APWH Unit 1: The Global Tapestry (copy)

Review of History Within Civilizations

• What rises out of collapse of classical civilization and interactions developing between new states

  • Growth of long-distance trade

Overview of World’s Major Religions in 1200

• Most events are connected to religion

• Key Points:

  1. Most belief systems still are impacting history

  2. Most major religions have divisions = subgroups and sects (focus more on overall religion)

  3. Understand theological basis of belief systems and impact of belief systems on social, political, cultural, military developments

  4. Origin and spread of belief systems - cultural interactions

• Religious Mysticism: adherents within religions focusing on mystical experiences that bring them closer to divine - prayer, meditation

• Buddhism

  • Cultures: India, China, Southeast Asia, Japan

  • Context:

    • Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, a young Hindu prince - lived in Nepal from 563-483 BCE, rejected wealth and world possessions and became Buddha (Enlightened One)

    • No supreme being - 4 Noble Truth: (1) all life is suffering, (2) suffering caused by desire, (3) can be freed of desire, (4) freed of desire following a prescribed path

    • Death of Buddha (483 BCE) = Buddhism split - Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism

    • Theravada Buddhism: meditation, simplicity, nirvana as renunciation of consciousness and self

    • Mahayana Buddhism: great ritual, spiritual comfort - more complex but with greater spread

  • Impact: rejects caste system - appealed to those of lower rank

    • India: reabsorbed in Hinduism

    • China, Japan, Southeast Asia: Buddhism continued to thrive

    • Further: spread via trade routes

• Christianity

  • Cultures: started as group of Jews, quickly expanded through Europe, northeastern Africa, Middle East

  • Context:

    • Based around Jesus of Nazareth, a figure who claimed to be Messiah the Jews had awaited - teachings of devotion to God and love for others

    • Jesus was crucified by Roman and Jewish leaders in 30 CE and his followers believe he rose from dead into heaven

    • Based on Bible teachings

    • Believe Jesus is the Son of God - forgiveness of sins, everlasting life is achievable through him

    • World was created by God, but world has fallen from God

    • Believers should seek God and care for him and others

  • Impact: compassion, grace through faith appealed to lower classes and women

    • Became most influential religion in Mediterranean basin by 3rd century

    • Became official religion of Roman Empire, then branching north and west

    • Connection with Roman Empire had profound impact on global culture

• Confucianism

  • Cultures: China (400 BCE+)

  • Context:

    • Founded by Confucius, educator and political advisor - thoughts and sayings collected in the Analects

    • Deals with how to restore political and social order, not with philosophical or religious topics

    • 5 fundamental relations build society and make it orderly - (1) ruler and subject, (2) parent and child, (3) husband and wife, (4) older sibling and younger sibling. (5) friend and friend

  • Impact:

    • Compatible with other religions, causing it to flourish

    • Led to distinctive Chinese culture of tight-knit communities

    • Stayed within Chinese culture

• Hinduism

  • Cultures: India

  • Context:

    • Belief in one supreme force called Brahma who created everything - gods are manifestations of Brahma (Vishnu = preserver, Shiva = destroyer)

    • Goal of believer is to merge with Brahma - believe it takes multiple lives to accomplish and believers live to determine who they will be in their next life

    • Following the dharma (rules and obligations of your caste) will move you towards Brahma - moksha is highest stake of being (internal peace and release of soul)

    • No sacred text - Vedas and Upanishads guide Hindus

  • Impact:

    • Religion and social caste system, which has prevented global acceptance of religion

    • Recently, Hindus are rebelling caste system

    • Spawned Buddhism

• Islam

  • Cultures: caliphates (Islamic kingdoms), North Africa, central Asia, Europe

  • Context:

    • 7th century - Muslims are the believers

    • Allah presented words through prophet Muhammad, whose words were recorded in the Qur’an

    • Salvation is won through submission to God - 5 Pillars of Islam: (1) confession, (2) prayer 5 times a day, (3) charity, (4) fasting during Ramadan, (5) pilgrimage to Mecca

    • 2 groups, Shia and Sunni, who disagreed who should succeed Muhammad

  • Impact:

    • Rapidly spread to Middle East

• Judaism

  • Cultures: Hebrews

  • Context

    • God selected a group of holy people who should follow his laws and worship them

