AP World History Unit 3 Study Guide

AP World History Unit 3 Study Guide

Key Themes

• 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.

Major Empires

1. Ottoman Empire

   • Characteristics: Expansion, administration, and cultural diversity.

   • Key figures: Suleiman the Magnificent.

2. Mughal Empire

   • Characteristics: Religious tolerance, architectural achievements (e.g., Taj Mahal), and administrative innovations.

   • Key figures: Akbar the Great.

3. Ming Dynasty

   • Characteristics: Trade expansion, cultural flourishing, and the Great Wall efforts.

   • Key figures: Zheng He and his maritime expeditions.

Trade Networks

• 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.

Religion and Belief Systems

• 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.

Technological Advancements

• Innovations in navigation (astrolabe, compass) facilitating maritime exploration.

• Use of gunpowder in warfare leading to new military strategies.

Important Dates

• 1453: Fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans.

• 1492: Columbus’s voyage leading to the contact between the Old and New Worlds.

• 1526: Foundation of the Mughal Empire in India.

Study Tips

• Review key terms and concepts.

• Create timelines for significant events.

• Use flashcards for important figures and definitions.

• Discuss themes within study groups for better understanding.