AP World History Notes

TOPIC 1.1 Developments in East Asia from c. 1200 to c. 1450

CHINA

Significance of the Song Dynasty (960-1279):

Wealth and Political Stability: China enjoyed substantial wealth and maintained political stability during this period.

Artistic and Intellectual Growth: It was a time of significant artistic and intellectual innovation.

Manufacturing Capability: China became the world's leading manufacturing power.

Commercialization: The society shifted from local production to market-based production, becoming the most commercialized in the world.

Spread of Buddhism and Confucianism: These philosophical and religious systems gained broader influence.

Expansion of Bureaucracy: China's bureaucracy expanded through meritocracy, which increased social mobility.

Economic Developments in Postclassical China

The Grand Canal:

Efficient Waterway: This system facilitated efficient transport, turning China into a major trading area.

Gunpowder:

Technological Diffusion: Gunpowder and guns spread from China across Eurasia via the Silk Roads.

Agriculture:

Irrigation Systems: China developed sophisticated irrigation techniques.

Agricultural Tools: They used heavy plows, often pulled by oxen or water buffalo.

Increased Productivity: These innovations led to increased food production and population growth.

Tributes:

Income System: Other states paid money or provided goods to honor the Chinese emperor, creating a revenue stream.

Social Structures in China

Social Welfare:

Aid to the Poor: The Song government provided assistance to the poor.

Public Hospitals: Public hospitals were established for people to receive care.

Gender Expectations:

Women's Roles: Women were expected to defer to men, demonstrated by practices like foot binding.

Religious Diversity in China

Buddhism:

Origin and Spread: Buddhism came to China from India via the Silk Roads.

Forms of Buddhism: Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan Buddhism each developed different emphases.

Core Beliefs: Followers adhered to the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Neo-Confucianism:

Syncretic System: Evolved between 770 and 840, combining rational thought with Daoist and Buddhist ideas.

JAPAN

Feudalism:

Decentralized Society: Japan was a feudal society with no strong central government for centuries.

Daimyo: Landowning aristocrats, the daimyo, fought for control.

Rice Farmers: Most people worked as rice farmers.

Government

Shogunate:

Military Ruler: In 1192, the Minamoto clan installed a shogun, or military ruler.

Regional Rivalries: Japan suffered from regional conflicts for four centuries.

Central Government: A strong central government unifying the country did not emerge until the 17th century.

KOREA

Connection to China:

Tributary Relationship: Korea had a direct relationship with China and a tributary status.

Centralized Government: Korea centralized its government modeled after China.

Cultural Adoption: Koreans adopted Confucian and Buddhist beliefs.

Aristocracy

Powerful Landowners:

Limited Social Mobility: Korea maintained a powerful landed aristocracy, limiting social mobility compared to China.

VIETNAM

Social Structures

Women's Independence:

Greater Freedom: Vietnamese women had greater independence than Chinese women.

Family Structure

Nuclear Families: Vietnamese preferred nuclear families.

Village Autonomy:

Independent Villages: Villages operated independently from the national government.

Limited Centralization: Political centralization was nonexistent.

Bureaucracy

Merit-Based Bureaucracy: They adopted a merit-based bureaucracy, but officials owed allegiance to the village peasants.

TOPIC 1.2 Developments in Dar al-Islam from c. 1200 to c. 1450

Innovations

Advances in mathematics:

Nasir al-Din al-Tusi: He laid the groundwork for trigonometry as a separate subject.

Advances in literature:

‘A’ishah al-Ba’uniyyah: A prolific female Muslim writer, she described her mystical journey.

Advances in medicine:

Medical Progress: Medical care and hospitals improved.

Licensing: Doctors and pharmacists had to pass examinations for licenses.

Social Structures

Merchants:

High Status: Islamic society viewed merchants favorably, in contrast to Europe and Asia.

Trade and Wealth: Merchants grew wealthy via trade in the Indian Ocean and Central Asia.

Women:

Higher Status: Muslim women had higher status than Christian or Jewish women.

Property Rights: They could inherit and retain property after marriage.

Divorce: They could remarry if widowed and receive a cash settlement if divorced.

Family Planning

Birth Control: Women could practice birth control.

Transfers

Greek Philosophy:

Preservation: Islamic scholars preserved and commented on Greek moral and natural philosophy.

House of Wisdom:

Abbasid Baghdad: This was a center of scholarly and cultural exchange.

Cultural Transfers:

Muslim and Christian Spain: Significant intellectual and cultural exchanges occurred.

