Ap World History Unit 1 Review

Alright, buckle up history buffs! Unit 1 of AP World History – The Global Tapestry – lays the foundation for understanding the complex interactions and developments that shaped the world from 1200 to 1450. This period witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the flourishing of trade networks, and the spread of ideas and technologies across continents. This review will delve deep into the key concepts, themes, and regions you need to master to ace that exam.

Introduction: Setting the Stage for Global Connections

The period of 1200-1450 is a turning point in world history. It’s an era where regional networks intensified, paving the way for greater global interconnectedness in subsequent periods. Forget isolated civilizations; this unit is all about understanding how different parts of the world interacted, influenced, and were influenced by each other. We're talking about the origins of what would eventually become the modern world.

Think about it: before this period, interactions were often limited by geographical barriers and technological constraints. However, advancements in navigation, shipbuilding, and communication started to bridge these divides. This is also a period where we see some absolutely massive land empires rise and spread, and their impact on trade routes, cultural exchange, and the balance of power cannot be overstated. To really master this time period, it's necessary to understand the various political systems that were in place across the globe, the different types of trade routes and their impact, and the cultural and intellectual developments that flourished during this time.

I. Political Structures and Their Functions (1200-1450)

A. Empires and States:

This era saw the rise, expansion, and sometimes decline of various empires and states across the globe. Analyzing their political structures, administrative techniques, and methods of maintaining power is essential.

• The Mongol Empire: Spanning across Eurasia, the Mongol Empire was the largest contiguous land empire in history. Understanding their military prowess, their relatively tolerant religious policies, and their impact on trade and cultural exchange is crucial. Think about how they facilitated the Silk Road's resurgence and the consequences of their conquests.
• The Delhi Sultanate (India): This Muslim sultanate in Northern India faced challenges in consolidating power and dealing with a diverse population. It's important to understand their interaction with the existing Hindu population, their administrative systems, and their patronage of art and architecture.
• The Mali Empire (West Africa): Famous for its wealth derived from gold and salt trade, the Mali Empire thrived under rulers like Mansa Musa. Understand their administrative structure, their promotion of Islam, and the impact of Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca.
• Feudalism in Europe & Japan: While seemingly disparate, both Europe and Japan during this period had feudal systems. Compare and contrast their similarities and differences. What role did land ownership play? How did the systems impact social hierarchies? What were the key differences between European and Japanese feudalism?
• The Aztec & Inca Empires (Americas): These empires developed sophisticated administrative systems, agricultural techniques, and religious practices. Analyze their methods of control, their social structures, and their interactions with conquered populations.

B. Political Innovations:

States employed innovative methods to consolidate and maintain power.

• Bureaucracy: Empires like Song China perfected the use of a merit-based bureaucracy. This system of governance, based on skills and knowledge rather than noble birth, allowed for efficient administration and control.
• Tribute Systems: Empires often extracted wealth and resources from conquered territories through tribute systems. This involved conquered regions sending goods, labor, or money to the ruling power, solidifying the empire's control and wealth.
• Religious Legitimacy: Rulers often used religion to legitimize their authority. The concept of divine right of kings in Europe, or the promotion of Islam by rulers in West Africa, are examples of this. Consider how religion served as a unifying and legitimizing force.

C. Continuities & Changes:

Analyze what political systems persisted and what new forms of governance emerged during this period. Feudalism, for instance, represented a continuation of decentralized power in Europe, while the rise of centralized empires like the Mongols marked a significant change.

II. Economic Systems and Their Transformations (1200-1450)

A. Trade Networks:

The period witnessed the flourishing of trade networks across continents.

• The Silk Road: Revitalized under the Mongol Empire, the Silk Road facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies between East and West. This included luxury goods like silk, spices, and porcelain, as well as the spread of religions like Buddhism and Islam.
• The Indian Ocean Trade: This maritime network connected East Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. It involved the trade of goods like spices, textiles, and precious metals. The monsoon winds played a crucial role in facilitating trade, and the network fostered cultural exchange and the spread of Islam.
• The Trans-Saharan Trade: This trade route across the Sahara Desert connected North Africa with West Africa. It involved the exchange of goods like gold, salt, textiles, and slaves. The development of camel saddles was crucial for facilitating this trade.

