Topic 1.1

1. I can identify the five key relationships and basic concepts of Confucianism.

1. The Five Key Relationships:

• a. Ruler to Subject: The relationship between a ruler and their subjects is characterized by benevolence, where the ruler should govern with kindness, fairness, and a sense of duty to ensure the well-being of the people. In return, the subjects owe loyalty and obedience to the ruler.

• b. Father to Son: Within the family, the father is seen as the authority figure who should provide for and educate his children with love and discipline. The son, in turn, must respect and obey his father.

• c. Husband to Wife: In marriage, the husband should be kind and considerate to his wife, while the wife should be obedient and supportive of her husband. This relationship is often seen as an extension of the father-son dynamic within the family.

• d. Older Brother to Younger Brother: Siblings are expected to maintain a respectful and supportive relationship, with the older brother guiding and looking after the younger brother, while the younger brother shows respect and deference to the elder.

• e. Friend to Friend: Though not as hierarchical as the other relationships, friendship is still important in Confucianism. Friends should be honest, loyal, and trustworthy to one another, and they should mutually encourage each other to follow virtuous paths.

2. I can identify the main beliefs of Daoism. 

• Daoism, an ancient Chinese philosophy, centers on the concept of the Dao, or the Way, representing the fundamental cosmic principle guiding the universe. Daoists advocate "Wu Wei," non-action in accordance with natural flow, emphasizing balance between Yin and Yang, embracing naturalness (Ziran), and a relativistic view of values. Seeking immortality and longevity, Daoists engage in practices like meditation and qigong, while some strands promote minimal governance. Laozi's "Tao Te Ching" is the foundational text, offering guidance on living in harmony with the Dao through humility and simplicity, influencing Chinese culture and philosophy, martial arts, medicine, and art.

3. I can explain the effects of the following innovations of Song China

1. Champa rice

   1. Increased Agricultural Productivity: Champa rice, a fast-maturing and drought-resistant strain of rice, was introduced during the Song Dynasty. This new variety significantly increased rice yields compared to traditional rice varieties. As a staple crop, it helped feed a growing population, contributing to economic stability and growth.

   2. Population Growth: The higher agricultural productivity resulting from Champa rice played a crucial role in sustaining China's population growth during the Song Dynasty. A larger population meant more labor for economic activities, including agriculture, industry, and trade.

   3. Urbanization and Economic Expansion: The surplus rice production facilitated urbanization, as people moved to cities to engage in various trades and industries. This urban growth stimulated economic expansion and the development of a money-based economy, further fueling China's prosperity during this period.

2. The Grand Canal

   1. Improved Transportation: The Grand Canal was a massive waterway system connecting northern and southern China. It facilitated the transportation of goods, particularly rice and other agricultural products, between these regions. This efficient trade route encouraged economic development, as goods could be transported more easily and at a lower cost.

   2. Regional Integration: The Grand Canal helped integrate the northern and southern parts of China, fostering cultural exchange and economic cooperation. It also played a critical role in the political stability of the dynasty by ensuring the north had access to the grain-rich south, preventing food shortages and uprisings.

   3. Cultural Exchange: The movement of people and goods along the Grand Canal led to cultural exchange and the spread of ideas and technologies, contributing to China's intellectual and artistic development during the Song Dynasty.

3. Gunpowder

   1. Military Advancements: Gunpowder, originally discovered in China during the Tang Dynasty but further developed during the Song Dynasty, revolutionized warfare. The invention of firearms, cannons, and explosive weapons gave the Song military a significant advantage, contributing to their ability to defend against external threats and expand their territory.

   2. Impact on World History: The knowledge of gunpowder eventually spread along trade routes, influencing military technology and strategies globally. It had a profound impact on the course of world history, playing a key role in shaping the nature of warfare and empire-building in later centuries.

   3. Technological Innovation: The development of gunpowder also spurred innovation in other fields, including chemistry and metallurgy. This technological progress had far-reaching consequences beyond the military sphere.