Islamic Rule in Spain

Invasion:

Muslim forces invaded Spain in 711.

Long-Term Rule

Seven Centuries: Muslims ruled Spain for seven centuries.

Umayyad Córdoba:

Toleration: Córdoba had a climate of toleration among Muslims, Christians, and Jews.

Trade Promotion

Chinese and Southeast Asian Products: Trade was promoted, allowing these goods to enter.

TOPIC 1.3 Developments in South and Southeast Asia from c. 1200 to c. 1450

SOUTH ASIA

Political Structures in South Asia

Southern India:

Chola Dynasty (850—1267): Southern India was more stable, ruled by the Chola Dynasty for over 400 years.

Northern India:

Rajput Kingdoms: After the Gupta Empire's fall, Rajput kingdoms formed in northern India and Pakistan.

Delhi Sultanate:

Islamic Rule: The Delhi Sultanate brought Islam to India, reigning from the 13th through the 16th centuries.

Religion in South Asia

Hinduism:

Predominant Religion: Most South Asians practiced Hinduism before Islam's arrival.

Differences between Hinduism and Islam:

Monotheism vs. Polytheism: Hindus have many gods, while Muslims are strictly monotheistic.

Visual Representation: Hindu art depicts deities, while Muslims disapprove of visual representations of Allah.

Social Equality

Caste System: Hinduism has a hierarchical caste system, while Islam calls for equality among believers.

Sacred Texts: Hindus recognize several texts, while Muslims follow the Quran.

Social Structures in South Asia

Limited Social Change:

Caste System: Islam's arrival did little to alter the basic structure of society.

Persistence of Caste: Most people could not escape the caste system.

Historical Continuity

Strong Continuity: The caste system remained a strong historical continuity.

The Bhakti Movement:

Emotional Devotion: Focused on emotional attachment to a deity rather than rituals.

SOUTHEAST ASIA

Sea-Based Kingdoms

Srivijaya Empire (670-1025):

Hindu Kingdom: Based on Sumatra, it built a navy.

Maritime Fees: Prospered by charging fees for ships between India and China.

Majapahit Kingdom (1293—1520):

Buddhist Kingdom: Based on Java, with 98 tributaries.

Sea Route Control: Maintained power by controlling sea routes.

Land-Based Kingdoms

Sinhala Dynasties in Sri Lanka:

Immigrant Origins: Rooted in immigrants from northern India.

Buddhist Hub: Became a center of Buddhist study.

The Khmer Empire (802—1431):

Location: Situated near the Mekong River and not reliant on maritime power.

Economic Prosperity: Complex irrigation systems led to prosperity.

TOPIC 1.4 State Building in the Americas

The Mississippian Culture

Location:

Mississippi River Valley: It was the first large-scale civilization in North America.

Society:

Rigid Class Structure: The society had a rigid class structure.

Matrilineal Structure

Matrilineal Society: It was a matrilineal society.

The Maya City-States

Height of Civilization:

Peak Period: The Mayan civilization peaked between 250 and 900 CE.

Location:

Geographic Area: They stretched over southern Mexico and parts of Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala.

Government:

City-States: The main form of government was the city-state, each ruled by a king.

Divine Right: Each king claimed descent from a god.

Science and Religion

Astronomy: Mayan science and religion were linked through astronomy.

The Aztecs

Origins:

Hunter-Gatherers: Originally hunter-gatherers, they migrated to central Mexico in the 1200s.

Capital:

Tenochtitlan: Founded in 1325 on the site of Mexico City.

Infrastructure: They built aqueducts and a large pyramid.

Tributary System: The Aztecs developed a tributary system.

Government:

Theocracy: The government was a theocracy.

Religion:

Deities: They worshipped hundreds of deities.

Human Sacrifice: Worship involved rituals, feasts, and human sacrifices.

Women's Role

Tribute System: Women made valuable cloth for tribute.

The Inca

Empire and Governance:

Four Provinces: The Incan Empire was divided into four provinces, each with its own bureaucracy.

Mit’a System: Instead of tributes, they used the mit’a system of mandatory public service.

Religion:

Sun Worship: Inca means \"people of the sun,\" and Inti, the sun god, was central.

Priests

Religious Roles: Priests diagnosed illnesses, solved crimes, and predicted outcomes.

Agriculture:

Terrace Systems: They developed sophisticated terrace systems for crops like potatoes and maize.