    • Unique relationship with God

    • World is for them to enjoy, free will - destiny of world is paradise

    • Hebrew Bible - Torah, miracles, laws, historical chronicles, poetry, prophecies

  • Impact

    • First of major monotheistic faiths

Developments in the Middle East

• Abbasid Dynasty: Golden Age to Remember

  • Islamic Empire from 750-1258 CE - early mid-9th century golden age

  • Capital in Baghdad (modern-day Iraq)

  • Centre for arts and sciences - mathematics (Nasir al-Din al Tusi), medicine, writings (House of Wisdom library)

  • Built around trade - used receipt and bill system

• Decline of Islamic Caliphates: Internal Rivalries and Mongol Invasions

  • Challenged by revolt of enslaved Turkish warriors, new Shia dynasty in Iran, Seljuk Turk Sunni group, Persians, Europeans, Byzantines, and most importantly Mongols

  • Mongols overtook and destroyed Baghdad in 1258

  • Ottoman Turks would later reunite Egypt, Syria, and Arabia in new Islamic state until 1918

  • Mamluks: Egyptian group that defeated Mongols in Nazareth, helping preserve Islam in Near East

Developments in Europe

• Middle Ages: fall of Rome before Renaissance - complicated time

• Eastern Roman Empire became Byzantine Empire

• Western Europe: collapsed entirely - Christianity remained strong

• European Feudalism: Land Divided

  • Feudalism: European hierarchy social system of Middle Ages

    1. King: power over whole kingdom

    2. Nobles: had power over sections of kingdom in exchange for loyalty to king and military service

    3. Vassals: lesser lords with sections of Noble land who could divide it further - estates were called fiefs or manors (self-sufficient)

       • Founded three-field system: 3 fields for fall, spring, and empty one to replenish nutrients

       • Conflict between lords was regulated with code of chivalry which condemned betrayal and promoted mutual respect

       • Male dominated: women could not own land and land was passed down to eldest son (primogeniture), their education was limited to domestic skills

    4. Peasants or Serfs: worked the land

       • Had few rights or freedoms outside of manor

       • Skilled in trades, which helped them break out of feudal mode as global trade increased - led to middle class emergence of craftsmen and merchants

Emergence of Nation-States

• At end of Middle Ages, people began moving from feudal kingdom organization to linguistic and cultural organization - emergence of modern countries

• Achievement of statehood in 13th century took different paths

  • Germany: reigning family of emperorship died out, entering a period of interregnum (time between kings) - merchants and tradespeople became more powerful

  • England: English nobles rebelled against King John and forced him to sign the Magna Carta - reinstated the nobles, laid foundation for Parliament

    • Later divided into House of Lords (nobles and clergy - legal issues) and House of Commons (knights and wealth burghers - trade and taxation)

  • France: in 12th century, England began to occupy many parts of France which spurred revolts - Joan of Arc fought back English out of Orleans

    • Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453): unified France, leading to England’s withdrawal

  • Spain: Queen Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon married to unite Spain in a single monarchy and forced all residents to convert to Christianity - Spanish Inquisition

  • Russia: taken over by Tartars (group of eastern Mongols) under Genghis Kahn in 1242 until Russian prince Ivan III expanded his power in 1400s and became czar - Ivan the Terrible became a ruthless ruler utilizing secret police in 1500s

Developments in Asia

China and Nearby Regions

• Song Dynasty (960-1279)

  • Confucianism justified subordination of women - foot binding: women’s feet bound after birth to keep them small

  • Neo-Confucianism: Buddhist ideas about soul, filial piety, maintenance of proper roles, loyalty to superiors

• Ming Dynasty (1368-1644): after brief period of Mongol dominance

• Religion: influenced by Nestorianism, Manichaeism, Zoroastrianism, Islam, and especially Buddhism in two of its forms

  • Mahayana: peaceful and quiet existence apart from worldly values

  • Chan or Zen: meditation and appreciation of beauty

Japan

• Relatively isolated from external influences outside Asia for many years

• Feudal Japan (1192):

  1. Emperor

  2. Shogun (chief general)

  3. Daimyo: owners of larger pieces of land, powerful samurai (like knights)

     • Followed Code of Bushido code of conduct - loyalty, courage, honour

  4. Lesser samurai (like vassals)

  5. Peasants and artisans

• Women had little rights and esteem

India

• Delhi Sultanate: Islamic invader kingdom in Delhi

• Islam took over Northern India - clash between Islam monotheism and Hinduism polytheism

