Concise Summary of Key Developments (1200-1450)

Time Period 1 Study Guide: 1200-1450

1.1 Developments in East Asia

• Chinese Dynasties: Systems of government evolved over time, notably the Song Dynasty.

• Cultural Traditions:

• Confucianism: Influenced social structures, promoting filial piety and respect for elders, particularly impacting women's social roles.

• Spread of cultural traditions to Heian Japan and Korea.

• Buddhism: Branches included Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan.

• Economic Innovations:

• Champa rice: Increased agricultural productivity.

• Grand Canal expansion: Enhanced transportation.

• Advancements in steel, iron production, textiles, and porcelains for export.

1.2 Developments in Dar al-Islam

• Religious Influences: Major beliefs include Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.

• Islamic Political Entities: Growth of states like the Seljuk Empire, Mamluk Sultanate, and Delhi Sultanates.

• Intellectual Innovations:

• Mathematics by Nasir al-Din al-Tusi.

• Contributions in literature by 'A'ishah al-Ba'uniyyah.

• Advances in medicine; preservation of Greek philosophy via the House of Wisdom in Abbasid Baghdad.

1.3 Developments in South and Southeast Asia

• Belief Systems: Major religions include Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism.

• Political Developments: States like the Vijayanagara Empire, Srivijaya Empire, and others maintained power through various religious practices (e.g., Bhakti movement, Sufism).

1.4 State Building in the Americas

• State Systems: Included Maya city-states, Mexica, Inca, and systems like Chaco, Mesa Verde, Cahokia.

1.5 State Building in Africa

• State Systems: Growth and changes in states such as Great Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and Hausa kingdoms.

1.6 Developments in Europe

• Religious Influences: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam shaped European society.

• Political Decentralization: Resulted in fragmented political structures during this period.

• Agricultural Changes: Serfdom defined social organization.

1.7 Comparison in State Formation

• Processes of State Formation: Comparative continuity, innovation, and diversity observed across Afro-Eurasia and the Americas.

• Fragmentation of the Abbasid Caliphate resulted in new Islamic political entities dominated by Turkic peoples.

State Systems in the Americas

• Maya City-States: Independent cities known for their advances in math, astronomy, and art. They built large temples and had complex societies.

• Mexica (Aztecs): Created a powerful empire through military conquests and collecting tribute from conquered peoples. Their society was organized with strong religious beliefs and an economy based on farming and trade.

• Inca Empire: This was the largest empire in the Americas before European contact, spanning the Andes. They developed advanced farming techniques and had a well-organized government.

• Chaco: Known for its unique buildings, Chaco was a major trading center that connected different cultures.

• Mesa Verde: Famous for its dwellings built into cliffs, Mesa Verde was an important cultural area showcasing how people adapted to their surroundings.

• Cahokia: Near modern-day St. Louis, Cahokia was a large city with impressive earthen mounds and a complex society involved in trade.

State Systems in Africa

• Great Zimbabwe: Known for its striking stone structures, Great Zimbabwe was central to trade in gold and ivory.

• Ethiopia: Known for its ancient Christian kingdoms and unique rock-carved churches, Ethiopia maintained its independence, notably defeating Italy in the Battle of Adwa.

• Hausa Kingdoms: A group of independent city-states in Nigeria, the Hausa kingdoms were known for trade, culture, and Islamic scholarship. They engaged in trade with each other, boosting their influence in West Africa.