Technology

Unit 1 (c. 1200–1450): The Global Tapestry

Key theme: diffusion of existing technologies

  • China (Song Dynasty innovations):

    • Gunpowder → weapons (bombs, rockets)

    • Compass → improved navigation

    • Printing (woodblock) → spread of knowledge

  • Islamic World:

    • Astrolabe → navigation

    • Advanced medical knowledge + hospitals

  • Agriculture:

    • Champa rice → faster-growing, population growth in China

  • Trade tech:

    • Caravanserai → rest stops for merchants

    • Lateen sails → better sailing against wind

Unit 2 (c. 1200–1450): Networks of Exchange

Key theme: trade spreads technology

  • Silk Roads:

    • Paper making spreads west

    • Gunpowder moves toward Europe

  • Indian Ocean Trade:

    • Dhows + lateen sails

    • Magnetic compass improves navigation

  • Trans-Saharan Trade:

    • Camel saddle → efficient desert travel

  • Effects:

    • Technology diffusion across Afro-Eurasia

    • Increased connectivity between regions

Unit 3 (c. 1450–1750): Land-Based Empires

Key theme: gunpowder + empire building

  • Gunpowder Empires (Ottoman, Safavid, Mughal):

    • Cannons → siege warfare

    • Muskets → stronger armies

  • Printing Press (Europe):

    • Movable type (from Johannes Gutenberg)

    • Spread of ideas → Reformation, literacy

  • Navigation:

    • Improved maps (cartography)

    • Better ships (caravel)

  • Military:

    • Fortifications adapt to gunpowder weapons

Unit 4 (c. 1450–1750): Transoceanic Interconnections

Key theme: global maritime expansion

  • Ship technology:

    • Caravel → long-distance sea travel

    • Sternpost rudder → better steering

  • Navigation tools:

    • Compass, astrolabe, sextant

  • Columbian Exchange impact:

    • Transfer of crops, animals, diseases

  • Weaponry:

    • Guns used in colonization

  • Silver mining tech:

    • Mercury amalgamation process → extract silver faster

Unit 5 (c. 1750–1900): Revolutions & Industrialization

Key theme: Industrial Revolution

  • Major inventions:

    • Steam engine (James Watt)

    • Spinning jenny → textile production

    • Power loom → faster fabric production

  • Transportation:

    • Railroads → faster land travel

    • Steamships → global trade expansion

  • Communication:

    • Telegraph → instant long-distance communication

  • Industry:

    • Factories replace cottage industry

  • Energy:

    • Coal becomes main fuel source

Unit 6 (c. 1900–present): Consequences of Industrialization

Key theme: modern & digital technology

  • WWI & WWII tech:

    • Machine guns

    • Tanks

    • Airplanes

    • Atomic bomb (end of World War II)

  • Cold War tech:

    • Nuclear weapons

    • Space race (satellites, rockets)

  • Medical advancements:

    • Vaccines

    • Antibiotics

  • Communication:

    • Internet

    • Computers

    • Mobile phones

  • Green Revolution:

    • Fertilizers, irrigation, high-yield crops

  • Transportation:

    • Automobiles, airplanes, container shipping

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Quick Patterns to Remember (AP Test Tip)

  • 1200–1450: diffusion of tech (China → rest of world)

  • 1450–1750: gunpowder + navigation → empires & exploration

  • 1750–1900: Industrial Revolution = biggest shift

  • 1900–present: rapid innovation + global impact