• Islam rulership brought in colleges and farming improvements

• Rajput Kingdoms: several Hindu principalities that united to resist Muslim forces from 1191 until eventual takeover in 1527

Southeast Asia

• Religion spread and established different states

  

• Khmer Empire (9th-15th century): Hindu Empire in modern day Cambodia, Laos, Thailand

  • Beliefs were carried through Indian Ocean trade network

  • Crafted the Angor Wat temple

Developments in Africa

• Islamic Empire spread to North Africa in the 7th to 8th centuries - travelled through Sahara Desert and reached the wealthy sub-Saharan

• An explosion of trade began

• Hausa Kingdoms: off Niger River, series of state system kingdoms

  • Islam region, achieved economic stability and religious influence though long trade (salt and leather) - notably city of Kano

  • Political and economic downturn in 18th century due to internal wars

Developments in Americas

• 3 great civilization in Central and South America: Maya, Incas, Aztecs

• Aztecs: Trade and Sacrifice

  • Arrived in Mexico in mid 1200s

  • Tenochtitlan: capital city (modern Mexico City)

  • Expansionist policy and professional, strict army

  • Empire of 12 million people with flourishing trade, many of people enslaved

  • Women were subordinate, but could inherit property

• Inca: My Land is Your Land

  • Andes Mountains in Peru

  • Expansionist - army, established bureaucracy, unified language, system of roads and tunnels

  • Many people were peasants

  • Capital of Cuzco had almost 300000 people in late 1400s

  • Women were more important and could pass property to their daughters

  • Polytheistic religion with human sacrifice - Sun god was most important

    • People were mummified after death

  • Military was very important

  • Temple of the Sun and Machu Picchu architecture

• The Mayans (textbook does not go into detail)

Study Guides

1.1 Developments in East Asia

1. Main Idea

   1. During the post-classical era, East Asia underwent significant political, social, and cultural changes. In the 13th century, China witnessed advancements in governance, technology, and trade, and became the ultimate example of diverse innovation and development, while dominating the other East Asian nations. On the other hand, Japan underwent political challenges with the rise of the samurai class and the shogunate system. Meanwhile, Korea, influenced by its neighbor, experienced syncretism as Confucian and Buddhist beliefs combined and became popular in their society. Finally, Vietnam continued resisting Chinese influences and asserting its independence.

2. Things to know: Song Dynasty in China

   1. The Tang Dynasty was replaced by the Song Dynasty in 960, and despite controlling a smaller area of land, they flourished and reigned for more than three centuries.

   2. One of China’s biggest strengths was its imperial bureaucracy, a style of government that had been present since the Qin Dynasty and only became stronger under the Song Dynasty.

   3. The emperor, Song Taizu, also expanded educational opportunities, such as the civil service exam, to men who came from lower classes and allowed them upward mobility in society.

   4. Tang Dynasty’s already flourishing projects, such as improved transportation and better agriculture, allowed for more prosperity in the Song Dynasty, which also saw many economic achievements.

   5. One of the biggest projects was the building of the Grand Canal, an inexpensive way to carry goods and trade, which eventually became the largest trading center in the world

   6. Chinese farmers also invented new ways to improve farming, such as detailed irrigation systems, new kinds of plows, and utilizing manure to improve the soil—the combination of which led to an abundance of food and enhanced farming and agriculture as a whole, and as a result, China’s population increased.

   7. China also experienced proto-industrialization, which meant artisans could sell their work, such as silk and porcelain, across the sea.

   8. Due to China’s navigation tools, they could travel across the ocean, growing into the most commercialized nation—its economy thriving as advances in technology allowed for more control.

   9. The Chinese were also the first to use woodblock printing and printed booklets on farming that were then distributed to regions that focused on agriculture.

   10. The development of printing also increased the availability of books, which led to the higher class becoming more well-rounded in literature.

4. Society under the Song Dynasty

   1. As the population increased, there was a rise in urban areas in the Song Dynasty which led to many changes in the life of the people.

   2. China’s class system saw the development of a completely new class, the scholarly gentry, who eventually outnumbered the aristocracy.

   3. The lower class often worked for the upper class to pay off debts and earn wages and the Song government would provide aid and free healthcare for them.

