Major World Religions Overview

Major Religions

• Christianity: Originated in 1st-century CE Judea, based on Jesus Christ's teachings. Key beliefs include the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), salvation through faith, and the Bible as scripture.

• Hinduism: Developed in the Indian subcontinent, one of the oldest religions. Key beliefs encompass karma, dharma, reincarnation (samsara), and liberation (moksha). Sacred texts include the Vedas and Upanishads.

• Buddhism: Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) in 5th-6th century BCE India. Core teachings focus on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to enlightenment and ending suffering.

• Judaism: A monotheistic religion of Hebrews, tracing back to Abraham and Moses. Central beliefs center on covenant with God and adherence to the Torah.

• Islam: Originated in 7th-century CE Arabia with the prophet Muhammad. Islam emphasizes submission to Allah. Core beliefs include the Five Pillars of Islam and the Quran as scripture.

Indian Ocean Trade (c. 800-1500 CE)

• Connected East Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

• Navigated using monsoon winds.

• Exchanged goods like spices, textiles, ivory, and gold.

• Promoted spread of technology, religion (especially Islam), and cultural practices.

• Led to economic prosperity, cultural exchange, and development of powerful trading cities like Malacca and Zanzibar.

Islamic Caliphates (Umayyad and Abbasid)

• Umayyad Caliphate (661-750 CE): Rapid expansion across North Africa, Spain, and the Middle East. Promoted Arabic as an administrative language and established a vast trade network.

• Abbasid Caliphate (750-1258 CE): Centered in Baghdad, fostered a golden age of science, literature, and culture. Significant advancements in medicine, mathematics, and philosophy.

Sunni and Shi'a Islam

• Sunni: Believe the first four caliphs were rightful successors to Muhammad. Leadership is not based on hereditary lineage.

• Shi'a: Believe only Ali (Muhammad's cousin) and his descendants are legitimate leaders. This split arose after Muhammad's death.

Islamic "Gunpowder Empires"

• Ottoman Empire: Spanning Europe, Asia, and Africa. Known for military strength, efficient administration, and cultural achievements.

• Safavid Empire: Centered in Persia, promoted Shi'a Islam and fostered cultural advancements in art, architecture, etc.

• Mughal Empire: Ruled most of India, blending Persian and Indian cultures. Famous for architectural achievements, including the Taj Mahal.

Africa: Geography, Camels, and Resources

• African geography (deserts, rivers) shaped trade routes.

• Camels revolutionized trans-Saharan trade, facilitating movement of salt, gold, and other goods.

• Natural resources (especially gold) enriched empires like Mali.

Islam in West Africa and Mansa Musa

• Islam's influence on West Africa affected governance, law, and education.

• Mansa Musa, a Malian ruler, significantly expanded trade and wealth. His pilgrimage to Mecca showcased Mali's prosperity.

Feudalism in Europe and Japan

• Europe: System of lords, vassals, and serfs with manorial economies. Catholic Church was a major power.

• Japan: Samurai warriors served daimyos. Shinto and Zen Buddhism influenced culture. Both systems emphasized loyalty and hierarchy.

Crusades

• Causes: Religious zeal for reclaiming the Holy Land, desire for wealth and land, and papal influence.

• Impacts: Increased trade between Europe and the Middle East, weakened feudalism, and strained Christian-Muslim relations.

The Black Death (1347-1351)

• Bubonic plague pandemic that spread through trade routes.

• Decimated Europe's population, causing economic decline, social upheaval, and weakened Church authority.

Renaissance

• Emphasized humanism, secularism, and revival of classical learning.

• Spurred advancements in art, science, and exploration. Figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo emerged.

Printing Press

• Invented by Johannes Gutenberg, revolutionized communication.

• Made books affordable, spread ideas rapidly, and contributed to the Reformation and Scientific Revolution.

Protestant Reformation

• Causes: Church corruption (including sale of indulgences), and Martin Luther's 95 Theses.

• Impacts: Religious division, rise of Protestant churches, and religious wars.

Mongol Empire

• Facilitated trade across Eurasia (Pax Mongolica).

• Introduced technologies and connected China and Europe.

• Conquests were often destructive.

China's Civil Service System

• Based on Confucian principles, selecting officials through examinations.

• Promoted meritocracy, stability, and bureaucracy.

Isolationism in China and Japan

• Limited foreign trade and contact to preserve traditional culture.

• Restricted technology progress. In Japan, this policy persisted until the 19th century.

European Global Exploration

• Driven by desire for wealth, spreading Christianity, and technological advancements (compass, caravel).

• Spain and Portugal spearheaded expeditions.

Columbus and European Expansionism

• Voyages opened the Americas to European colonization.

• Led to the Columbian Exchange (cultural exchange), but also indigenous population decline.

The Great Dying

• European diseases (like smallpox) devastated indigenous populations in the Americas.

• Caused societal collapse and facilitated conquest.

Triangular Trade

• Exchanged goods between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Included enslaved people, sugar, cotton and manufactured goods.

• Benefited Europe, but caused significant human suffering.

Middle Passage and Slavery

• Brutally transported enslaved Africans across the Atlantic.

• Supported plantation economies.

Absolute Monarchies

• Centralized power, claimed divine right, and controlled military and governance.

• Example: Louis XIV of France.

Enlightenment

• Promoted reason, individual rights, and secular government.

• Inspired revolutions like the American and French Revolutions.

French Revolution

• Causes: Economic hardship, inequality, and Enlightenment ideals.

• Effects: Overthrow of the monarchy, rise of Napoleon, and spread of revolutionary ideas.

Napoleon's Defeat

• Failed invasion of Russia, coalition of European powers, and Battle of Waterloo (1815) led to Napoleon's downfall.

Haitian Revolution

• First successful slave revolt, leading to Haiti's independence.

• Challenged global perceptions of slavery.

Primary vs. Secondary Sources

• Primary: Direct original records (e.g., letters, diaries).

• Secondary: Analyses or interpretations of primary sources.

Major Trade Networks and Goods

• Silk Road: Silk, spices, and technology.

• Indian Ocean: Spices, textiles, ivory.

• Trans-Saharan: Gold, salt, and enslaved people.