2nd Half of the Year Review

  • Major Events: Islam's rise, Chinese Industrial Revolution (Sung), Neo-Confucianism's spread, Schism in Christianity, Sahara camels, Black Death, Italian Renaissance, new empires, Tang Dynasty's meritocracy, Mongols' expansion, Caliphate & Feudalism.

  • Historical Significance: Byzantine bureaucracy, Viking raids leading to feudalism, Crusades increasing exposure to Eastern goods, Mongolian & Mamluk rule.

  • Islamic World: Dar al-Islam unified Eurasia/Africa via religion, language & art. Caliphates & Sultanates formed political structures. Islamic advancements in art, science, math & technology transfer (paper from China).

  • Interregional Networks: Trans-Saharan (gold, slaves), Indian Ocean (goods, Swahili), Silk Routes (silk, Buddhism). Missionary outreach of Islam, Christianity & Buddhism.

  • Impact of Mongol Empires: Largest land empire, facilitating trade & cultural exchange (paper money). Pax Mongolica.

  • Rise of the Mongols: Genghis Khan unified clans. Military organization based on Chinese model. Mongol expansion stopped in Eurasia after Ogodai's death.

  • Mongol Organization: Four Khanates, tribute system, assimilation to local customs.

  • China's Expansion: Tang/Song economic revolutions (paper money, mass production, rice, Canton trade, Zheng He).

  • Economic Revolutions of Tang and Song Dynasties: Fast-ripening rice, improved techniques, population growth, urbanization, porcelain & paper money innovations.

  • Chinese Influence: Impact on Japan (government, architecture, Buddhism), Neoconfucianism influence in China, Korea, Vietnam & Japan.

  • Developments in Europe: Church authority, feudalism, rising monarchies. Schism of 1054 (Eastern Orthodox vs. Roman Catholic).

  • Amerindian World: Maya, Aztec, Inca civilizations.

  • Demographic/Environmental: Impact of nomads (Arabs, Turks, Mongols, Vikings, Aztecs), Bantu migration, plague consequences.

  • Growth of Cities: Trade, education & cultural diffusion in Canton, Samarkand, Timbuktu, Cairo & Venice.

  • Diverse Interpretations: Cultural areas vs. states, nomadic migrations & urban growth as change sources, world economic network, elite women's roles.

  • Major Comparisons: Japanese & European Feudalism, political institutions in Europe, city roles.

  • Two Travellers: Marco Polo & Ibn Battuta widened knowledge of other cultures through their writings.