AP World Exam Review: Abbasids and Mamluks

Questions and Answers

The contents of the letter are best understood in the context of which of the following aspects of the historical situation in sub-Saharan Africa in the early 1600s?

The arrival of Europeans led to the conquest and destruction of many native African states.

State centralization in Europe led to a change from joint-stock company control to direct imperial control in many colonial territories.

Religious conflicts stemming from the spread of Islam from North Africa made sub-Saharan African states vulnerable to European conquest.

Political, religious, and economic rivalries shaped European colonial policies in Africa. (correct)

The point of view expressed by the Dutch West India Company's directors in the letter can best be described as?

Evenhanded in describing the benefits and detriments of various proposed options to the States General.

Shaped by views of European cultural and religious superiority over African peoples, which the States General representatives would have been likely to share.

Dismissive in its evaluation of the military and strategic importance of the kingdom of Kongo to the Netherlands.

Seeking to steer the States General representatives into taking action that would benefit the company financially. (correct)

The report's position on the proposed transfer of Luanda to the Dutch is best understood in light of the authors' goal to?

Recommend that the company expand its operations to the Indian Ocean and the spice islands of Southeast Asia.

Secure profits from the rapidly expanding trans-Atlantic slave trade. (correct)

Offer a comparison between the profitability of East African versus West African slave trade routes.

Highlight the gender and family imbalances created by the slave trade.

Which of the following best describes the author's argument in the first paragraph?

The demographic makeup of Barbadian society and the structure of its economy make existing punishments for slaves justified. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the author's claim in the second paragraph?

Despite the small size of Barbadian plantations, the landowners on Barbados are very wealthy. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an implicit argument made by the author in the passage?

Coerced labor systems have allowed a minority of the population of Caribbean colonial societies to reap enormous economic benefits. Signup and view all the answers

As outlined in the passage, the provisions of the agreement can best be used to illustrate which of the following aspects of state building in Eurasia in the period circa 1450-1750?

Local elites successfully resisted attempts at state centralization and asserted their autonomy from central rule. Signup and view all the answers

In the period circa 1200-1450, which of the following most directly enabled merchants to bring salt and other bulk products to markets in sub-Saharan Africa?

The adoption of innovative practices in overland trading, such as the use of camel caravans and saddles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the author's purpose in the passage about Ghazan Khan?

To portray his patron as a generous supporter of the sciences and a man of unusual intelligence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the historical situation in Eurasia at the time the passage about Ghazan Khan was written?

Political upheaval and reorganization increased cultural and scientific exchanges across regions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the historical circumstances of Rashid al-Din's career?

His career illustrates the possibilities for diffusion and intermingling of cultures brought about by the Mongol conquests. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the population data for selected manors in Essex County, England, in the table, the Black Death outbreak struck Essex County in which of the following periods?

Between 1320 and 1350 Signup and view all the answers

A comparison between the data for the three manors shown in the table best illustrates which of the following about the bubonic plague?

In some but not all areas, the population was beginning to recover by 1400. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the change in the total population of males age 12 and older in the three manors shown in the table from 1320 to 1400?

It declined to less than a half of its 1320 level (over 50% decline). Signup and view all the answers

The conduct of the siege as described in the passage could best be used to explain which of the following processes in the period 1450-1750?

The use of new weapons by expanding imperial states Signup and view all the answers

The type of warfare described in the passage most directly helps to explain which of the following sixteenth-century developments?

The intensification of political rivalries between the Ottoman Empire and neighboring states in Europe and the Middle East Signup and view all the answers

The type of weaponry used in the siege, as described in the passage, could also help to explain the expansion of all of the following states in the period 1450-1750 EXCEPT the

Aztec (Mexica) Empire Signup and view all the answers

The relationship between levels of military personnel and state revenues in the Ottoman Empire is best understood in the context of which of the following global developments in the period 1450-1750?

As military forces expanded and became more professionalized, states were forced to develop new ways to generate revenue. Signup and view all the answers

The trends in military personnel and state revenue in the Ottoman Empire are best understood in the context of which of the following changes in the relationship between states and local elites in the period 1450-1750?

States increasingly centralized their authority at the expense of local elites. Signup and view all the answers

The privileges discussed in the last two paragraphs of the passage best demonstrate that in some instances in the period 1450-1750:

Internal challenges to state power could lead to the establishment of new state-like structures within existing states Signup and view all the answers

The fact that the Russian tsar insisted in the last paragraph that some ambassadors be treated differently from others best illustrates which of the following about international politics in the period circa 1650-1750?

Russia had encountered significant resistance to its plans for further territorial expansion from some of the established states in eastern and southern Europe. Signup and view all the answers

All of the following statements are factually accurate. Which would best support the author's argument in the first paragraph of the passage?