Spanish Conquest

Conquest: The Spanish conquered the core of the empire in 1533.

TOPIC 1.5 State Building in Africa

Political Structures in Inland Africa

Bantu Migrations:

Influence: The migrations of Bantu-speaking people shaped sub-Saharan Africa.

Kin-Based Networks: Communities formed kin-based networks.

Village Districts: Villages formed districts, and chiefs solved problems.

Political Structures of West and East Africa

Trade:

Wealth and Power: Trade brought wealth, political power, and cultural diversity.

Religious Diversity

Islam, Animism, Christianity: Islam spread, adding to the religious diversity.

Mali:

Rise to Power: Emerged as a powerful trading society after the decline of Ghana.

Zimbabwe:

Economic Base: Prosperity was built on agriculture, grazing, trade, and gold.

Rich Gold Fields: It had rich gold deposits.

Ethiopia:

Christian Kingdom: Christianity spread from the Mediterranean coast.

Trade Network: Flourished by trading goods from India, Arabia, Rome, and Africa's interior.

Social Structures of Sub-Saharan Africa

Social Organization:

Kinship, Age, and Gender: Society was organized around these structures.

Gender Roles

Men's Activities: Men dominated specialized skills.

Women's Activities: Women engaged in agriculture and food gathering.

Slavery and Status

Slavery: Prisoners of war, debtors, and criminals were often enslaved.

Social Status: Owning enslaved people increased social status.

Indian Ocean Slave Trade

Slave Trade: A demand for enslaved workers in the Middle East led to an Indian Ocean slave trade.

Cultural Life in Sub-Saharan Africa

Ancestor Veneration:

Song Lyrics: Songs communicated with the spirit world.

Music Rhythms: African music had distinct rhythmic patterns.

Visual Arts

Religious Purpose: Visual arts commonly served a religious purpose.

Role of Griots

Griots: Storytellers were the conduits of history.

TOPIC 1.6 Developments in Europe from c. 1200 to c. 1450

Feudalism: Political and Social Systems

Structure:

Security: Feudalism provided security for peasants and equipment for warriors.

Land-Based Wealth: Wealth was measured in land.

Manorial System

Self-Sufficiency: The manorial system provided economic self-sufficiency and defense.

Political Trends in the Later Middle Ages

Monarchies Grow Stronger:

Bureaucracy and Military: Monarchies gained power by employing their own bureaucracy and military.

King Philip II of France: He developed a real bureaucracy.

The Estates-General

Advisory Body: This body advised the king and included representatives from three classes: clergy, nobility, and commoners.

The Hundred Years’ War

England vs. France (1337-1453): This war stimulated a sense of unity among soldiers.

Roman Catholic Church during the Middle Ages

Great Schism:

Division: In 1054, the Christian Church split into Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox branches.

Universities

The Church Established First Universities: The Church founded Europe's first universities.

Philosophers and Thinkers

Religious Leaders: Most philosophers and writers were religious leaders.

Power in Feudal System

Church's Influence: The Church held great power.

Hierarchy of Leaders

Bishops and Pope: Regional leaders (bishops) owed allegiance to the pope.

Corruption

Wealth and Corruption: Wealth led to corruption in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Christian Crusades

Goal:

Reclaim Holy Land: Europeans sought to reclaim the Holy Land in the Middle East.

Economic and Social Trends

Invasion Pressure: These trends added pressure to invade the Middle East.

Series of Military Campaigns

Crusades: These were military campaigns in the Middle East from 1095 to the 1200s.

Economic and Social Change

Middle Class:

Bourgeoisie: The middle class grew, including shopkeepers and merchants.

Urban Growth

Larger Cities: Renewed commerce led to larger cities.

Treatment of Jews:

Anti-Semitism: Anti-Semitism was widespread.

Expulsions: Jews were expelled from various countries.

Treatment of Muslims:

Discrimination: Muslims faced discrimination.

Expulsions: Those who wouldn't convert were expelled from Spain.

Women's Rights:

Loss of Rights: Women lost rights due to patriarchal thinking.

Renaissance

Definition:

Revival: It was a revival of interest in classical Greek and Roman culture.

Printing Press

Movable Type: Gutenberg’s press led to mass production of manuscripts and growth in literacy.

Humanism

Focus on Individuals:

Humanism: This was the focus on individuals rather than God.

Education and Reform

Humanists sought education and reform.

