AP World History Review: Key Concepts and Vocabulary Unit 1

Overview of Unit 1 Content for AP World History Exam

• Focus on Blue Boxes: The curriculum framework highlights key areas of study identified in blue boxes called the CED (Curriculum Framework).

• Goals of Review: Understand essential topics to prepare for the AP World History exam based on the CED, rather than general world history.

Unit 1: Early Civilizations

• Key Areas of Focus: 1.1 (Song China) and 1.2 (Dar al-Islam).

1.1: Song China

• Historical Context:

  • Song Dynasty is the first major state to learn about in this unit.

  • Key cultural aspects include Confucianism and Buddhism.

• Cultural and Social Structure:

  • Confucian Beliefs: Emphasis on filial piety, respect for elders, and a merit-based civil service exam for government positions.

  • Confucianism dictates societal harmony: everyone knows their ranked position in society.

• Religious Aspects:

  • Incorporation of Buddhism, with variants like Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan Buddhism.

• Economic Power:

  • Recognized as the world's largest economy, notable for production in iron and steel.

  • Champa rice was crucial for agricultural advances.

• Illustrative Examples:

  • Filial piety as an example of social tradition.

1.2: Dar al-Islam

• Historical Importance:

  • The term considers the geographical expanse of Islam during its height, including the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of North Africa.

• Religious Influence:

  • Major religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism affected cultural and societal structures.

• Caliphates:

  • Abbasid Caliphate noted for fragmentation after the Mongol invasions, leading to Turkic dominance in the region.

  • Turks emerged as significant new powers after the Abbasid period.

• Intellectual Movements:

  • Cultural and intellectual exchanges heightened, with significant impacts encompassing trade routes.

  • Sufism as a mystic approach in Islam that expanded through trade and interaction with non-Muslims.

• Development of Trade Networks:

  • Expansion of trade through various routes, including land and sea (Indian Ocean).

• Influence of merchants and missionaries in the spread of Islam, particularly through the Sufi order.

Key Study Points for Exam Preparation

• Focus on the content within the blue boxes of the CED as specified by the College Board.

• Significant Themes:

  • The integration of cultural, economic, and social aspects of early civilizations.

  • Knowledge of significant figures, concepts, and their impacts on historical trajectories.

Important Terms and Concepts

• Confucianism: Understand key principles like filial piety and the civil service exam.

• Sufism: Recognize its role as a broadened spiritual expression within Islam.

• Mongols: Effects on trade and cultural exchange, facilitating commerce across Eurasia.

• Champa Rice: Importance for agricultural practices in Song China and its role in population growth.

• Diaspora: Communities established away from their homelands for establishing trade relations.

Tips for Success in Exam Assessments

• Review SAQ, LAQ, and DBQ prompts from past exams to identify recurring themes.

• Utilize illustrative examples to back up historical claims in written responses.

• Understand how major religions shaped cultural practices and societal structures within early civilizations.

Practice Questions to Consider

• How did the Song Dynasty maintain its economic and political power?

• Describe the significance of the Sufi movement in spreading Islam during this period.

• Compare the social structures of Song China and the Islamic caliphates, focusing on education and governance.