AP World UNIT 1 REVIEW (Everything you NEED to KNOW!)

Study Guide for AP World History Unit 1 Exam

In this section, the video introduces the time period for Unit 1 (circa 1200 to 1450) and discusses the concept of a state in AP World History, focusing on the Song Dynasty in China.

Understanding the Time Period and State Formation

• The time period for Unit 1 is circa 1200 to 1450, encompassing major civilizations worldwide.

• A state in AP World History refers to a territory politically organized under a single government.

• The Song Dynasty in China (960 to 1279) exemplifies state formation during this era.

Role of Confucianism in State Governance

• The Song Dynasty emphasized Confucianism to maintain and justify its rule.

• Neo-Confucianism emerged as a revival with modifications, integrating Buddhist influences.

• Confucian principles promoted hierarchical societal structures and filial piety.

Treatment of Women in Song China

• Women in Song China faced legal restrictions such as property rights limitations.

• Socially, women endured practices like foot binding, symbolizing elite status but causing physical harm.

Imperial Bureaucracy and Governance

• The expansion of the Imperial bureaucracy under the Song Dynasty aided rule maintenance.

Basis of Marriage and Civil Service Exam

This section discusses the basis of marriage in ancient China and the civil service exam's role in selecting qualified individuals for government positions.

Basis of Marriage

• Marriage was based on qualifications to ensure competent individuals were appointed, not merely due to familial connections.

• The system aimed to appoint the most capable people rather than relatives of the emperor.

Civil Service Exam

• The civil service exam theoretically allowed men from all social classes to participate.

• However, in reality, preparing for the exam required financial stability as it demanded full-time dedication.

Influence of Chinese Traditions on Neighboring Regions

This part explores how Chinese traditions influenced neighboring regions during the Song Dynasty.

Influence on Korea, Japan, and Vietnam

• During the Song Dynasty, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam experienced rising prominence.

• Proximity to China led these regions to adopt Chinese traditions like civil service exams and Buddhism.

Role of Buddhism in Song China

Delving into Buddhism's significance during the Song Dynasty in China.

Teachings of Buddhism

• Buddhism originated in India before spreading to China.

• Core teachings include the Four Noble Truths emphasizing suffering and craving cessation through moral living.

Evolution of Buddhism in Different Cultures

Discussing how Buddhism evolved as it spread into various Asian cultures.

Variants of Buddhism

• Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka focused on monks' enlightenment within monasteries.

• Mahayana branch encouraged broader participation with bodhisattvas aiding others towards enlightenment.

Economic Developments in Song China

Exploring economic advancements during the Song Dynasty that fueled prosperity.

Economic Growth Factors

• Commercialization boosted production surplus sold across Eurasia.

Islam's Influence on Cultures and Societies

The discussion focuses on how Islam as a belief system shaped cultures and societies, particularly during the period from 1200 to 1450.

Rise of Turkic Muslim Empires

• By 1200, the Abbasid Caliphate began to decline, leading to the rise of new Islamic political entities dominated by Turkic people instead of Arabs.

• Major Turkic Muslim empires like the Seljuk Empire emerged, established by Turkic pastoralists for territorial expansion and governance.

Contributions and Innovations

• Turkic Muslim empires continued practices like Sharia law for legal systems and made significant cultural and scientific contributions.

• Scholars like Nasir al-din al-tusi advanced mathematics; Arab scholars preserved Greek works in Baghdad's House of Wisdom during the Golden Age of Islam.

Expansion of Muslim Rule

• Expansion occurred through military conquest, trade facilitated by Muslim merchants in North Africa, and missionary activities of Sufi sect emphasizing mystical experiences.

Religious Impact on South and Southeast Asia

Examining how belief systems (Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam) influenced societies in South and Southeast Asia from 1200 to 1450.

Dominant Religions in South Asia

• Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam competed for influence; Buddhism declined with Hindus remaining dominant in South Asia.

Widespread Religions and State Building in India and Southeast Asia

The discussion covers the prevalence of religions in India, focusing on Islam's rise as a significant religion alongside Hinduism. It also delves into the bhakti movement within Hinduism and the challenges to social hierarchies. The narrative transitions to state building in South Asia, highlighting the struggle between Muslim rulers and Hindu resistance.