4. I can explain the concept of the Mandate of Heaven and how it created change and continuity in Chinese history.

• Change:

  • Dynastic Cycles: The Mandate of Heaven was used to justify changes in dynastic rule in China. When a dynasty became corrupt, ineffective, or lost the favor of heaven (often evidenced by natural disasters, revolts, or other signs of unrest), it was believed to have lost the Mandate of Heaven. This provided a moral and ideological basis for rebellions and the overthrow of ruling dynasties. New rulers who successfully established control were seen as having gained the Mandate of Heaven, leading to dynastic change.

  • Political Legitimacy: The concept of the Mandate of Heaven helped establish the principle that rulers were accountable for their actions and governance. It promoted the idea that rulers had a moral duty to rule justly, protect their subjects, and maintain social harmony. When rulers failed in these responsibilities, they could lose the Mandate and face rebellion or overthrow, leading to political change.

  • Philosophical Influences: The Mandate of Heaven played a crucial role in the development of Confucianism and other Chinese philosophies. Confucianism, for instance, emphasized the importance of virtuous leadership and argued that rulers held power because of their moral character and adherence to ethical principles, in alignment with the Mandate of Heaven.

• Continuity:

  • Cultural and Political Continuity: Despite changes in dynasties and ruling elites throughout Chinese history, the concept of the Mandate of Heaven provided a continuous thread of legitimacy and authority. It helped maintain a sense of continuity in Chinese culture and governance, as new rulers and dynasties sought to align themselves with this concept to legitimize their rule.

  • Political Stability: The belief in the Mandate of Heaven promoted political stability by discouraging rebellion without just cause. It encouraged the idea that change in leadership should only occur when the current rulers had clearly lost the divine mandate due to their own failures or corruption. This helped prevent constant upheaval and maintained periods of relative stability within China.

  • Imperial Governance: The Mandate of Heaven was embraced by successive Chinese dynasties, contributing to the centralization of imperial authority and governance. Rulers used this concept to justify their rule over a vast and diverse empire, which helped unify and govern a geographically expansive and culturally diverse land.

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

5. I can explain the shared characteristics of the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam)

• The Abrahamic religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, share core characteristics that form the foundation of their faiths: a belief in the existence of a single, all-powerful God, a common historical lineage tracing back to Abraham, and sacred texts (such as the Hebrew Bible, the Christian Bible, and the Quran) that guide their beliefs and practices. They also share the recognition of prophets and messengers, a belief in an afterlife with moral and ethical guidelines, places of worship (synagogues, churches, mosques), various religious rituals and practices, and dietary laws. While they share these common elements, they also hold distinct theological beliefs and practices that make each of them unique, contributing to the rich tapestry of human spirituality and religious diversity.

6. I can explain the ways that the Islamic world contributed to scientific thought and the spread of ideas.

• They preserved ancient Greek, Roman, and other texts, translated them into Arabic, and built the House of Wisdom as a center for learning. Islamic scholars excelled in mathematics, introducing Arabic numerals, algebra, and zero. They made advances in astronomy, medicine, and geography. Islamic philosophers bridged classical philosophy with theology. Islamic scholars also played a key role in transmitting this knowledge to the West, which contributed to the European Renaissance. Cultural exchange along trade routes and their central location facilitated the spread of these ideas, leaving a lasting legacy in science and culture.

Topic 1.3 - Developments in South and Southeast Asia from c. 1200 - c. 1450

7. I can explain the main beliefs of Buddhism.

• Four Noble Truths acknowledge the existence of suffering, its cause in attachment and desire, the possibility of ending suffering through inner peace (Nirvana), and the Eightfold Path as a guide to achieve it. Buddhists embrace reincarnation and karma, where actions affect future lives. Nirvana is the ultimate goal, signifying liberation from suffering and desire. Buddhism values the Middle Way, balancing extremes, and teaches impermanence and the acceptance of change. Compassion and helping others, as seen in the Bodhisattva ideal, are essential. Meditation is a core practice, fostering mindfulness and insight. The Three Jewels represent refuge in the Buddha, his teachings (Dharma), and the community (Sangha), guiding Buddhist devotion and practice.

