AP World History Study Guide Notes
APWH Study Guide Units 1 & 2 (1200-1450)
Major Powers
Yuan & Ming Dynasties in China
Inca Empire in South America
Delhi Sultanate in South Asia
Mali Empire in West Africa
Mongol Khanates
Economic Development
Flourishing of trade networks
Innovations in finance and business practices
Growth of urban centers along trade routes
Political Influences
Rise of new empires, such as the Mongols
Consolidation of power by existing rulers
Influence of religious institutions (e.g., Catholic Church in Europe)
Emergence of new forms of governance in various regions
Social Changes
Rise of trading cities
Social stratification
Impact of the Black Death
Influence of the Mongol Empire
Cultural exchange driven by travelers and explorers
Technological Changes
Improvements in navigation
Spread of gunpowder technologies
Agricultural innovations, such as advanced irrigation systems
Development of paper and printing technologies
Introduction of the astrolabe, lateen sail, and saddle
APWH Study Guide Units 3 & 4 (1450-1750)
Major Powers
Ottoman Dynasty
Mughal Dynasty
Qing Dynasty
Maritime Powers: Spain, Portugal, and England
Economic Development
Rise of global trade networks
Influence of the Columbian Exchange
Emergence of mercantilism
Intensification of labor systems, including the Atlantic Slave Trade
Political Influences
Rise of centralized state power
Impact of the Protestant Reformation
Emergence of new economic systems and empires
Social Changes
Effects of the Columbian Exchange on societies
Emergence of new social hierarchies
Rise of land-based empires
Cultural movements: Renaissance, Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment
Impact of the transatlantic slave trade
Rise of the merchant class
Technological Changes
Advancements in maritime technologies
Development of gunpowder weapons
Innovations in publishing due to the printing press
APWH Study Guide Units 5 & 6 (1750-1900)
Major Powers
British Empire
French Empire
Russian Empire
Spanish Empire
Ottoman Empire
United States
Japanese Empire
Economic Development
Rise of industrialization
Growth of free trade and global interconnectedness
Exploitation of resources across various regions
Economic growth accompanied by inequality
Political Influences
Rise of nationalism
Revolutions inspired by Enlightenment ideals
Impact of the Industrial Revolution on socio-political structures
Social Changes
Urbanization due to industrial growth
Rise of the middle class and emergence of a working class
Social inequality and transformations in family structures
New social structures and rise of nationalism
Impact of imperialism and migration patterns
Technological Changes
Development of new energy sources (e.g., coal, steam)
Advancements in industrial machinery
Innovations in transportation and communication
APWH Study Guide Units 7, 8 & 9 (1900-Present)
Major Powers
Great Britain
France
Germany
United States
Japan
Economic Development
Ongoing industrialization
Adoption of free-market principles
Significant technological advances
Increased global interdependence and creation of new economic institutions
Political Influences
Rise of nationalism and authoritarianism
Occurrence of global conflicts and revolutions
Processes of decolonization and development of new ideologies
Formation of international organizations (e.g., United Nations)
Social Changes
Effects of decolonization and emergence of nationalist movements
Impact of globalization and spread of democracy
Expanding rights movements, particularly those focused on women's rights
Technological Changes
Revolutionized communication and transportation technologies
Innovations across industry, agriculture, and medicine
APWH FRQ Guide
The Free Response Questions (FRQ's) will focus on analyzing historical events, interpreting sources, and constructing arguments based on evidence.
Familiarize yourself with using historical evidence to substantiate claims.
Pay attention to the phrasing of the questions and ensure you answer all parts thoroughly.