AP World History: Unit One Overview (Circa December to 1450)

Introduction to Unit One

• Time Period: Circa December 1450

• Focus: Major civilizations around the world and their state-building processes.

Understanding "State"

• Definition: A politically organized territory under a single government.

• Examples: The United States, Japan.

The Song Dynasty in China

• Timeframe: The Song Dynasty (dates not crucial for the exam).

• Key Question: How did the Song Dynasty maintain and justify its rule?

Method 1: Emphasis on Confucianism

• Revival of Confucianism from the Tang Dynasty; termed Neo-Confucianism.

• Emphasis on a hierarchical society: Citizens submit to the state, women to men, juniors to elders.

• Filial piety: Importance of honoring and obeying parents/ancestors.

Impact on Women in Song China

• Reduced legal rights: A woman's property became her husband’s.

• Social restrictions: Limited access to education, practice of foot binding among elite women as a status symbol.

Method 2: Expansion of Bureaucracy

• Definition of Bureaucracy: A government structured hierarchically to implement the emperor's will.

• Civil Service Examination based on Confucian teachings; open but practically accessible mainly to the wealthy.

Influence of Chinese Traditions on Neighboring Regions

• Influence on Korea, Japan, and Vietnam in adopting civil service exams and Buddhism.

Role of Buddhism in Song China

• Origin: Started in India, spread to China before the Song Dynasty.

• Four Noble Truths of Buddhism: Life is suffering, craving leads to suffering, cease craving to cease suffering (through the Eightfold Path).

Variants of Buddhism

• Theravada (Sri Lanka): Confined to monks, focused on monastic life.

• Mahayana (East Asia): Broader participation, Bodhisattvas assist others towards enlightenment.

Economic Developments in the Song Dynasty

• Prosperity inherited from Tang and Sui dynasties; population growth (population doubled between the 8th and 10th centuries).

• Commercialization: Manufacturers produced more goods than they consumed, advancing trade in porcelain and silk.

• Agricultural innovations: Introduction of Champa rice—early maturing, drought-resistant, allowing multiple harvests yearly.

• Transportation: Expansion of the Grand Canal facilitated trade and communication.

Developments in Dar al Islam

• Definition: Refers to regions under Islamic influence.

• Islamic faith historically significant, alongside Judaism and Christianity.

Rise of New Muslim Empires

• Abbasid Caliphate centerpiece but began to decline.

• Emergence of Turkic-led empires (e.g., Seljuk Empire).

• Continued military administration and establishment of Sharia law by new regimes.

Advances in Science and Culture

• Notable scholars: Nasir al-Din al-Tusi and others who contributed to mathematics (trigonometry).

• Preservation of Greek works in the House of Wisdom in Baghdad, leading to the European Renaissance.

Expansion of Muslim Rule

• Through military conquests, merchant activities, and Sufi missionaries, which adapted to local beliefs.

Overview of South and Southeast Asia

Dominant Religions

• South Asia: Hinduism (most widespread), Buddhism (in decline), Islam (gaining influence via the Delhi Sultanate).

• Southeast Asia: Primarily contending between Buddhism and Islam, significant exchanges with China and India.

State Building in South Asia

• Delhi Sultanate's struggle for control over its Hindu majority subjects.

• Emergence of Rajput and Vijayanagara Empires as responses to Muslim rule.

The Abbasid Caliphate was a significant Islamic empire that emerged after the Umayyad Caliphate, establishing its capital in Baghdad. Key aspects include:

• Foundation: Established in 750 CE after a successful revolt against the Umayyads, marking the beginning of the Abbasid era.

• Cultural Flourishing: The Abbasid period is renowned for its cultural and intellectual achievements, including the establishment of the House of Wisdom in Baghdad, where scholars from various cultures collaborated.

• Administration: The governance of the Abbasid Caliphate was characterized by a more inclusive approach towards non-Arabs, promoting Persian culture and language.

• Economic Prosperity: The empire thrived due to robust trade networks that connected the Islamic world with Asia, Europe, and Africa, leading to economic growth.

• Decline: Gradually, the Abbasid authority weakened due to internal strife, outside invasions, and the rise of regional powers like the Seljuk Turks, leading to the fragmentation of their territory.

Despite the decline of centralized power, the legacy of the Abbasid Caliphate continued to influence subsequent Islamic societies.