8. I can explain the reasons why Buddhist thought challenged the social hierarchy in South Asia

• It welcomed people of all backgrounds to pursue spiritual enlightenment through ethical living and meditation, opposing the caste system's rigid barriers. Unlike the complex rituals promoted by the Brahmin priestly class, Buddhism advocated a simpler, more direct path to salvation, diminishing the priests' authority. Its emphasis on compassion and non-violence appealed to those seeking a fairer, more humane society. Buddhist monastic communities actively engaged in charitable work, addressing social issues and advocating for the underprivileged. The concept of meritocracy in Buddhism, based on one's deeds rather than birth, encouraged people to strive for enlightenment independently of their caste. This accessibility to the masses and some royal support contributed to its challenge to the established social order.

9. I can explain the main beliefs of Hinduism.

• It revolves around the concept of karma, where one's actions in this life affect their future lives. Hindus believe in reincarnation, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, with the ultimate goal of achieving Moksha, liberation from this cycle. The religion is polytheistic, with reverence for many gods and goddesses, each representing different aspects of the divine. Hinduism values dharma, which is living a righteous and ethical life in harmony with one's duties and responsibilities. The pursuit of spiritual knowledge and meditation are also essential aspects of Hindu practice, with scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and the Vedas providing spiritual guidance.

10. I can explain the role that merchants had in spreading Islam into South Asia.

• Merchants played a crucial role in spreading Islam into South Asia through trade networks. They served as intermediaries between the Islamic world and South Asia, bringing not only goods but also cultural and religious ideas. These traders introduced Islam to local communities, and through peaceful interactions and cultural exchanges, including marriages and partnerships, Islam gradually gained a foothold in the region. Additionally, merchants often established trade settlements and communities that acted as centers for Islamic learning and practice, further contributing to the diffusion of the faith in South Asia.

Topic 1.5 - State Building in Africa

11. I can compare the different kinds of governments used in Africa before 1200 ce.

• Tribal Africa refers to the many different indigenous cultures and communities that exist across the African continent. These communities have a wide variety of cultural practices, beliefs, and languages, and many of them have a long history that predates the arrival of Europeans on the continent. Many tribal African communities have a strong connection to their traditional ways of life and often base their cultural practices and beliefs on their traditional spiritual and religious practices.

12. I can explain the major characteristics of the following states:

a. The Swahili Coast city-states

• During that time, the Swahili Coast comprised numerous city-states that traded across the Indian Ocean. The city-states were independent sultanates, although they shared a common language (Swahili) and religion (Islam). They traded across the Indian Ocean for items, such as pottery, silks, and glassware.

b. Great Zimbabwe

 Its city-states were united in trade and variations of the Bantu language.  Its largest city-state, Great Zimbabwe, was protected by a large wall demonstrating the unity of its people.

C. Mali

The Mali Empire was a West African empire that flourished in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was located in what is now Mali, and it controlled a vast territory that included parts of modern-day Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea, and Niger. The Mali Empire was founded by Sundiata Keita, who established the empire's capital at the city of Niani. The Mali Empire was known for its wealth, which was derived from the empire's control of the trans-Saharan trade in gold, salt, and other goods. The Mali Empire was also known for its scholarship and its cultural achievements, including the establishment of a number of important centers of learning. The Mali Empire declined in the 15th century and was eventually replaced by the Songhai Empire. 1200 CE - 1400 CE, replaced Ghana, Islam unites Mali and those it conquers. Mansa Musa is a famous and powerful king who built mosques and famous libraries in Timbuktu (capital). Mansa Musa travels the Trans-Saharan Trade Network on his hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca in Arabia, exposing those along the way to Mali’s wealth and power.

Topic 1.6 - Developments in Europe from c. 1200 - c. 1450

13. I can explain the major political characteristics of Europe during the Middle Ages.

• In places like France and England, the people were feudal. Feudalism was a social, economic, and political system that was prevalent in Europe during the Middle Ages. It was based on the holding of land in exchange for service or labor. Under feudalism, the king or monarch owned all the land in a country, and he granted parcels of land, known as fiefs, to nobles in exchange for their loyalty and military service. The nobles, in turn, granted smaller parcels of land to vassals in exchange for their service or labor. This system of granting land in exchange for service or labor was known as the feudal system. The feudal system was a hierarchical one, with the king or monarch at the top and peasants at the bottom. Feudalism began to decline in the 15th and 16th centuries and was replaced by more centralized forms of government.

