Unit 3 Ap World History Study Guide

Unit 3 AP World History Study Guide: Post-Classical Period (600 CE - 1450 CE)

The Post-Classical Period, spanning from 600 CE to 1450 CE, marks a pivotal era in world history, witnessing the rise and fall of empires, the expansion of trade networks, and the flourishing of intellectual and cultural exchange. This unit 3 AP World History study guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key concepts, events, and developments during this transformative period. Get ready to dive into a world of vibrant interactions, innovations, and evolving societies.

I. Key Concepts and Themes

Before delving into the specifics, let's establish the core themes that underpin this era. Keep these in mind as you study each region and development:

• State-Building and Expansion: How did states consolidate power, expand their territories, and develop new forms of governance? Consider the role of religion, trade, military strength, and administrative structures.
• Development and Interactions of Economic Systems: Explore the evolution of trade networks like the Silk Roads, Indian Ocean trade, and Trans-Saharan trade. Analyze the impact of these networks on economic growth, cultural exchange, and the spread of technology.
• Cultural Developments and Interactions: Examine the spread and adaptation of major religions like Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism. Analyze the role of art, literature, and philosophy in shaping cultural identities.
• Social Structures: How were societies organized? Consider the role of social hierarchies, gender roles, and the impact of slavery and coerced labor.
• Technology and Innovation: Identify key technological advancements and their impact on agriculture, warfare, trade, and communication.

II. Regional Developments

This period witnessed significant developments across various regions. Let's examine some of the key areas:

A. East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam)

• China:
  • Sui Dynasty (581-618 CE): Briefly reunified China after a period of disunity, but its ambitious projects led to its downfall.
  • Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE): Considered a golden age of Chinese history, marked by territorial expansion, economic prosperity, and cultural achievements.
    • Bureaucracy: Revived and expanded the Confucian civil service exam system, creating a meritocratic bureaucracy (although still largely dominated by the aristocracy).
    • Tributary System: Established a system where surrounding states paid tribute to China, acknowledging its supremacy.
    • Buddhism: Patronized Buddhism, leading to its widespread adoption in China. However, later in the dynasty, faced persecution due to growing Neo-Confucianism.
  • Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE): Characterized by economic revolution, technological innovation, and cultural flourishing.
    • Economic Revolution: Significant advancements in agriculture (champa rice), manufacturing (iron and steel), and trade (Grand Canal).
    • Neo-Confucianism: Revival of Confucianism with a focus on morality and social harmony.
    • Foot Binding: Practice of binding women's feet, symbolizing status and reinforcing patriarchal norms.
  • Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368 CE): Established by the Mongol conquest of China under Kublai Khan.
    • Mongol Rule: Foreign rule characterized by the use of foreign administrators and the promotion of trade.
    • Marco Polo: Italian merchant who traveled to China during the Yuan Dynasty and wrote about his experiences, increasing European interest in the East.
• Korea: Adopted many aspects of Chinese culture, including Buddhism, Confucianism, and the writing system, but maintained its own distinct identity.
• Japan:
  • Prince Shotoku (574-622 CE): Promoted Buddhism and Confucianism, and adopted a centralized government modeled after the Tang Dynasty.
  • Heian Period (794-1185 CE): Marked by the flourishing of Japanese culture, including literature (The Tale of Genji) and art.
  • Feudalism: Emergence of a decentralized political system with powerful regional lords (daimyo) and warrior class (samurai).
  • Bushido: Code of conduct for the samurai, emphasizing loyalty, honor, and self-sacrifice.
• Vietnam: Resisted Chinese rule and maintained its own cultural identity.

B. Dar al-Islam (Islamic World)

• Rise of Islam:
  • Prophet Muhammad (570-632 CE): Founded Islam in Mecca, Arabia.
  • Quran: Holy book of Islam, believed to be the word of God revealed to Muhammad.
  • Five Pillars of Islam: Core religious duties of Muslims (faith, prayer, charity, fasting, pilgrimage).
  • Spread of Islam: Rapid expansion through military conquest, trade, and missionary activities.
• Umayyad Caliphate (661-750 CE): Expanded the Islamic empire from Spain to India.
  • Capital: Damascus
  • Arab Preference: Favored Arab Muslims over non-Arab converts.
• Abbasid Caliphate (750-1258 CE): Ushered in a golden age of Islamic culture and learning.
  • Capital: Baghdad
  • Emphasis on Learning: Patronized scholars and promoted the translation of Greek and Roman texts.
  • House of Wisdom: Center of learning in Baghdad, attracting scholars from around the world.
  • Islamic Achievements: Significant advancements in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy.
• Fragmentation of the Islamic World: Gradual decline of the Abbasid Caliphate, leading to the rise of independent Islamic states.
  • Al-Andalus (Islamic Spain): Center of Islamic culture and learning in Europe.
  • Fatimid Caliphate (Egypt): Shi'a Islamic state that challenged the Abbasid Caliphate.
• Sufism: Mystical branch of Islam that emphasized personal experience and devotion.
• Impact of Islam:
  • Preservation of Knowledge: Preserved and translated classical Greek and Roman texts, contributing to the Renaissance in Europe.
  • Spread of Knowledge: Facilitated the spread of knowledge and technology across Eurasia and Africa.
  • Cultural Diffusion: Contributed to the diffusion of Islamic culture, including art, architecture, and literature.

