AP World Review - Historical Periods

Historical Periods

• Post Classical Period: Lasted from 1200 to 1450, characterized by extensive trade.
• Early Modern Period: Spanned 1450 to 1750, marked by conflicts between empires.
• Modern Period: From 1750 to 1900, defined by numerous revolutions.
• Contemporary Period: Encompasses 1900 to the current day, noted for high mortality rates.

East Asia (1200-1450)

• Major nations included Japan, Korea, and China.
• China was a melting pot of religions: Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism.

Key Concepts in Song China

• Civil Service Exam: A test for entry into the bureaucracy based on Confucian principles.
• Mandate of Heaven: Divine approval seen as the basis for royal legitimacy; disasters could signify loss of this mandate.
• Filial Piety: Confucian ideology emphasizing respect for elders.
• Champa Rice: Contributed to rapid population growth in China.
• Grand Canal: Vital for trade and transportation.
• Foot Binding: A cultural practice in Song China affecting women's social roles.
• Economic Innovations: Significant advancements in the economy during the Song dynasty.

Islamic and African Developments

• Dar al-Islam: Refers to "House of Islam," encompassing Islamic territories.
• Ibn Battuta: Renowned Arab traveler and scholar, known for documenting diverse cultures in Africa.
• Education in Dar al-Islam: Foundations laid in algebra, trigonometry, literature, and medicine.
• Southeast Asia's Major Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam coexisted in the region.
• Delhi Sultanate: Established a centralized Muslim empire in India, influenced by invaders.
• Srivijaya: Controlled crucial trade routes between India and China.

Religious Movements

• Bhakti Movement: Popular Hindu devotional movement focused on individual deities.
• Sufism: Islamic mysticism akin to the Bhakti movement, emphasizing personal connection to God.

Pre-Columbian Cultures (1200-1450)

• Aztecs, Incans, and Cahokia thrived before European discovery, showcasing continuity, innovation, and diversity.
• Africa's Trade Significance: Emphasized its importance due to extensive trade networks.
• Mali Empire: Key trade city influencing Sub-Saharan commerce, controlled gold and salt trade under Mansa Musa.

Regional Dynamics

• Ethiopia: A Christian region connected to Indian Ocean trade networks.
• Great Zimbabwe: Known for its impressive pyramids and participation in the Indian Ocean trade.

European Feudal System

• Feudalism: A hierarchical system based on land ownership and tenant obligations, creating localized governance.
• Manorialism: Daily life centered around lords’ estates, with serfs laboring on the land.

Trade and Innovation

• Silk Road: Fostered trade cities and the spread of technology and religions.
• Key Silk Road Cities: Kashgar and Samarkand were prominent hubs.
• Innovations: Included the compass, paper money, maritime advancements, and the astrolabe.

Mongol Empire

• Mongols established the second largest empire in history, the largest land-based empire.
• Governance by Genghis Khan's descendants created several khanates.
• Caliphates and Sultanates: Islamic empires emerging post-Muhammad; ruled by sultans in some cases.
• Mongol Era Impact: Increased security along the Silk Roads, facilitating trade growth.
• Expansion: The Mongols nearly conquered all of Asia and parts of Eastern Europe.

Indian Ocean Trade

• The Indian Ocean trade network was the first of its kind, significantly impacting global trade dynamics.

Test your knowledge on the key historical periods covered in AP World History with this flashcard quiz. Review important dates, themes, and geographical areas that shaped the world from the post-classical period to contemporary times.