   4. Despite being respected, the role of women during this period was to defer to their male counterparts.

   5. Foot-binding, which became extremely common among the higher class, signified a woman’s social class and further restricted their ability to participate publicly.

   6. Buddhism, which reached China via the Silk Roads, became popular due to Buddhist monks introducing ideas similar to Daoist principles; eventually, both ideas combined and led to the syncretic belief of Chan, or Zen, Buddhism.

5. Japan, Korea, and Vietnam

   1. Japan, Korea, and Vietnam struggled with maintaining their distinct traditions and identities as Chinese culture spread wider.

   2. Japan began promoting Buddhism and Confucianism along with Shinto and also learned woodblock printing from China, similarly emulating Chinese traditions in their arts and culture during the Heian Period.

   3. The Japanese differed in their governing style from China as the former faced power struggles amongst powerful families, while the latter had a unified central government under an emperor.

   4. Korea was much closer to China and shared a land boundary with the country, allowing the countries’ cultures to mix.

   5. Korea also adopted Buddhist and Confucian beliefs and even used the Chinese writing system until the 15th century.

   6. Similar to Japan and Korea, Vietnam also emulated Chinese culture, such as their writing system; however, they had a more hostile relationship with China and often rebelled against its influences.

   7. Vietnamese culture and society played a strong role in resisting Chinese influences.

   8. Some common Vietnamese practices included women having much more independence after marriage, nuclear families, and the lack of a centralized government.

1.2 Developments in Dar al-Islam

1. Main Idea

   1. In the 1100s and 1200s, the Abbasid Empire faced challenges including conflicts with nomadic groups in Central Asia and invasions by Europeans. Over time, the Islamic world fragmented politically, adopting Abbasid practices but maintaining ethnic distinctions. Despite political differences, a cultural region persisted, fostering trade, similar legal systems, and intellectual centers. The Islamic expansion led to discrimination but gradually faded by the 9th century. Cultural transfers laid the groundwork for the Renaissance and Scientific Revolution in Europe, with various innovations contributing to the spread of ideas.

2. Things to Know: Invasions and Shifts in Trade Routes

   1. Egyptian Mamluks:

      1. Arabs purchased enslaved people known as Mamluks, often were ethnic Turks from Central Asia, serving as soldiers and bureaucrats.

      2. Mamluks in Egypt seized government control, establishing the Mamluk Sultanate.

      3. Trade Prosperity and Decline:

         1. Prosperity came through facilitating cotton and sugar trade between the Islamic world and Europe.

   2. Seljuk Turks:

      1. Central Asian Conquerors:

         1. Seljuk Turks, Muslims from Central Asia, began conquering parts of the Middle East in the 11th century.

         2. The Seljuk leader adopted the title of sultan, decreasing the highest ranking Abbasid role from caliph to chief.

   3. Crusaders:

      1. Restrictions on Christian Travel:

         1. Seljuk Turks restricted Christians' travel to holy sites, prompting European Christians to organize Crusaders to regain access.

   4. Mongols:

      1. Mongols, also from Central Asia, conquered the remaining Abbasid Empire in 1258, ending Seljuk rule.

      2. Mongol westward expansion was halted in Egypt by the Mamluks.

   5. Economic Changes and Decline:

      1. Abbasid Trade Routes:

         1. Since the 8th century, Abbasids played a crucial role in connecting Asia, Europe, and North Africa through trade routes.

      2. Shift in Trade Patterns:

         1. Trade patterns shifted northward, away from Baghdad, causing economic decline.

         2. Baghdad lost its central role in trade, leading to a decline in wealth and population.

      3. Infrastructure Decay:

         1. The loss of trade prominence led to the deterioration of infrastructure in Baghdad, impacting its status as a great city.

3. Cultural and Social Life

   1. Political Fragmentation and Turkic Influence:

      1. New states, including the Mamluks, Seljuks, and Delhi Sultanate, adopted Abbasid practices but were ethnically distinct—largely shaped by Turkic peoples from Central Asia.

      2. By the 16th century, major Islamic states rooted in Turkic cultures included the Ottoman Empire, Safavid Empire, and Mughal Empire.