The period of Mamluk rule in Egypt saw a high number of conversions to Islam and a considerable reduction in the percentage of Coptic Christians in the overall population of Egypt. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would a historian most likely cite as evidence in support of the author's argument in the second paragraph of the passage?

The Ottoman millet system, an arrangement designed to utilize the economic contributions of non-Muslim groups within the empire while granting them limited autonomy to organize their communal affairs under their own religious leaders. Signup and view all the answers

The terminology used in the opening sentence of the decree was most directly influenced by which of the following?

The deep influence of Christianity on medieval society and culture Signup and view all the answers

The process of 'consultations with the nobles and clergy of the realm' in the making of Edward III's decree best reflects which of the following?

The fragmented, decentralized nature of European feudal monarchies Signup and view all the answers

The need for legal action to address the 'grave inconveniences' that might result from the labor shortages described in the passage most likely resulted from

The agrarian nature of medieval European economies and their reliance on coerced labor Signup and view all the answers

The general pattern of nomadic conquest followed by the assimilation of the conquerors into the cultures of the conquered societies was most clearly expressed in which of the following developments in the period circa 1250-1450?

The rulers of the Yuan dynasty adopting Chinese court culture and methods of rule Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following developments in the period circa 1250-1450 represents a situation that is the opposite of nomadic conquerors assimilating into the cultures of the conquered societies?

Settled societies successfully resisting nomadic encroachments, as illustrated by the Mamluks of Egypt defeating the Mongols or Muscovy expelling the Golden Horde from Russia Signup and view all the answers

The Mongol conquests resulted in all of the following developments EXCEPT

The initial diffusion of Buddhism and Christianity to East Asia Signup and view all the answers

The 'long stays in harbors' mentioned in the description of the sea journeys in the first paragraph were most likely necessary because Indian Ocean maritime trade in the period circa 1200-1450

Had to take into account environmental factors such as the timing and direction of the monsoons Signup and view all the answers

Based on the pattern of trade described in the third paragraph, the Egyptian karim merchants were most likely directly involved in which of the following broader developments in the Indian Ocean in the period circa 1200-1450?

The establishment of diasporic merchant communities Signup and view all the answers

The pattern of trade described in the passage was most characteristic of which of the following types of goods in the period 1200-1450?

Luxury goods such as spices or porcelain Signup and view all the answers

The integration of West African states into wider regional and transregional economic networks in the period circa 1200-1450 was carried out mostly via the

Trans-Saharan trade routes Signup and view all the answers

The spread of Islam into sub-Saharan West Africa in the period circa 1200-1450 was mostly a result of the conversion of the rulers of which of the following states?

The Mali Empire Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following developments in the period 1450-1750 is best understood as a response to the trends of the Ottoman Empire's armed forces and state revenue?

The creation of larger state bureaucracies Signup and view all the answers

What can be interpreted from Sultan Selim's letter to Shah Ismail I regarding the use of religious rhetoric?

Use religious ideas to highlight their political legitimacy and attack the legitimacy of their enemies Signup and view all the answers

Sultan Selim's description of Shah Ismail I's followers as a 'heretical faction' best comments on the Safavid Empire's what?

Adherence to Shi'a Islam Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following aspects of the international situation in early sixteenth-century southwest Asia is most relevant to understanding Sultan Selim's letter?

The Ottoman and Safavid empires fought numerous wars for control over Iraq, Syria, and other regions. Signup and view all the answers

The expansion of the Ottoman Empire can be attributed mostly to which of the following?

The decline of surrounding empires and the Ottoman Empire's use of gunpowder weapons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a major cause of the expansion of the Ottoman Empire in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries?

Exploitation of artillery and small arms gave the Ottomans advantages over many of their political rivals. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following empires engaged in a land-based territorial expansion similar to the Russian Empire?

The Mughal Empire Signup and view all the answers

The recruitment method of the Ottoman Empire as depicted in the image is most similar to which broader method used by rulers?

The collection of tribute Signup and view all the answers

The recruitment depicted in the image is best understood in the context of which development?

Attempts by imperial states to centralize their authority Signup and view all the answers

Source 1 and Source 2 indicate that Sikhism's popularity in India was likely influenced by all of the following factors EXCEPT:

It offered a set of principles around which all Indians could rally in resisting British imperial encroachment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following developments can be most directly attributed to Portuguese and Spanish state sponsorship of maritime exploration in the late fifteenth century?

Improvements in European geographic knowledge of Africa and the Indian Ocean Signup and view all the answers

Which process most immediately led to the global expansion of European political power in the period circa 1500?

Advances in shipbuilding and navigational methods Signup and view all the answers

The maritime exploration efforts by England, France, and the Netherlands were most directly connected to which historical process?

