Review

This study guide is based on the topics and questions presented in the provided AP World History: Modern Unit 2 Test Booklet. The questions cover key historical themes between approximately 600 C.E. and 1450 C.E., focusing primarily on trade, cross-cultural exchange, major empires, and disease.

I. Key Geographical and Trade Networks 

Focus on the major long-distance trade routes during this period (c. 600 C.E. - 1450 C.E.) and their associated effects.

  • Silk Roads:

    • Geographical Reach: Linked East Asia and the Mediterranean Sea across Eurasia.

    • Impact of the Mongols (13th Century): The Mongol conquests encouraged trade primarily by decreasing the risk of bandit attacks and reducing the number of local rulers collecting tribute from trade caravans. This widening and deepening of exchange networks after the conquests is cited as evidence for substantial global integration. The Mongol Empire is shown to span most of Eurasia at its greatest extent.

  • Indian Ocean Trade:

    • Key Facilitators (1200-1450): Technological changes like the development of the lateen sail, the dhow ship, or the use of astrolabe and improved knowledge of the monsoon winds facilitated trade.

    • Political Change: Trade led to the rise of new states and port cities (Swahili city-states, Malacca), which derived wealth and power from controlling or taxing trade.

    • Cultural Change: The movement of merchants and scholars led to the spread of religions such as Islam and Hinduism to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia.

    • Travel: The illustration on page 1 depicts a sailing ship on the Indian Ocean carrying pilgrims to Mecca , which was a form of travel intended
      to bind diverse communities to a common tradition (the Hajj).

  • Trans-Saharan Trade:

    • Key Characteristics (by 1250 C.E.): Muslim merchants dominated the trade. The trade routes linked North and West Africa.

    • Commodities: Sub-Saharan Africa notably exported gold to the Middle East and Europe.

    • Development: The network was facilitated by innovations in transportation and commercial technologies such as the use of camels and the establishment of caravanserai (roadside inns).


II. Empires and Political Structures 

Understand the formation, characteristics, and effects of major imperial structures.

  • The Mongol Empire:

    • Political Structure: Following the death of Genghis Khan, the empire fragmented, resulting in the development of khanates in Central Asia.

    • Policy: They are accurately characterized as having reestablished the Silk Road between East Asia and Europe.

  • China's Maritime Power:

    • The Chinese were one of the societies that engaged in extensive maritime trade well beyond their borders in the fifteenth century (early 1400s).

    • Zheng He's Expeditions: Chinese Admiral Zheng He's early 1400s voyages sailed to ports on the Indian Ocean coastline, including those in East Africa.

III. Cross-Cultural Exchange and Innovation 

Examine the diffusion of technology, ideas, and scientific concepts.

  • Exchange of Knowledge: A significant example of interaction among Indian, Arab, and European societies by 1200 C.E. was the transfer of knowledge of numerals and the decimal system (developed in India, passed through Arab lands to Europe).

  • Spread from South Asia: The expansion of communication and trade networks from 600 C.E. to 1450 C.E. resulted in the spread of technological and scientific concepts, such as the decimal and zero, from South Asia.

IV. Social and Demographic Changes 

Review the effects of major pandemics and urbanization trends.

  • The Black Death:

    • The passage by Lisan al-Din Ibn al-Khatib (from Granada, Spain, 1349–1352) discussing contagion and conflicting religious rulings is best understood in the context of
      the spread of the Black Death in the aftermath of the Mongol conquests.

    • Impact on Cities (1200-1400 C.E.): Changes in the distribution of cities during this time, particularly a decline in the Middle East/North Africa/Central Asia share, best support the conclusion that the outbreaks of bubonic plague greatly reduced urban populations across Eurasia.

V. Map Skills Review 

  • Be able to identify the
    Silk Roads and Indian Ocean maritime routes on a map of Eurasia.

  • Be able to identify the maximum extent of the
    Mongol Empire across Eurasia.

  • Be able to identify the major cities and routes of the
    Trans-Saharan Trade network