   2. Cultural Innovations and Achievements:

      1. Islamic scholars followed the directive to seek knowledge, leading to cultural innovations:

         1. Translating Greek classics into Arabic, preserving works of Aristotle and other Greek thinkers.

         2. Studying mathematics texts from India and transferring the knowledge to Europeans.

         3. Adopting paper-making techniques from China, impacting European paper production.

   3. Commerce, Class, and Diversity:

      1. Merchants were esteemed in Islamic society, and some were sent as missionaries.

      2. Islamic expansion led to discrimination against non-Arabs, gradually fading into the 9th century.

   4. Slavery in Islamic Societies:

      1. Enslaved people converted to Islam; owners sometimes freed them.

      2. Enslaved women, serving as concubines, had more independence than legal wives.

4. Free Women in Islam

   1. Cultural Practices in Central Asia and Byzantine Empire:

      1. Practices now associated with Islam, such as head and face coverings, were common in Central Asia and the Byzantine Empire before Muhammad's time

         1. Women covering their heads and faces solidified under Islam, with hijab being a term encompassing modest dressing or specific coverings.

         2. Men commonly wore head coverings, including turbans and skull caps.

   2. Muhammad’s Policies:

      1. Muhammad elevated the status of women through his treatment of his wives with love and devotion.

      2. Dowries were insisted upon to be paid directly to the future wife, not her father.

      3. Muhammad forbade female infanticide and set a precedent by having an educated wife with her own business.

   3. Status of Women in Islam:

      1. Women could inherit property and retain ownership after marriage.

      2. They had the right to remarry if widowed and could receive a cash settlement if divorced.

         1. Under specific conditions, a wife could initiate divorce.

      3. Women were allowed to practice birth control.

      4. Women testifying in court under shariah were to be protected from retaliation, but their testimony was valued at half that of a man.

      5. The rise of towns and cities in Islamic-ruled areas led to new limitations on women’s rights.

5. Islamic Rule in Spain

   1. Umayyads in Spain:

      1. Umayyads ruled briefly in the Middle East but had a prolonged reign in Spain.

   2. Battle of Tours:

      1. In 732, Islamic forces faced a rare defeat at the Battle of Tours against Frankish forces which limited the rapid Islamic expansion into Western Europe.

         1. Despite this, Muslims continued to rule Spain for the next seven centuries.

   3. Prosperity Under Islam in Spain:

      1. Umayyad rulers in Cordoba promoted religious toleration among Muslims, Christians, and Jews.

      2. Trade flourished, allowing Chinese and Southeast Asian goods to enter Spain and eventually the rest of Europe through ships called dhows.

   4. Cultural and Scholarly Transfers:

      1. The Islamic state in Spain, al-Andalus, became a center of learning and Cordoba had the world's largest library at the time.

      2. Notable scholar Ibn Rushd in the 12th century wrote influential works on law, secular philosophy, and natural sciences.

      3. Islamic scholarship and scientific innovations, as well as knowledge from India and China laid the groundwork for the Renaissance and Scientific Revolution in Europe.

   
   

1.3 Developments in South and Southeast Asia

1. Main Idea

   1. The intertwined history of South and Southeast Asia can be likened to a complex puzzle comprising various components, encompassing political structures, religious dynamics, and cultural interactions. In South Asia, the emergence and decline of significant empires, such as Vijayanagara, were pivotal moments, and the interplay between Hindus and Muslims during the Delhi Sultanate added complexity to the historical narrative. Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, kingdoms like Srivijaya and Majapahit played distinctive roles, with one thriving by the sea and the other on land. The introduction of new elements, such as Islam and the Bhakti Movement, led to transformative influences on societal structures

2. Things to Know: Political Structures in South Asia

   1. South Asia rarely experienced unity as a single state, with intermittent periods of disunity after the collapse of the Gupta Dynasty in 550.

   2. Hinduism provided cultural unity despite separate political structures in northern and southern India.

   3. Chola Dynasty (850-1267) ruled southern India, followed by the Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646).

   4. Vijayanagara Empire was founded by Harihara and Bukka, who converted from Islam to Hinduism, later overthrown by Muslim kingdoms.

3. Political Structures in Northern India

   1. Northern India saw political upheaval with the rise of Rajput kingdoms after the fall of the Gupta Empire.

   2. Lack of centralized government among Rajput kingdoms made them vulnerable to Muslim invasions.

   3. Islamic presence in northern India increased through invasions, temple plundering, and the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate in the early 13th century.

4. Religion in South Asia

   1. Hinduism and Buddhism were dominant religions before Islam's arrival.

   2. Islam introduced a monotheistic perspective, disapproval of visual representations, and emphasis on equality.

   3. Islam's entry into India led to a dynamic interaction between Hindus and Muslims, influencing cultural and political developments.