14. I can explain the following key practices and how they shaped European society.

1. Feudalism

At the top is the monarch, often a king. He basically “owned” all of the land and would grant land, called fiefs, to elites called lords. The lords would then grant some of their own land to other individuals. Those who were granted land were called vassals. Vassals owed food, labor, and military service to the lords above them. Many kings and lords, as well as the church, would hire knights to protect their wealth and power. 

2. Manorialism

Land was sometimes worked on by those who were not the lords to others. These serfs were not slaves but owned no land, thus were very tied to the lord who granted them permission to work the land. Serfs and the manors they worked on would practice the three-field system, where the farmers were careful to not overuse the soil by rotating wheat, beans, and/or let land lay fallow (unused) during the harvest.

3. Serfdom

slaves to the land, not other people. serfs were like share croppers, and were treated as lesser than the lords who ran the land. women had no rights, and the only way they could speak for themselves was to join the church and become a nun.

15. I can explain the Crusades as a turning point in world history.

The Catholic Church started the Crusades in order to take the Holy Land back from the Muslims. The series of Crusades saw the Crusaders also attacking the Orthodox Christians in Constantinople. In the end, the Crusades failed to win back Jerusalem, rather it just weakened the Catholic Church and increased the power of regional monarchs. However, this cross-cultural contact did slowly awaken Europe to the science and mathematics that the Islamic world had been developing.  

16. I can explain how the status of women changed during the Middle Ages, and compare it to how the status of women changed in Song dynasty China.

Topic 2.1 - The Silk Roads

17. I can explain the geography of the Silk Road and the locations it connected.

The silk road was an ancient trade route that connected parts of central asia, persia, mesopotamia, and reached parts of northern Africa and Europe. The geography consisted of Deserts, Oases, Mountains, and various rivers

18. I can explain how the Silk Roads led to the growth of urban centers like caravanserai.

• A caravanserai (Persian word origin) was a roadside inn where travelers could rest and refresh themselves and their animals. These inns were often located along major trade routes, such as the Silk Road, and were used as way stations for caravans traveling between Asia, Europe, and Africa. Caravanserais were typically large, fortified buildings with a central courtyard and an entrance that was guarded by gates. They often had stables for animals, warehouses for storing goods, and workshops for craftsmen. Caravanserais played a vital role in facilitating trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road and other trade routes.

19. I can explain how paper money facilitated trade along the Silk Roads.

• Emergence of global economy, Increased access to capital

• Convenient because they’re lighter than gold 

20. I can explain the geographic location of the Mongol Empire.

The Mongol Empire of the 13th and 14th centuries was the largest contiguous land empire in history. Originating in present-day Mongolia in East Asia, the Mongol Empire at its height stretched from the Sea of Japan to parts of Eastern Europe, extending northward into parts of the Arctic; eastward and southward into parts of the Indian subcontinent, attempted invasions of Southeast Asia, and conquered the Iranian Plateau; and westward as far as the Levant and the Carpathian Mountains.

21. I can explain how the Mongol empire developed under Genghis Khan and how it split under his successors.

The Mongols were known for their highly organized and efficient military campaigns, which enabled them to conquer and control vast territories. As skilled horsemen and traders, they played a significant role in spreading ideas, technologies, and cultural practices throughout the regions they controlled. The Mongols were led by Genghis Khan, who united the various Mongol tribes under his rule in the early 13th century and went on to conquer much of the known world.

Before Genghis Khan, born by the name Temujin, the Mongols lived peacefully. However, Genghis Khan consolidated the Mongols into a fearsome fighting force that effectively conquered their enemies to form an empire.

22. I can explain how the Mongols contributed to the growth of global trade (think Silk Roads).

the Mongol influence also improved the communication along the Silk Road by establishing a postal relay system. The Mongols culturally enhanced the Silk Road by allowing people of different religions to coexist.

23. I can compare and contrast the methods used by the Mongols to rule their different subject regions.

Terrifying or tolerant? Because the Mongols went through so many dynasties and rulers, 

Beginnings of (Yuan Dynasty

• Genghis Khan’s grandson, Kublai Khan, set his sights on China - a more difficult opponent than other previously conquered lands.