B. Economic Innovations:

• Paper Money: Song China's adoption of paper money revolutionized trade and commerce, leading to greater efficiency and facilitating larger transactions.
• Banking Houses: The development of banking houses in Europe allowed merchants to deposit and transfer money, facilitating trade and investment.
• Credit: The use of credit expanded trade and economic activity by allowing merchants to borrow money and defer payments.

C. Agricultural Innovations:

• Champa Rice: Introduced to China from Vietnam, Champa rice was drought-resistant and allowed for multiple harvests per year. This led to increased food production and population growth.
• Chinampa System: The Aztec empire developed the chinampa system, which involved creating artificial islands in lakes for agricultural purposes. This allowed for intensive cultivation and supported a large population.
• Waru Waru: The Inca civilization implemented waru waru, an agricultural technique of raised beds and irrigation channels, to prevent erosion and improve water management in the Andean highlands.

III. Cultural Developments and Interactions (1200-1450)

A. The Spread of Religions:

• Islam: Islam continued to spread through trade, conquest, and missionary activity. The establishment of Islamic empires like the Delhi Sultanate and the Mali Empire contributed to the spread of Islamic culture and influence.
• Buddhism: Buddhism continued to be a major religion in East and Southeast Asia. The spread of Theravada Buddhism in Southeast Asia and the influence of Tibetan Buddhism in the Mongol Empire are examples of its continued presence.
• Christianity: Christianity remained dominant in Europe, and the Crusades led to increased interaction between Europe and the Middle East.

B. Cultural Exchanges:

• The Mongol Empire: The Mongol Empire facilitated cultural exchange between East and West. This included the transmission of technologies, ideas, and artistic styles.
• The Indian Ocean Trade: The Indian Ocean Trade fostered cultural exchange between different regions. This included the spread of languages, religious beliefs, and artistic traditions.
• Travelers: Individuals like Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo traveled extensively and documented their experiences, contributing to the exchange of knowledge and ideas. Ibn Battuta's travels through the Islamic world provide invaluable insight into the diverse cultures and societies of the era. Marco Polo's journey to China sparked European interest in the East.

C. Technological Innovations:

• Gunpowder: Originating in China, gunpowder technology spread to other parts of the world, revolutionizing warfare and contributing to the rise of centralized states.
• Navigation Technologies: Innovations like the compass, astrolabe, and improved shipbuilding techniques allowed for greater exploration and trade.
• Printing Technology: The development of printing technology in China and later in Europe facilitated the spread of knowledge and ideas.

D. Artistic and Literary Expressions:

• Great Zimbabwe: The massive stone structures of Great Zimbabwe reflect the architectural and engineering skills of the Shona people in Southeast Africa. These structures served as royal palaces and symbols of power.
• Gothic Architecture: The construction of magnificent Gothic cathedrals in Europe demonstrates the architectural and artistic achievements of the medieval period. The pointed arches, stained glass windows, and soaring heights of these cathedrals reflect a sense of religious devotion.
• The Tale of Genji: Written in Japan, The Tale of Genji is considered one of the world's first novels. It provides insight into the lives and customs of the Japanese court.

IV. Social Structures and Their Transformations (1200-1450)

A. Social Hierarchies:

• Feudalism: Feudalism in Europe and Japan created rigid social hierarchies based on land ownership and obligations.
• Caste System: The caste system in India continued to shape social relations, with individuals assigned to specific social groups based on birth.
• Slavery: Slavery existed in various forms across the globe, including chattel slavery, domestic slavery, and debt bondage.

B. Gender Roles:

• Varying Roles: Gender roles varied across different societies. In some societies, women had greater economic and political opportunities than in others.
• Confucianism: Confucianism in China emphasized patriarchal values and limited women's roles in public life.