TOPIC 1.7 Comparisons in the Period from c. 1200 to c. 1450

State-Building and New Empires

China:

Song Dynasty: Continued progressing economically and socially.

Middle East:

Abbasid Caliphate: It was fragmented by invaders.

Africa

Mali: Rulers created a more centralized government.

Americas:

Aztecs: They used a tributary system.

Incas: They used the mit’a system.

Europe:

Feudal Ties: These lessened in Western Europe but not in Eastern Europe.

Japan

Decentralization: Became more decentralized and feudal.

Four Types of State-Building, c.1200-c.1450

Emergence of New States:

Description: States arise on land once controlled by another empire.

Examples: Mamluk Empire, Seljuk Empire, Delhi Sultanate

Revival of Former Empires:

Description: New leadership continues or rebuilds a previous empire.

Examples: Song Dynasty, Mali Empire, Holy Roman Empire

Synthesis of Different Traditions:

Description: A state adapts foreign ideas to local conditions.

Examples: Japan, Delhi Sultanate, Neo-Confucianism

Expansion in Scope:

Description: An existing state expands its influence through conquest or trade.

Examples: Incas, Aztecs, East Africa, Southeast Asia

State-Building through Trade

Increased Trade:

Cross-Cultural Exchanges: Technology exchange increased.

Paper Manufacturing:

Origin and Spread: Invented in China, it spread across Eurasia.

Increased Literacy: This led to increased literacy rates.

Benefitted from Exchanges

Europe: Benefited from exchanges with the Middle East and Asia.

Patriarchy and Religion

Patriarchal Societies:

Social Organization: Most cultures remained patriarchal.

Varied Cultures

Differences: Cultures varied.

Opportunities for Women

Convents and Religious Communities: Provided women with opportunities for learning and leadership.

Foot Binding:

China: Women lost independence as foot binding became common.

Unit 2: Network of Exchange: 8%-10% of the AP test (c. 1200 to c. 1450)

TOPIC 2.1 The Silk Roads

Causes of the Growth of Exchange Networks

The Crusades:

Expansion of Exchange: The Crusades opened routes for expanding exchange networks by introducing new goods.

Rise of the Mongol Empire:

Unified Authority: Parts under different rulers unified under an authority that valued merchants and enforced laws.

Improved Roads

Mongols improved roads and punished bandits, increasing safe travel.

Improvements in Transportation:

Camels: Saddles were developed for camels.

Naval Technology

China's Advances: China had made advances in naval technology (rudder and magnetic compass).

Effects of the Growth of Exchange Networks

Centers of Trade:

Cities: Cities along rivers became trade centers.

Financial Systems:

Flying Cash: China developed a system of credit.

Increased Production:

Corresponding Increase: High demand led to a corresponding increase in the supply of luxury goods.

Iron and Steel

Expanded Production: Expansion of iron and steel manufactured in China motivated proto-industrialization.

TOPIC 2.2 The Mongol Empire and the Making of the Modern World

Genghis Khan

Military Campaigns:

Attack on Jin Empire: In 1210, Genghis Khan attacked the Jin Empire.

Conquests: By 1227, his kingdom stretched from the North China Sea to eastern Persia.

Military Prowess

Skilled Soldiers: Mongolian soldiers were skilled riders and proficient with the short bow.

Policies:

Religious Tolerance: Instituted a policy of religious tolerance.

Trade Channels

New Channels: New trade channels were established between Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

Mongolian Empire Expands

Division of Empire:

Khanates: Genghis Khan's grandsons set up their own kingdoms, further expanding the empire.

Batu and the Golden Horde

Invasion of Russia: In 1236, Batu conquered Russian kingdoms and forced them to pay tributes.

Long-Term Impact of Mongolian Invasions:

Largest Land Empire: Their empire was the largest continuous land empire in history.

Roads and Trade

System of Roads: The Mongols built and maintained trade routes.

Transfers of Knowledge

Medical Knowledge: They transferred Greco-Islamic medical knowledge and the Arabic numbering system to Western Europe.

Centralization of Power

Centralizing Power: After the Mongols declined, kingdoms continued the process of centralizing power.

End of Knights

Mongol fighting techniques led to the end of Western Europe’s use of knights in armor.

TOPIC 2.3 Exchange in the Indian Ocean

Causes of Expanded Exchange in the Indian Ocean

Spread of Islam:

Connectivity: The expansion of Islam connected more cities.

Specialized Products

Increased Demand: There was increased demand for specialized products.

Maritime Technology

Trade of Enslaved People: This also played a role in exchanges.