• Kublai Khan spent 1235-1271 conquering China. ⚔

• He assumed the title “Great Khan” in 1260, and 11 years later fully defeated the Chinese.

• Kublai Khan founds the Yuan Dynasty.

Significance

• The Yuan Dynasty was a non-native Chinese ruling force, unlike its predecessor the Song Dynasty and its successor the Ming Dynasty.💥

• Did not try to impose Mongol customs; instead practiced religious tolerance. 🙏🏼

• Increased cultural exchange and expanded trade with other countries - even European ones. 💰📈

• Chinese arts and literature flourished. 📜

• The Yuan Dynasty was part of the Mongol Empire which held control of almost all North, Central, East, and West Asian territories. 🗺

Topic 2.3 - Exchange in the Indian Ocean

24. I can identify the major goods traded along the Indian Ocean.

• Items commonly traded through the Indian Ocean trade route from China included spices, silk, and gun powder. The east coast of Africa provided gold and sold slaves to be transported to other locations. India sold spices, textiles, minerals, and jewels.

25. I can explain the connections between the Indian Ocean trade network

and the following religions:

1. Buddhism

Buddhism started its development from the Indian Subcontinent, and reached other regions along the Silk Roads

2. Islam

Religion was just one of the ideas that flowed through the travelers, traders, and goods of the Indian Ocean.

26. I can explain the role of environmental conditions in helping the Indian Ocean trade network 

develop. (Think monsoon winds)

• Monsoon winds in the Indian Ocean (particularly near India’s coast) were highly predictable as to which direction they would go. For half the year, the winds would blow southwest to the northeast, and the other half of the year it was the opposite. The predictability of these winds made it easier for sailors to accurately plan easier and more accurate voyages. 

27. I can explain the groups of people that traded along the Indian Ocean.

Arab and Persians in Eastern Asia, Chinese merchants in Southeast Asia, and Malay communities in the Indian Ocean basin.

• Arabs: Cultural exchange: The Indian Ocean trade was also a major source of cultural exchange, as traders brought goods, ideas, and technologies from one part of the world to another, leading to the spread of religions, languages, and other cultural traditions

• Perisans: lingustic influence, artistic, technoloigical developmentf in India from the Persians

• Chiniese merchants: they served as placeholders between local producers and colonizers. 

• Malay: strong trade units with pepper, nutmeg, and cloves. They were frequent travelers, and served a strong economic purpose. 

Topic 2.4 - Trans-Saharan Trade Routes

28. I can explain the connections between the Trans-Saharan trade network and Islam.

The Trans-Saharan trade routes played a significant role in the spread of Islam in Africa. The routes connected West Africa to the Islamic world, particularly the Middle East, and facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies between these regions.

The trade route led to the widespread of islam as muslims became merchants and actively spead their religions while trading and taking part in the network

29. I can explain the role of caravanserai in growing this trade network.

Caravanserais were roadside inns along major trade routes like the ancient Silk Road, that doubled as hubs for the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture

It facilitated the trade of major spices and good from west africa inculding slaves and gold.

30. I can identify the major goods traded along the Trans-Saharan trade networks.

Gold, Kola nuts, and slaves. 

31. I can explain how the growth of the Mali empire was connected to this trade network.

The Mali Empire was located along major trans-Saharan trade routes and played a significant role in facilitating the trade of gold, salt, and other goods between West Africa and the Mediterranean.

Their economic sucess led to the connections with the west african economies, thus further spreading the economy and ways of life in Mali. 

Topic 2.5 and 2.6 - Cultural Consequences of Connectivity and Environmental Consequences of Connectivity

32. I can explain the major similarities and differences between Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta's world journeys.

Ibn Battuta left home by himself to make a religious pilgrimage to Mecca, while Marco Polo left home with his father and uncle to see the Mongol emperor, Kublai Khan. Both explorers travelled by horseback. Religion played a role in both expeditions, but more so for Ibn Battuta.

33. I can explain the causes and effects of the Black Death.

Bubonic plague is an infection spread mostly to humans by infected fleas that travel on rodents. Some of the effects are A cessation of wars and a sudden slump in trade immediately followed but were only of short duration. A more lasting and serious consequence was the drastic reduction of the amount of land under cultivation, due to the deaths of so many labourers.