Global Tapestry 1200-1450 Overview

Questions and Answers

What is the big picture from 1200-1450 CE in the Global Tapestry?

Major civilizations growing larger, world religions influencing life and culture, technological innovations continuing, and smaller states, local religions beliefs, and old technology declining.

What is a state in the context of state-building?

An organized political community under one government (like a country, empire, nation, etc.).

What innovations continued the Golden Age for China between 960-1276?

Gunpowder and the expansion of the Grand Canal.

Why was the introduction of Champa Rice important for the Song Dynasty?

It was a drought-resistant crop that matured early, increasing food availability. Signup and view all the answers

What continuities existed in Chinese culture and government during the Song Dynasty?

Revival of Confucianism and the expansion of the Civil Service Exam. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the condition of the Abbasid Caliphate as the Song Dynasty thrived.

The Abbasids were fractured by invaders and falling apart. Signup and view all the answers

Which Muslim states were growing in power as the Abbasids declined?

The Delhi Sultanate in India and the Mamluk Sultanate in North Africa. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Mamluks?

Non-Muslims who were enslaved, forcibly converted to Islam, and became soldiers. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the Song Dynasty and the Abbasid Dynasty from 750-1258.

The Song Dynasty was flourishing while the Abbasid caliphate was declining. Signup and view all the answers

What new states emerged in South Asia (India) that used trade to expand their influence in the period 1200-1450?

The Vijayanagara Empire and the Chola Kingdom. Signup and view all the answers

How did the rulers of the Mali Empire increase their power after 1230?

By achieving greater centralization than the Ghana Empire. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Aztecs maintain control of their empire?

By forcing conquered people to pay tribute in goods or labor, enforced by a strong military. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Inca improve and maintain their state?

Through the Mit'a system, a mandatory public service/labor tax. Signup and view all the answers

What was feudalism?

A rigid hierarchy with Kings, Nobles, Knights, Peasants, and Serfs. Signup and view all the answers

How did Europe change through the period 1200-1450 to create more powerful states?

The feudal system began to break down, allowing powerful kings to increase their power. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Islam to state-building in 1200-1450 Afro-Eurasia?

Islam united people with a shared belief and language (Arabic). Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Confucianism to state-building in 1200-1450 China?

It justified the rule of the emperor and was essential for the bureaucratic training. Signup and view all the answers

How were Hinduism and Buddhism significant in state-building in South and Southeast Asia in 1200-1450?

Both were used to consolidate power, especially Hinduism's caste system. Signup and view all the answers

How was Catholicism significant to state-building in Europe?

The Roman Catholic Church provided structure in weak states, but later struggled with secular authorities' growth. Signup and view all the answers

What did all major world religions have in common in this era and what effect did they have?

They all spread and weakened indigenous religions. Signup and view all the answers

How did the creation of the Delhi Sultanate and the expansion of trade help to spread Islam?

Social conversions in the Delhi Sultanate and trade led to significant population conversion to Islam. Signup and view all the answers

What innovation from China helped to improve education as it spread west from 1200-1450?

Paper making technology. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Abbasid Dynasty's House of Wisdom in Baghdad?

A place where scholars gathered to study and translate important texts. Signup and view all the answers

What was the importance of the Mongols during the time period 1200-1450?

They controlled a vast territory, increasing political stability and trade along the Silk Road. Signup and view all the answers

How did the role of nomadic pastoralists change in this time period (1200-1450)?

They were no longer the transmitters of culture and technology; organized groups of merchants took on this role. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of 1200-1450 CE Global Tapestry

Major civilizations expanded, while local states and beliefs declined.
World religions significantly influenced culture and life.
Technological innovations flourished alongside traditional technologies.

State-Building Definition

A state is a political entity organized under a single government.

Innovations in Song Dynasty

Gunpowder and the Grand Canal expansion were pivotal for China's economy.
The Grand Canal promoted trade and cultural consistency across regions.

Significance of Champa Rice

Drought-resistant and early-maturing, Champa Rice increased food supply and population growth in the Song Dynasty.

Continuities in Chinese Culture and Government

Confucianism revival and Civil Service Exam expansion fostered societal order and meritocracy within governance.

Abbasid Caliphate Condition

The Abbasid Caliphate experienced fragmentation and decline from the 9th to the 12th century amid invasions.

Rising Muslim States

The Delhi Sultanate (India, 1206-1526) and Mamluk Sultanate (North Africa, 1250-1517) grew in power as the Abbasid influence waned.

Mamluk Background

Originally enslaved non-Muslims converted to Islam, the Mamluks became a military force, eventually establishing their own sultanate.

Comparative Status of Dynasties

The Song Dynasty thrived, contrasting with the decline of the Abbasid Caliphate.

New South Asian States

The Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646) and the Chola Kingdom (300s BCE - 1279 CE) emerged, expanding influence through trade.

Mali Empire Centralization

Centralization under leaders like Mansa Musa strengthened the Mali Empire compared to its predecessor, the Ghana Empire.

Aztec Empire Control

Tribute systems imposed on conquered peoples, enforced by a strong military, helped maintain control over the Aztec Empire.

Incan State Maintenance

The Mit'a system required mandatory public service, facilitating labor organization within the Incan state.

Feudalism Explained

A hierarchical structure consisting of Kings, Nobles, Knights, Peasants, and Serfs characterized European feudalism.

Changes in Europe (1200-1450)

The breakdown of feudal systems enabled powerful kings to strengthen their authority.

Role of Islam in State-Building

Islam fostered unity through shared beliefs and the Arabic language across Afro-Eurasia.

Role of Confucianism in China

Justified the emperor's rule and emphasized the importance of bureaucratic education through the Civil Service Exam.

Hinduism and Buddhism in State-Building

Both religions aided power consolidation, with Hinduism's caste system being notably influential.

Catholicism's Role in Europe

The Roman Catholic Church provided structure in weak states, but as states grew stronger, tensions with the Church increased.

Commonalities Among Major World Religions

Major religions like Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism were conversion-focused, spreading widely and often overshadowing local religions.

Islam's Spread through the Delhi Sultanate

Social conversions accelerated Islam's growth, with trade enhancing its reach through merchant interactions.

Chinese Innovation in Education

The spread of papermaking technology increased literacy rates across Europe, Southwest Asia, and North Africa.

Abbasid House of Wisdom

A hub for scholars in Baghdad, the House of Wisdom facilitated the study and translation of significant texts.

Mongols' Influence (1200-1450)

The Mongolian Empire enhanced political stability and trade along the Silk Road, promoting cross-cultural exchanges.

Shift in Role of Nomadic Pastoralists

Nomadic groups transitioned from cultural transmitters to organized trade merchants facilitating technology and culture exchange.

Studying That Suits You

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

Description

Explore the significant developments in major civilizations from 1200 to 1450 CE in the Global Tapestry. This quiz covers themes of state-building, the influence of world religions, and technological innovations during this pivotal period. Test your knowledge of the intricate web of cultural, political, and social changes.