Growth of States

Revenue from Trade: Trading networks fostered state growth.

Effects of Expanded Exchange in the Indian Ocean

Diasporic Communities:

Merchant Interaction: Merchants interacted with surrounding cultures.

Increased demand

Demand Products: This caused trade expansion and long-lasting impact.

Swahili City-States:

Thriving Cities: These arose along the east coast of Africa.

Wealth to Cities

Trade brought wealth to the East African coast.

TOPIC 2.4 Trans-Saharan Trade Routes

Trans-Saharan Trade

Fame:

Widespread Knowledge: By the end of the 8th century C.E., the trans-Saharan trade was known throughout Europe and Asia.

Commodities

Gold Trade: Gold was the most precious commodity.

Wealth:

Wealth for West Africa: This trade brought wealth to West African societies.

Spread of Islam

Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa: Merchants brought Islam.

West African Empire Expansion

Government Profits:

Taxation: Mali's government profited from the gold trade and taxed other trade.

Growth of Cities:

Wealth Accumulation: Timbuktu and Gao grew into centers of Muslim life.

Administration and Currencies

Administering and Maintaining Trade: This necessitated administration and currency.

Empires in Western Eurasia and Africa in the 13th Century

Mali:

Location: West Africa

Major City: Timbuktu

Peak Years: 1200s to 1400s

Key Figures: Sundiata, Mansa Musa

Legacy: Connected West and North Africa through trade; spread Islam in West Africa

Al-Andalus:

Location: Spain

Major City: Cordoba

Peak Years: 711 to 1492

Key Figures: Ibn Rushd, Maimonides

Legacy: Created a tolerant society; preserved Greek learning

Byzantine Empire:

Location: Middle East

Major City: Constantinople

Peak Years: 330 to 1453

Key Figures: Justinian, Heraclius

Legacy

Carried on Roman legacy; fostered trade between Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Kievan Rus

Location: Russia

Major City: Kiev

Peak Years: 900s to 1200s

Key Figures: Vladimir I, Yaroslav I

Legacy: Developed first large civilization in Russia; spread Christianity eastward

TOPIC 2.5 Cultural Consequences of Connectivity

Influence of Buddhism on East Asian Culture

Spread via Silk Roads:

Buddhism in China: Buddhism came to China via the Silk Roads, popularized by Xuanzang.

Adoption in Korea and Japan

Japan and Korea: They adopted Buddhism and Confucianism.

Korea

Educated Elite: The educated elite studied Confucian classics.

Peasants

Buddhist Doctrine: This attracted the peasants.

Spread of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam

Indian Religions in Southeast Asia:

Trade Influence: Hinduism and Buddhism spread through trade.

Sea-Based Empires

Srivijaya Empire: Hindu kingdom on Sumatra.

Majapahit Kingdom: Buddhist kingdom on Java.

Islam's Spread:

Wide Reach: Islam spread through merchants, missionaries, and conquests.

Scientific and Technological Innovations

Travel via Trade Routes:

Along with Religion: Science and technology spread along trade routes.

Islamic Scholarship

Translations: Islamic scholars translated Greek classics into Arabic.

Math and Papermaking

Transfers from India and China: Scholars brought mathematics texts and papermaking techniques.

Advances in Hospital Care:

Surgery and Care: They made advances in hospital care, including surgery.

TOPIC 2.6 Environmental Consequences of Connectivity

Agricultural Effects of Exchange Networks

Migration due to Population Growth:

China's Population: People migrated southward to rice-growing regions.

Environmental Degradation:

Pressure on Resources: Increased population put pressure on resources.

Overgrazing

Great Zimbabwe: Severe overgrazing led to abandonment.

Spread of Epidemics through Exchange Networks

The Bubonic Plague:

Transmission: Mongol conquests transmitted the Bubonic Plague from China to Central Asia and Europe.

Impact on Europe:

Devastation: The Black Death killed one-third of Europe's population.

Fatality Statistics

Deaths in China and Asia: About 25 million Chinese and other Asians died between 1332 and 1347

TOPIC 2.7 Comparison of Economic Exchange

Similarities among Networks of Exchange

The Silk Roads:

Luxury Goods: Merchants specialized in luxury goods.

Indian Ocean Trade Routes:

Monsoon-Dependent: Allowed exchange of heavy goods.

Trans-Saharan Trade Routes

North Africa with West and East Africa: Exchanged salt for gold.

Exchange Effects