Widespread Religions in India

• Islam emerged as a prominent religion in India with the establishment of the Delhi sultanate, becoming influential among elites.

• The bhakti movement in southern India emphasized devotion to one Hindu god, attracting ordinary believers tired of complex hierarchies.

• In Southeast Asia, Buddhism and Islam vied for dominance, impacting belief systems across the region.

State Building Challenges in South Asia

• Muslim rulers faced difficulties imposing total control over Northern India due to Hindu resistance like the rajput Kingdom.

• The vijayanagara Empire rose as a counterpoint to Muslim rule, established by former Hindus who converted back to Hinduism.

Diverse Empires: Majapahit Kingdom and Khmer Empire

This segment explores diverse empires in Southeast Asia, focusing on sea-based (Majapahit Kingdom) and land-based (Khmer Empire) powers. It discusses their interactions with China and India, showcasing unique characteristics of each empire.

Sea-Based Empires

• The Majapahit Kingdom based in Java was a powerful Buddhist state controlling trade routes rather than relying on naval power.

Land-Based Empires

• The Khmer Empire was initially Hindu but later embraced Buddhism, evident in structures like Angkor Wat symbolizing religious continuity amidst change.

State Building: Aztec Empire and Inca Empire

Transitioning to the Americas, this part focuses on state building within Mesoamerica (Aztec Empire) and Andean civilization (Inca Empire). It highlights key aspects such as territorial expansion strategies and governance systems.

Aztec Empire Expansion

• Founded by the Mexica people in 1345, the Aztec Empire expanded through alliances with other states until it became vast by 1428.

Inca Governance System

The Development of Civilizations: Aztec, Inca, Mississippian, Swahili, Great Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Europe

This section explores the civilizations of Aztec and Inca in the Americas, the Mississippian culture in North America, Swahili civilization in East Africa, various African states like Great Zimbabwe and Ethiopia, and Christianity in Europe.

Aztec vs. Inca Civilizations

• The Incas had a centralized bureaucracy with rigid hierarchies to control conquered territories through labor requirements rather than tribute.

• Aztecs were decentralized rulers compared to the highly centralized Incas who focused on state projects for labor from their subjects.

Mississippian Culture

• The Mississippian culture thrived around the Mississippi River Valley due to fertile soil and emphasized agriculture.

• Large towns dominated smaller settlements politically with Monumental Mounds as significant features.

Swahili Civilization

• Swahili cities along the East African coast were centers of commerce influenced by Muslim traders leading to the emergence of Swahili language.

• These cities maintained independence but shared a social hierarchy favoring merchant elites due to Islamic influence.

African States: Great Zimbabwe & Ethiopia

• Great Zimbabwe prospered through trade but retained indigenous religion unlike other African states that converted to Islam due to trade influences.

• Ethiopia stood out for its Christian faith amidst predominantly Islamic and indigenous belief systems across Africa with a hierarchical power structure.

Christianity in Europe

European Society and Politics in the Middle Ages

This section discusses the dominance of the Roman Catholic Church in Western Europe, the influence of Christianity on society, and the organization of European states during the Middle Ages.

Roman Catholic Church Dominance

• The Roman Catholic Church dominated Western Europe, connecting decentralized states post-Roman Empire fall.

Influence of Christianity

• Christianity, particularly Roman Catholicism, linked European states culturally and politically.

Muslims and Jews in Europe

• Muslims conquered parts of Iberian Peninsula while Jews lived in smaller pockets facing anti-Semitism.

Political Organization in Medieval Europe

This section delves into how European states were structured politically during the Middle Ages, focusing on decentralization and feudalism.

Political Fragmentation

• Europe lacked large empires; decentralization was prominent with political power fragmented.

Feudalism System

• Feudalism organized society with powerful Lords gaining allegiance from vassals for military service exchange.

Manorialism

• Manors owned by lords rented out to peasants who worked the land; society centered around manors.

Shift in Power Dynamics

Discusses the transition from land-owning nobility to centralized monarchies in medieval Europe.

Rise of Monarchs

• Monarchs grew in power after 1000 CE leading to highly centralized states over time.