AP World History Unit 3 Study Guide

Expansion of Empires: Examine the growth of empires such as the Ottoman, Mughal, and Ming. Understand the factors leading to territorial expansion and consolidation of power.
Cultural Exchange: Analyze the effects of trade routes on cultural diffusion, including ideas, technologies, and religions.
Social Structures: Explore the social hierarchies within empires and the influence of gender and class on societal roles.
Technology and Innovations: Assess the impact of new technologies like navigation instruments and gunpowder weapons on trade and military power.

Ottoman Empire
- Characteristics: Expansion, administration, and cultural diversity.
- Key figures: Suleiman the Magnificent.
Mughal Empire
- Characteristics: Religious tolerance, architectural achievements (e.g., Taj Mahal), and administrative innovations.
- Key figures: Akbar the Great.
Ming Dynasty
- Characteristics: Trade expansion, cultural flourishing, and the Great Wall efforts.
- Key figures: Zheng He and his maritime expeditions.

Silk Road: Revitalization of trade routes and the importance of luxury goods.
Indian Ocean Trade: Dominance of maritime trade and interactions with Southeast Asia and Africa.
Trans-Saharan Trade: Movement of goods like gold and salt and the impact of the spread of Islam in Africa.

Spread of Islam: How trade routes facilitated the spread of Islam into sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.
Cultural Syncretism: The blending of religions, such as Sikhism's emergence from Hinduism and Islam in the Mughal Empire.

Innovations in navigation (astrolabe, compass) facilitating maritime exploration.
Use of gunpowder in warfare leading to new military strategies.