5. The Arrival of Islam

   1. Islam initially entered India forcefully but adopted a more peaceful approach later.

   2. Conversion to Islam was mostly voluntary, with many Muslim merchants marrying locals and converting them.

   3. Buddhism saw significant conversions to Islam due to corruption among monks and Muslim raids on monasteries.

7. Cultural Interactions in South Asia

   1. South Asia and the Middle East exchanged intellectual and cultural achievements.

   2. Arab astronomers and mathematicians built upon Indian knowledge, leading to the development of "Arabic numerals."

   3. Islamic architecture in India fused Hindu art with Islamic patterns, exemplified by the Qutub Minar in Delhi.

   4. Urdu, a new language, emerged in South Asia as a blend of Hindi, Arabic, and Persian.

8. The Bhakti Movement

   1. Bhakti Movement, starting in the 12th century, emphasized emotion and attachment to a deity.

   2. Similar to Sufi Muslims, both Bhaktis and Sufis focused on mystical movements and inner reflection.

   3. The movement appealed to women and those of low social status, contributing to the spread of Hinduism

9. Southeast Asia

   1. Indian influence on Southeast Asia dates back to 500, with trade introducing Hinduism and Buddhism.

   2. Srivijaya Empire (670-1025) and Majapahit Kingdom (1293-1520) controlled sea routes, with Srivijaya being Hindu and Majapahit Buddhist.

   3. Sinhala Dynasties in Sri Lanka and the Khmer Empire in Cambodia drew power from land-based control.

   4. Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat in Cambodia demonstrate the influence of both Hinduism and Buddhism in Southeast Asia

10. Islam in Southeast Asia

    1. Islam spread to Southeast Asia through local merchants and later Islamic traders.

    2. Sufis played a role in missionary work, displaying tolerance for local faiths and facilitating conversions.

    3. Islam became prominent in urban areas, with Indonesia having the highest Muslim population today

1.4 Developments in the Americas

1. Main Idea

   1. The Americas were once home to diverse civilizations, such as the Mississippian culture, Mayans, Aztecs, and the Incan Empire. Achievements like Cahokia's massive earthen mounds, the Mayans' city-states, and the Aztecs' powerful empire with a unique religious government defined this rich history. In South America, the Incan Empire stood out with its innovative mit’a system and devotion to the sun god in the impressive Temple of the Sun. These past civilizations, each making unique contributions, have left a lasting impact on the history and culture of the Americas.