Economic competition against Spain and Portugal and a desire to find new sailing routes to Asia Signup and view all the answers

What does the author use to support his argument about the impact of smallpox on Native American populations?

The English settlers tried to help the Native Americans who were afflicted with smallpox Signup and view all the answers

The author invokes which of the following to support his claim that smallpox's impact on European settlers was different from its impact on Native Americans?

Ideas about the role of divine providence in human affairs Signup and view all the answers

What can best be cited as evidence that the author was aware of smallpox being an infectious disease?

The author's statement that no English settlers fell ill, even though 'many performed these favors for the Indians for weeks' Signup and view all the answers

What did the King of Kongo request in his letters to the Netherlands regarding assistance against the Portuguese?

Four or five warships Signup and view all the answers

The disintegration of the Abbasid Caliphate most directly led to which of the following political developments in the Islamic world in the thirteenth century?

The rise of Turkic states Signup and view all the answers

Despite the disintegration of the Abbasid Caliphate, Islam continued to spread across Afro-Eurasia in the period 1200-1450 primarily because of which of the following?

The activities of Sufi missionaries Signup and view all the answers

The combination between religious and political aspects in the Abbasid state's concept of rulership is best reflected in which of the following?

The Abbasid state was headed by a caliph who was theoretically the state's supreme religious and political leader. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a claim made in the first paragraph of the inscription?

Statues of Buddhist divine figures could spiritually benefit everyone. Signup and view all the answers

The claim in the second paragraph that the king has become 'free from all physical desire' can best be understood to mean that

In Vedic religions, rejecting worldly concerns in order to attain spiritual perfection was considered a virtue. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an argument in the second paragraph of the inscription regarding King Adityawarman?

His spiritual attributes and worldly achievements made him a powerful and legitimate ruler. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pieces of evidence most strongly supports the author's conclusion about the importance of exotic goods to the Maya region's economy?

Exotic goods were exchanged over long distances within the Maya lowlands. Signup and view all the answers

The author directly uses all of the following pieces of evidence to support his argument about the relationship between exotic goods and the power of Maya rulers EXCEPT that Maya rulers

Prohibited nobles and priests from wearing certain types of exotic goods reserved for rulers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does the author cite most directly to support his argument in the third paragraph about the importance of exotic goods in the Maya region?

The existence of unified patterns of behavior in warfare, science, and religion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a continuity in the development of African states in the period circa 1200-1450?

Despite geographical barriers, some African states were able to maintain diplomatic and cultural contacts with the broader Afro-Eurasian world. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following continuities in the development of African states in the period circa 1200-1450 most likely explains the prevalence of Christianity in Ethiopia?

Some African states' religious traditions continued to be influenced by cultural transfers dating back to earlier centuries. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a key similarity in the policies of the rulers of African states such as Ethiopia in the period circa 1200-1450?

They used religion and laws to bolster their legitimacy. Signup and view all the answers

What did Edward decree regarding the wages of servants in 1346?

Every man and woman of England shall be required to serve his or her lord at the wages that were provided five years ago. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Abbasid Caliphate Disintegration

The decline of the Abbasid Caliphate involved significant challenges, hinting at the end of the Islamic venture.
Shi'ite revolutionaries believed Islam's decline necessitated a moral and material revival.
The resulting political landscape saw the emergence of Turkic states in the thirteenth century.

Spread of Islam (1200-1450)

Despite political turmoil, Islam expanded across Afro-Eurasia due to the efforts of Sufi missionaries.
The disintegration of centralized authority did not halt cultural and religious exchange; instead, it fostered diverse interpretations.

Abbasid Rulership and Religion

The Abbasid state merged political authority with religious legitimacy through the caliphate, viewed as the supreme leader in both realms.
Local rulers were often given autonomy, yet centralized power remained anchored in religious ideology.

King Adityawarman and Buddhism

Inscription on a statue highlights King Adityawarman’s role in promoting Buddhism.
Claims of his moral fortitude suggest the blending of spirituality and political power in his rule.
Emphasizes a king's role in spiritual benefit, reflecting the importance of righteousness in leadership.

Maya Economy and Exotic Goods

Exchange of exotic goods was crucial to Maya social structure, reinforcing the status of elites.
Exotic items were integral in rituals and ceremonies, linking the economy with religious duties.
These goods also facilitated the exchange of ideas and political organization among Maya city-states.

Ethiopian Christianity and Diplomatic Relations

Ethiopian Christianity maintained continuity and connections with the Afro-Eurasian world, as seen through embassies and cultural exchanges.
The presence of a Christian populace in Ethiopia underscores the long-standing religious traditions.
Ethiopian rulers, such as King Zara Yacob, were recognized for their civilized governance, reflecting the political significance of Christianity in statecraft.