C. Labor Systems:

• Serfdom: Serfdom in Europe involved peasants being tied to the land and obligated to provide labor and services to landowners.
• Mit'a System: The Inca Empire utilized the mit'a system, which required citizens to provide mandatory labor for public works projects.
• Guilds: Guilds in Europe organized craft production and regulated the training and activities of artisans.

V. State-Building and Imperial Expansion

A. Centralization vs. Decentralization:

• Centralized States: Empires like the Mongols, Song China, and the Aztecs consolidated power through centralized administrations.
• Decentralized States: Feudal Europe and Japan remained decentralized, with power divided among nobles and landowners.

B. Imperial Expansion:

• Military Conquest: Empires expanded through military conquest, incorporating new territories and populations into their domains.
• Diplomacy and Trade: Diplomacy and trade played a role in expanding influence and securing resources.

C. Challenges to State Authority:

• Rebellions: Internal rebellions and uprisings challenged state authority.
• External Threats: External invasions and conflicts threatened the stability of empires.
• Environmental Factors: Environmental factors like climate change, natural disasters, and disease outbreaks could weaken states and contribute to their decline.

VI. Comparing State Systems

A. Similarities:

• Bureaucracy: Many empires and states relied on bureaucratic systems to administer their territories and collect taxes.
• Military Power: The use of military force was crucial for maintaining order and expanding influence.
• Legitimacy: Rulers sought to legitimize their authority through religion, ideology, and cultural traditions.

B. Differences:

• Centralization: Some states were highly centralized, while others were more decentralized.
• Social Structures: Social hierarchies and labor systems varied across different societies.
• Cultural Values: Cultural values and religious beliefs shaped the political and social landscape of different regions.

VII. Conclusion: The Global Tapestry Woven

Unit 1 of AP World History paints a picture of a world in transition. From the steppes of Mongolia to the Andes Mountains, societies developed unique political, economic, and social systems. However, the story of this period is ultimately one of increasing interaction and exchange. The Silk Road, the Indian Ocean Trade, and the Trans-Saharan Trade fostered cultural diffusion and the spread of technologies, shaping the course of history for centuries to come.

Understanding this period is crucial because it lays the groundwork for the globalized world we know today. The rise of empires, the flourishing of trade networks, and the spread of ideas during 1200-1450 set the stage for the Age of Exploration and the rise of global interconnectedness in the following centuries.

VIII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: What is the most important thing to remember about the Mongol Empire?

  • A: Its impact on trade through the Silk Road and its surprisingly tolerant religious policies. They facilitated cross-cultural exchange on an unprecedented scale.

• Q: How did Islam spread during this period?

  • A: Primarily through trade routes like the Indian Ocean and Trans-Saharan, as well as through the establishment of Islamic empires.

• Q: What were some key agricultural innovations of this era?

  • A: Champa rice in China, the Chinampa system in the Aztec Empire, and waru waru in the Inca Empire.

• Q: What are some good examples of political centralization during this period?

  • A: The Mongol Empire, the Aztec Empire, and the Inca Empire.

• Q: What is the significance of Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca?

  • A: It showcased the wealth and power of the Mali Empire and promoted Islam in West Africa. It also put Mali "on the map," so to speak, in terms of connecting it to the wider world and especially to the Islamic world.

IX. Tips for Success

• Focus on Connections: Understand how different regions and societies interacted and influenced each other.
• Analyze Continuities and Changes: Identify what aspects of societies remained the same and what changed during this period.
• Practice Document-Based Questions (DBQs): Develop your skills in analyzing historical documents and constructing arguments.
• Master Key Vocabulary: Learn the key terms and concepts associated with this period.
• Use Timelines: Create timelines to visualize the chronological order of events.

X. Moving Forward

As you move on to subsequent units, remember the foundations laid in Unit 1. The trends and developments that began in 1200-1450 continued to shape the world in the centuries that followed. Understanding this era will provide you with a solid foundation for comprehending the complexities of world history.

Now, take what you've learned and apply it! Reflect on the interconnectedness of the world during this period. How do you think the events of 1200-1450 shaped the world we live in today? Are you ready to tackle Unit 2?