C. South Asia (India)

• Political Fragmentation: India was divided into numerous regional kingdoms after the decline of the Gupta Empire.
• Chola Kingdom (9th-13th centuries CE): Maritime power that dominated trade in the Indian Ocean.
• Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526 CE): Muslim dynasty that ruled over much of northern India.
  • Introduction of Islam: Spread of Islam through military conquest and missionary activities.
  • Sufi Missionaries: Played a significant role in converting people to Islam.
  • Religious Syncretism: Blending of Hindu and Islamic traditions.
• Bhakti Movement: Hindu devotional movement that emphasized love and devotion to a particular deity.
• Caste System: Continued to be a defining feature of Indian society, with rigid social hierarchies.
• Economic Developments: Flourishing of trade and agriculture, particularly in the south.

D. Southeast Asia

• Srivijaya Empire (7th-13th centuries CE): Maritime empire based in Sumatra that controlled trade in the Strait of Malacca.
  • Strategic Location: Controlled a vital trade route between India and China.
  • Buddhism: Center of Buddhist learning and culture.
• Khmer Empire (9th-15th centuries CE): Land-based empire in Cambodia that built the magnificent temple complex of Angkor Wat.
  • Angkor Wat: A massive stone temple complex dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, later adapted for Buddhist use.
  • Irrigation Systems: Developed sophisticated irrigation systems to support agriculture.
• Influence of India and China: Southeast Asian societies were influenced by both Indian and Chinese culture, including religion, art, and political systems.

E. Europe

• Byzantine Empire (330-1453 CE): Eastern Roman Empire that preserved Roman traditions and culture.
  • Constantinople: Capital city, a center of trade and culture.
  • Justinian Code: Codification of Roman law.
  • Eastern Orthodox Christianity: Distinct form of Christianity that developed in the Byzantine Empire.
  • Caesaropapism: System where the emperor had authority over both the church and the state.
• Western Europe:
  • Early Middle Ages (5th-10th centuries CE): Period of political fragmentation and economic decline after the fall of the Roman Empire.
    • Feudalism: Decentralized political system based on land ownership and vassalage.
    • Manorialism: Economic system based on agricultural estates controlled by lords.
    • The Church: Played a dominant role in European society, providing education, social services, and spiritual guidance.
  • High Middle Ages (11th-13th centuries CE): Period of economic revival, population growth, and cultural flourishing.
    • Crusades: Series of religious wars between Christians and Muslims for control of the Holy Land.
    • Rise of Towns: Growth of towns and cities, leading to the development of a merchant class.
    • Universities: Establishment of universities, centers of learning and scholarship.
    • Gothic Architecture: New architectural style characterized by pointed arches, stained glass windows, and soaring heights.
  • Late Middle Ages (14th-15th centuries CE): Period of crisis marked by plague, famine, and war.
    • Black Death: Devastating plague that killed millions of people in Europe.
    • Hundred Years' War: Series of conflicts between England and France.

F. Africa

• North Africa: Part of the Islamic world, with major centers of learning and trade.
• West Africa:
  • Ghana Empire (8th-11th centuries CE): Kingdom that controlled the gold trade across the Sahara.
  • Mali Empire (13th-15th centuries CE): Rose to prominence after the decline of Ghana, known for its wealth and its ruler Mansa Musa.
    • Mansa Musa: Muslim ruler of Mali who made a famous pilgrimage to Mecca, showcasing the empire's wealth and power.
    • Timbuktu: Major center of learning and trade in the Mali Empire.
  • Songhai Empire (15th-16th centuries CE): Largest empire in West Africa, known for its military strength and its control of trade.
• East Africa:
  • Swahili Coast: Network of city-states that engaged in trade with the Indian Ocean world.
    • Swahili Language: Bantu language with Arabic influences.
    • Islam: Dominant religion along the Swahili Coast.
  • Great Zimbabwe (11th-15th centuries CE): Powerful kingdom in southern Africa known for its impressive stone structures.
• Bantu Migrations: Continued throughout this period, spreading agriculture and ironworking technology across sub-Saharan Africa.

G. The Americas

• Mesoamerica:
  • Maya Civilization (250-900 CE): Classic period of Mayan civilization, characterized by sophisticated mathematics, astronomy, and art.
  • Toltec Civilization (900-1200 CE): Influenced the later Aztec civilization.
  • Aztec Empire (14th-16th centuries CE): Powerful empire in central Mexico, known for its militarism, its tribute system, and its human sacrifices.
    • Tenochtitlan: Capital city of the Aztec Empire, a major urban center.
    • Chinampas: Floating gardens used for agriculture.
• Andean South America:
  • Inca Empire (15th-16th centuries CE): Largest empire in pre-Columbian America, known for its centralized government, its road system, and its agricultural innovations.
    • Cuzco: Capital city of the Inca Empire.
    • Terrace Farming: System of farming on terraces built into the mountainsides.
    • Quipu: System of knotted strings used for record-keeping.
• North America:
  • Mississippian Culture (800-1600 CE): Mound-building culture in the Mississippi River Valley, known for its agriculture and its complex social organization.
    • Cahokia: Largest city in the Mississippian culture, a major center of trade and religious activity.

