolies.

Which countries primarily funded trade through the state?

Spain and Portugal.

What was the Atlantic System?

The rise of trade between the Eastern and Western hemispheres.