AP World History Unit 1 Summary

Belief Systems

  • Most belief systems still impact history; major religions have divisions (subgroups and sects).
  • Theological basis & impact on social, political, cultural, military developments are key.
  • Religious Mysticism: Mystical experiences bring adherents closer to the divine.

Buddhism

  • Origin: Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE), Nepal - rejected wealth, became Buddha.
  • No supreme being.
  • 4 Noble Truths: (1) Life is suffering, (2) Suffering is caused by desire, (3) Desire can be overcome, (4) Overcome desire by following a prescribed path.
  • Split after Buddha's death: Theravada & Mahayana.
    • Theravada: Meditation, simplicity, nirvana as renunciation.
    • Mahayana: Ritual, spiritual comfort, more complex, greater spread.
  • Impact: Rejects caste system, appealed to lower ranks.
  • Spread: Thrived in China, Japan, Southeast Asia via trade routes.

Christianity

  • Origin: Based on Jesus of Nazareth - devotion to God and love for others.
  • Jesus crucified, followers believe he rose.
  • Beliefs: Jesus is Son of God, forgiveness of sins, everlasting life.
  • Impact: Compassion, grace appealed to lower classes and women.
  • Spread: Influential in Mediterranean by 3rd century, official religion of Roman Empire.

Confucianism

  • Origin: Founded by Confucius (400 BCE+), educator and political advisor.
  • Focus: Restoring political/social order.
  • Five Fundamental Relations: Ruler/subject, parent/child, husband/wife, older/younger sibling, friend/friend.
  • Impact: Compatible with other religions, led to tight-knit communities.

Hinduism

  • Origin: India.
  • Belief in Brahma: Supreme force, gods are manifestations (Vishnu = preserver, Shiva = destroyer).
  • Goal: Merge with Brahma - multiple lives, dharma (caste rules) leads to moksha (internal peace).
  • Texts: Vedas and Upanishads.
  • Impact: Religion and social caste system.
  • Spawned Buddhism

Islam

  • Origin: 7th century.
  • Beliefs: Allah's words through Muhammad (Qur'an).
  • Salvation: Submission to God.
  • 5 Pillars: (1) Confession, (2) Prayer, (3) Charity, (4) Fasting (Ramadan), (5) Mecca pilgrimage.
  • Divisions: Shia and Sunni.
  • Spread: Rapidly spread across the Middle East.

Judaism

  • Origin: Hebrews.
  • Beliefs: God selected holy people; unique relationship with God.
  • World for them to enjoy, free will.
  • Texts: Hebrew Bible (Torah).
  • Impact: First major monotheistic faith.

Developments in the Middle East

Abbasid Dynasty

  • Golden Age: 750-1258 CE, capital in Baghdad.
  • Centre for arts/sciences: Math (Nasiral−DinalTusiNasir al-Din al Tusi), medicine, House of Wisdom library.
  • Trade-based: Receipt & bill system.

Decline of Islamic Caliphates

  • Internal rivalries and Mongol invasions.
  • Challenged by revolts, new dynasties, Seljuk Turks, Persians etc.
  • Mongols destroyed Baghdad in 1258.
  • Ottoman Turks reunited Egypt, Syria, Arabia until 1918.
  • Mamluks: Egyptian group defeated Mongols, preserving Islam.

Developments in Europe

Middle Ages

  • Fall of Rome to Renaissance.
  • Eastern Roman Empire became Byzantine Empire.
  • Western Europe collapsed - Christianity remained strong.

European Feudalism

  • Hierarchy: King, Nobles, Vassals, Peasants/Serfs.
  • Land divided: King over kingdom, Nobles over sections, Vassals with fiefs/manors.
  • Three-field system.
  • Code of chivalry for lords.
  • Male-dominated: Primogeniture - women had limited rights.
  • Peasants/Serfs: Worked the land, few rights.
  • Skilled trades: Increased global trade led to middle class emergence.

Emergence of Nation-States

  • Feudal kingdom organization to linguistic and cultural organization.
  • Germany: Interregnum period.
  • England: Magna Carta - foundation for Parliament (House of Lords & Commons).
  • France: Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) unified France.
  • Spain: Queen Isabella and Ferdinand united Spain, Spanish Inquisition.
  • Russia: Taken over by Tartars until Ivan III expanded power - Ivan the Terrible.

Developments in Asia

China

  • Song Dynasty (960-1279): Confucianism, foot binding, Neo-Confucianism.
  • Ming Dynasty (1368-1644): influenced by multiple religions.
  • Mahayana: Peaceful existence.
  • Chan/Zen: Meditation.

Japan

  • Feudal Japan (1192): Emperor, Shogun, Daimyo, Samurai.
  • Code of Bushido.

India

  • Delhi Sultanate: Islamic invader kingdom - clash between Islam and Hinduism.
  • Rajput Kingdoms: Hindu principalities resisted Muslim forces.

Southeast Asia

  • Khmer Empire (9th-15th century): Hindu Empire, Angkor Wat temple.

Developments in Africa

  • Islamic Empire spread to North Africa (7th-8th centuries).
  • Hausa Kingdoms: Economic stability through long trade (salt and leather).

Developments in Americas

  • Aztecs: Expansionist policy, Tenochtitlan.
  • Inca: Andes Mountains, Cuzco, Temple of the Sun.