The Statute of Laborers (1351)

King Edward III's decree responds to labor shortages post-pestilence, binding serfs to their lords.
The language reflects the deep influence of Christianity, emphasizing the moral responsibility of service and order.
Consultation with nobles and clergy indicates the fragmented political nature of feudal Europe, highlighting the need for cooperation among different societal layers.### European Legislation and Religion
Harsh legislation by European rulers was often justified as "God's will" to make it more acceptable.
King Edward III's Statute of Laborers (1351) mandated serfs to serve their lords at pre-pestilence wages, addressing labor shortages post-plague.
This legislation reflects the agrarian reliance on coerced labor in medieval European economies.

Central Asia and Nomadic Conquests

Central Asia was a source of Shahs and Sultans for neighboring civilizations, impacting places like China and Persia.
Nomadic invasions followed by cultural assimilation characterized history, where conquerors often adopted the settled life and customs.
Developments around 1250-1450 illustrate the assimilation of the Yuan dynasty rulers into Chinese culture, contrasting earlier nomadic practices.

Mongol Impact on Eurasia

Mongol conquests resulted in significant trade and knowledge transfers, notably on the Silk Roads.
However, the initial spread of Buddhism and Christianity to East Asia was not a direct development of Mongol expansion.

Indian Ocean Trade Networks

Muslim maritime traders engaged in long, dangerous voyages between Egypt and India, requiring long harbor waits due to monsoon patterns.
The organization of convoyed fleets (karim) improved trade security, allowing for a diverse network involving Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and Jews.
Egyptian merchants were integral to creating diasporic trading communities in the Indian Ocean.

Economic Integration in West Africa

The integration of West African states into trade networks during 1200-1450 was largely facilitated by trans-Saharan trade routes.
The spread of Islam in sub-Saharan Africa was significantly influenced by the conversion of rulers in states like the Mali Empire.

Innovations in Trade Practices

Innovations such as camel caravans enabled the transport of bulk goods like salt across sub-Saharan markets.
The Arabic language and Islamic practices played a key role in the economic and cultural exchange between North African and sub-Saharan merchants.

Ghazan Khan and Astronomy

Ghazan Khan of the Mongol Ilkhanate showed keen interest in astronomy, leading to the construction of observatories, showcasing his support for scientific endeavors.
The passage emphasizes Ghazan Khan as a generous patron of science and highlights the collaboration of diverse astronomers in his court.### Ghazan Khan and Scientific Advancements
Ghazan Khan, ruler of the Mongol Ilkhanate (1295-1304), advocated for astronomical studies.
Ordered the construction of a dome and observatory in Tabriz, Persia, to observe the Sun's motion.
His guidance in the observatory construction astonished local wise men, who found it unprecedented.

Historical Context of Rashid al-Din's Career

Rashid al-Din Hamdani served in Ghazan Khan's court as a historian and minister.
His work exemplifies the cultural and scientific exchanges enabled by Mongol conquests, promoting intermingling of cultures.

Essex County Demographics and the Black Death

Population survey from circa 1320 to 1450 indicates a significant decline in male population across manors due to the Black Death.
The population declined from 1,020 in 1320 to 496 by 1400, illustrating the plague's devastating impact in Essex County.

Warfare and Ottoman Expansion

The siege of Constantinople (1453) by Sultan Mehmet II showcased the use of massive cannons, revolutionizing warfare.
The type of weaponry used enabled the Ottomans to overcome Byzantine defenses, emphasizing military innovation.

Exploitation and Human Cost Post-Conquest

Following the siege, the Ottoman army plundered Constantinople, reflecting the harsh realities of conquest.
Sultan Mehmet II expressed sorrow over the destruction, highlighting the tragedy of lost life and culture during warfare.

Ottoman Military and Economic Growth

Ottoman military personnel increased from 140,000 (circa 1550) to 160,000 (circa 1700), with state revenue rising from 100 to 110 tons of silver.
The relationship between military expansion and state revenue indicates a need for new revenue-generation strategies as forces professionalized.

Selim I's Letter to Shah Ismail I

Sultan Selim I accused Ismail, ruler of the Safavid Empire, of heresy and tyranny, reflecting sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shi'a Islam.
The letter demonstrates the use of religious rhetoric to bolster political legitimacy and justify military action against rival states.

Key Themes in Ottoman and Safavid Relations

The Safavid Empire's adherence to Shi'a Islam was viewed as heretical by the Sunni-dominated Ottoman leadership, inciting conflict.
Selim's articulation of his duty to combat heresy emphasizes the role of religion in statecraft and legitimacy among imperial rulers of the time.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Review the fall of the Abbasid state and the impact of Mamluk institutions with this set of multiple choice flashcards. Test your knowledge on key historical themes and events surrounding this crucial period in Islamic history. Ideal for AP World History students preparing for exams.