III. Cross-Regional Interactions

One of the defining features of the Post-Classical Period is the increased interaction between different regions. Let's examine some of the key networks of exchange:

• Silk Roads: Land-based trade routes that connected East Asia with Europe and the Middle East.
  • Goods Exchanged: Silk, spices, porcelain, tea, textiles, precious metals.
  • Cultural Exchange: Spread of Buddhism, Islam, and other cultural influences.
  • Disease Transmission: Contributed to the spread of diseases like the Black Death.
• Indian Ocean Trade: Sea-based trade routes that connected East Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
  • Goods Exchanged: Spices, textiles, ivory, gold, slaves.
  • Technological Innovations: Development of maritime technologies like the compass, the astrolabe, and the junk ship.
  • Diasporic Communities: Establishment of merchant communities in port cities along the Indian Ocean.
• Trans-Saharan Trade: Trade routes that connected North Africa with sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Goods Exchanged: Gold, salt, slaves, textiles.
  • Introduction of Camels: Facilitated trade across the Sahara.
  • Spread of Islam: Contributed to the spread of Islam in West Africa.

IV. Comparisons

Understanding the similarities and differences between different regions and civilizations is crucial for the AP World History exam. Here are some examples of comparisons you should be prepared to make:

• Comparing State-Building: How did different empires (e.g., Tang China, Abbasid Caliphate, Byzantine Empire, Inca Empire) consolidate power and administer their territories?
• Comparing Trade Networks: What were the similarities and differences between the Silk Roads, the Indian Ocean Trade, and the Trans-Saharan Trade?
• Comparing Religious Influences: How did major religions (e.g., Islam, Christianity, Buddhism) spread and adapt in different regions?
• Comparing Social Structures: How did social hierarchies, gender roles, and labor systems vary across different societies?
• Comparing Technological Innovations: What were the key technological advancements in different regions and how did they impact society?

V. Continuities and Changes

Identifying continuities and changes is another key skill for the AP World History exam. Here are some examples:

• Continuities:
  • Patriarchy: Continued to be a dominant feature of most societies.
  • Agriculture: Remained the primary economic activity in most regions.
  • Religious Beliefs: Major religions continued to shape cultural values and social norms.
• Changes:
  • Rise of New Empires: Emergence of new empires like the Mongol Empire and the Aztec Empire.
  • Expansion of Trade Networks: Increased interaction and exchange between different regions.
  • Spread of New Technologies: Diffusion of technologies like gunpowder, printing, and maritime innovations.
  • Development of New Religions: Emergence of new religious movements like Sufism and the Bhakti Movement.

VI. Sample Essay Questions

To prepare for the AP World History exam, practice writing essays on the following topics:

• Analyze the social and economic effects of long-distance trade in the period 600 to 1450.
• Compare and contrast the processes of state-building in two of the following regions: East Asia, Europe, the Islamic world.
• Analyze the cultural and intellectual effects of the spread of Islam between 600 and 1450.
• Compare the roles of women in two of the following regions: East Asia, Europe, South Asia.
• Analyze the impact of the Mongol Empire on the political, economic, and cultural development of Eurasia.

VII. Key Vocabulary

Here are some key vocabulary terms to know for this unit:

• Caliphate: Islamic state led by a caliph, considered the successor to Muhammad.
• Feudalism: Decentralized political system based on land ownership and vassalage.
• Manorialism: Economic system based on agricultural estates controlled by lords.
• Tributary System: System where surrounding states paid tribute to China, acknowledging its supremacy.
• Bureaucracy: System of government administration based on specialized departments and officials.
• Syncretism: Blending of different religious or cultural traditions.
• Diasporic Communities: Merchant communities that settled in foreign lands, facilitating trade and cultural exchange.
• Astrolabe: Instrument used to determine latitude by measuring the angle of the sun or stars.
• Compass: Instrument used to determine direction.
• Junk Ship: Large Chinese sailing ship with multiple masts and sails.
• Champa Rice: Drought-resistant rice that allowed for multiple harvests per year.
• Neo-Confucianism: Revival of Confucianism with a focus on morality and social harmony.
• Bushido: Code of conduct for the samurai, emphasizing loyalty, honor, and self-sacrifice.
• Sufism: Mystical branch of Islam that emphasized personal experience and devotion.
• Bhakti Movement: Hindu devotional movement that emphasized love and devotion to a particular deity.

Conclusion

The Post-Classical Period was a time of dynamic change and interaction across the globe. By understanding the key concepts, regional developments, and cross-regional connections, you'll be well-prepared to tackle Unit 3 of the AP World History exam. Remember to focus on analyzing the causes and consequences of historical events, and to make connections between different regions and time periods. Good luck with your studies!