APWH Units 1-9

Dar Al-Islam and Islamic States (1200-1450)

• As the Abbasid Caliphate fragmented, new Islamic political entities emerged:

• Seljuk Empire: A medieval Turko-Persian empire that played a significant role in the politics of the Middle East, bringing both military prowess and the spread of Sunni Islam.

• Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt: A political entity founded by former slaves (mamluks) that ruled Egypt and the Levant, noted for its military campaigns against the Mongols and the Crusaders.

• Delhi Sultanate: A series of five short-lived kingdoms based in Delhi that ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent and marked the establishment of Muslim rule in India.

• Muslim rule expanded through:

• Military expansion: Islamic leaders and armies expanded through conquest, establishing control over vast regions.

• Merchants: Muslim traders connected diverse regions through commerce, facilitating spread of culture and religion.

• Missionaries: Islamic missionaries traveled to spread the faith, often integrating local customs with Islam.

• Sufis: Sufi orders played a crucial role in spreading Islam through mysticism and personal spirituality, often appealing to local populations.

• Notable Muslim Intellectual Innovations:

• Mathematics: Significant advances were made, including the development of algebra and trigonometry, with figures like Nasir al-Din al-Tusi contributing to these fields.

• Literature: Flourishing of poetry and prose, with notable works like those of Rumi and Omar Khayyam influencing literary tradition.

• Medicine: Advances in medical knowledge, with figures like Al-Razi and Ibn Sina (Avicenna) making significant contributions to medical texts and practices.

• House of Wisdom: Located in Abbasid Baghdad, it was a major intellectual center that collected, translated, and preserved ancient texts, influencing the Western Renaissance.

• Muslim religious tolerance for People of the Book (Jews and Christians) fostered a rich cultural exchange, allowing for a diverse intellectual and social environment.

Political Fragmentation in Europe

• Europe was politically fragmented, characterized by:

• Decentralized monarchies: Power was distributed among various lords and kings rather than centralized in a single authority.

• Feudalism: A system where land was held in exchange for service, creating a hierarchy of lords, vassals, and serfs.

• Manorial system: An economic structure that revolved around the lord's manor, where serfs worked the land in exchange for protection and a place to live.

• Core beliefs of major religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam) shaped societies:

• Christianity: Centered on the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing salvation, moral conduct, and community practices through the Church.

• Judaism: Maintained through adherence to the Torah and cultural identity, facing persecution yet sustaining a strong community.

• Effects of Agriculture: Innovations like the three-field system and heavy plow increased yields, supporting population growth and urbanization.

Song China (1200-1450)

• Song China utilized Confucian principles in governance, emphasizing meritocracy through a civil service examination system that selected government officials based on scholarly ability.

• Chinese cultural traditions influenced neighboring regions:

• Filial Piety and patriarchal norms enforced strict gender roles, impacting family dynamics and societal expectations.

• Spread of Buddhism and the emergence of Neo-Confucianism, a blend of Confucian philosophy with Buddhist ideas, were prevalent during this period.

• Economic growth through:

• Increased trade and economic commercialization fostered by advances in production and infrastructure.

• Notable technological innovations included Champa rice, which contributed to agricultural surplus, and transportation improvements like the Grand Canal, facilitating trade and communication.

South and Southeast Asia (1200-1450)

• Major belief systems: Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism:

• Caste system: A social stratification that influenced societal roles and interactions.

• Bhakti movement: A devotional trend that emphasized personal devotion to deities, promoting inclusivity.

• Sufism: A mystical Islamic belief that focused on personal experiences and direct encounters with God, appealing to many.

• Buddhist monasticism thrived as renunciants lived in monasteries focused on spiritual development and communal living.

• Emergence of new Hindu and Buddhist states:

• Vijayanagara Empire: A significant Hindu kingdom in southern India known for its support of the arts and architecture.

• Srivijaya Empire: A powerful maritime empire that controlled trade routes in Southeast Asia.

• Khmer Empire: Known for its monumental architecture, including Angkor Wat, blending Hindu and Buddhist influences.

Africa (1200-1450)

• Demonstrated continuity and diversity, with established trade networks (Trans-Saharan, Indian Ocean) enhancing cultural exchanges.

• Great Zimbabwe: A notable civilization with massive stone ruins and a central role in gold trade.

• Hausa Kingdoms: A series of city-states engaged in trade and cultural exchange, becoming crossroads of African commerce.

Americas (1200-1450)

• Development of state systems like the Mexica (Aztec) and Inca:

• Mexica: Known for its complex society, impressive architecture, and the tribute system that supported its economy and military.

• Inca: Developed a vast empire in the Andes, known for their administrative efficiency and engineering expertise, including road systems and terrace farming to maximize arable land.

• Chinampas: Artificial islands created in lakes to increase agricultural production, allowing for sustained farming in challenging environments.

Development of Trade Routes (1200-1450)

• Growth of the Silk Road and Indian Ocean trade, which interconnected different regions and facilitated not only trade but also cultural exchanges.

• Innovations in transportation and commercial practices:

• Caravanserai: Stopping points along trade routes that provided rest, food, and security for merchants.

• Compass: Navigation tool that significantly improved maritime travel and trade.

• Astrolabe: Instrument that allowed sailors to determine their latitude, essential for navigation.

• The Mongol Empire led by Chinggis Khan: Supported and secured trade through Pax Mongolica, a period of peace and stability that encouraged cultural and economic exchange across Eurasia.

Economic and Social Changes (1450-1750)

• Land-based Empires: Expansion of powerful entities such as the Mughal, Ottoman, and Safavid empires, utilizing a hierarchical structure and military strategies to exert control.

• Growth influenced by gunpowder technologies, allowing for more effective military campaigns, coupled with tribute systems that funded imperial ventures.

• Colonial economies developed heavily based on agriculture and labor systems, including chattel slavery and indentured servitude, shaping social and economic landscapes.

The Columbian Exchange

• The transfer of crops, animals, and diseases between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres caused significant ecological, social, and economic shifts across continents.

• Introduction of new crops like potatoes and maize transformed diets, while diseases such as smallpox drastically impacted indigenous populations.

• Resulted in altered demographics, with social structures and populations undergoing significant changes, especially in the Americas.

Global Events and Reform Movements (1900-Present)

• Following World War I, many powerful states transformed politically, facing waves of anti-imperial movements and calls for independence.

• World War II redefined global power dynamics, giving rise to the United States and the Soviet Union and introducing new ideologies such as socialism and democracy.

• The Cold War was characterized by ideological conflicts, where capitalism and communism clashed across various global hotspots.

• Economic institutions arose in response to increased globalization, with multinational corporations impacting trade and economies, alongside social justice movements advocating for rights and equity.

Conclusion

• The historical span from 1200-Present reveals distinct patterns of continuity, innovation, and dynamic intercultural interactions that led to profound changes in governance, belief systems, and societal structures across the world.