2. Things to Know

   1. Mississippian

      1. Emerged in 700s or 800s throughout the eastern United States, known as the Mississippian culture.

      2. Built enormous earthen mounds, with Cahokia in southern Illinois having the largest mound.

      3. Rigid class structure with a Great Sun ruling each large town.

      4. Matrilineal Society where social standing was determined by the woman's side of the family.

      5. Decline and abandonment of Cahokia around 1450, reasons debated—weather extremes and diseases.

   2. Mayan City States

      1. Height between 250 and 900 C.E. in southern Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Guatemala.

      2. City-States government, ruled by kings, frequent wars for tribute and captives.

      3. Innovative thinkers, zero in the number system, complex writing, rubber-making.

      4. Advanced in astronomy, precise observatories for calendar accuracy.

   3. Aztecs

      1. Originally hunter-gatherers, migrated to central Mexico in 1200s, founded Tenochtitlan in 1325.

      2. Conquered surrounding peoples, created an empire from Gulf of Mexico to Pacific Ocean.

      3. Tribute system for dominance, conquered people paid tribute and performed military service.

      4. Theocracy with the emperor as the Great Speaker, human sacrifice central to religion.

      5. Decline in the late 15th century due to low technology, military expansion, and resentment.

   4. Incas

      1. Founded by Pachacuti in 1438 in Cuzco, Peru, expanded to Ecuador in the north to Chile in the south.

      2. Split into four provinces with governors, mit’a system for mandatory public service.

      3. Religion focused on sun god Inti, royal ancestor veneration, human sacrifices for significant events.

      4. Achievements in mathematics with quipu, sophisticated terrace systems in agriculture.

      5. Skilled builders of bridges and roads with the Carpa Nan roadway system.

      6. Decline in 1532 during a civil war of succession and Spanish conquest.

   5. Continuities and Diversity

      1. Debate on the relationship between Mesoamerican cultures, some argue Olmec influence.

      2. Olmec features, like the feathered snake-god, seen in Mayan and Aztec religions.

      3. Ritual sacrifices, pyramids, and ball courts continued in various cultures.

      4. Some argue for independent development of complex civilizations by different cultures

1.5 Developments in Africa

1. Main Idea

   1. The cultural tapestry of 14th-century Africa was woven with diverse threads, shaped by the interplay of Islam, decentralized political structures in inland regions, and the ascendancy of influential kingdoms like Mali and Ghana. Factors driving this historical tapestry encompassed the spread of Islam, the evolution of kin-based governance, and the intricate web of trade networks connecting regions (Mali, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Ethiopia). The effects resonated in cultural nuances, the oral tradition upheld by griots, and the endurance of African heritage through these dynamic historical forces. 

2. Things to Know

   1. Political Structures in Inland Africa

      1. Bantu migrations led to widespread agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa by 1000.

      2. Decentralized political power: kin-based networks and chiefs mediated conflicts.

      3. Growing populations increased competition among communities, fostering the rise of larger kingdoms.

   2. Political Structures of West and East Africa

      1. West and East African kingdoms thrived through trade, bringing wealth and cultural diversity.

      2. Mali, emerging after Ghana's decline, became a dominant trading society under leaders like Sundiata and Mansa Musa.

      3. Zimbabwe showcased wealth through stone architecture, trade, and the Great Zimbabwe, a stone-walled city.

      4. Ethiopia, an island of Christianity, developed independently with unique rock-hewn churches.

   3. Social Structures of Sub-Saharan Africa

      1. Small communities organized around kinship, age, and gender structures.

      2. Gender roles: Men dominated specialized activities; women engaged in agriculture and domestic chores.

      3. Slavery existed in various forms, involving prisoners of war, debtors, and criminals

   4. Cultural Life in Sub-Saharan Africa

      1. Music and visual arts played crucial roles, serving religious purposes and marking rituals.

      2. Griots and griottes, storytellers, preserved history through oral traditions and were revered for their knowledge.

      3. Literature in Sub-Saharan Africa was primarily oral, passed down through generations via griots

1.6 Developments in Europe

1. Main Idea

   1. The cultural tapestry of 14th-century Africa was woven with diverse threads, shaped by the interplay of Islam, decentralized political structures in inland regions, and the ascendancy of influential kingdoms like Mali and Ghana. Factors driving this historical tapestry encompassed the spread of Islam, the evolution of kin-based governance, and the intricate web of trade networks connecting regions (Mali, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Ethiopia). The effects resonated in cultural nuances, the oral tradition upheld by griots, and the endurance of African heritage through these dynamic historical forces. 

2. Things to Know

   1. Political Structures in Inland Africa

      1. Bantu migrations led to widespread agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa by 1000.

      2. Decentralized political power: kin-based networks and chiefs mediated conflicts.

      3. Growing populations increased competition among communities, fostering the rise of larger kingdoms.

   2. Political Structures of West and East Africa

      1. West and East African kingdoms thrived through trade, bringing wealth and cultural diversity.

      2. Mali, emerging after Ghana's decline, became a dominant trading society under leaders like Sundiata and Mansa Musa.

      3. Zimbabwe showcased wealth through stone architecture, trade, and the Great Zimbabwe, a stone-walled city.

      4. Ethiopia, an island of Christianity, developed independently with unique rock-hewn churches.

   3. Social Structures of Sub-Saharan Africa

      1. Small communities organized around kinship, age, and gender structures.

      2. Gender roles: Men dominated specialized activities; women engaged in agriculture and domestic chores.

      3. Slavery existed in various forms, involving prisoners of war, debtors, and criminals

   4. Cultural Life in Sub-Saharan Africa

      1. Music and visual arts played crucial roles, serving religious purposes and marking rituals.

      2. Griots and griottes, storytellers, preserved history through oral traditions and were revered for their knowledge.

      3. Literature in Sub-Saharan Africa was primarily oral, passed down through generations via griots

Key Terms

1.1 Developments in East Asia

1.2 Developments in Dar al-Islam

1.3 Developments in South and Southeast Asia

1.4 Developments in the Americas

1.5 Developments in Africa

1.6 Developments in Europe