Mali Empire and European Ship Designs

Mali Empire

• Sundiata Keita (c. 1235-1255) founded the Mali Empire, winning a battle against the Soso king.
• Mansa Musa (c. 1312-1337), a famous ruler, made a pilgrimage to Mecca, showcasing Mali's wealth. His journey expanded the empire's reputation.
• Malis controlled key gold-producing regions, benefiting from trade routes.
• The Trans-Saharan trade route connected North Africa with West Africa, trading gold from west africa for salt, textiles, horses and manufactured goods from the north.
• Mali traded gold, ivory, kola nuts and slaves.
• The trade route promoted cultural and religious exchanges with islam.

European Ship Designs (Age of Exploration)

• Caravels (15th-17th centuries) were small, highly maneuverable sailing ships designed by the Portuguese.
• Caravels combined square and lateen sails for greater sailing abilities and were used to explore coastlines and rivers.
• Carracks (15th-16th centuries) were larger, multi-masted ships designed for cargo transport over long voyages.
• Galleons (16th-18th centuries) were large, multi-decked ships primarily used for warfare, also used for long voyages.

Industrialization of Russia vs. Japan (19th Century)

• Russia's industrialization was state-directed by the Tsarist government, focusing on heavy industry and military modernization.
• Obstacles for Russia (serfdom, social/political conservatism, vastness of country, limited capital) made industrialization uneven and led to unrest.
• Japan transitioned through the Meiji Restoration (1868), adopting Western technologies and institutions rapidly.
• Japan prioritized education, military modernization and a centralized government.
• Japan's relative homogeneity and national identity spurred rapid change.

Industrial Revolution

• First Industrial Revolution (c. 1760-1840): Key innovations included the steam engine, power loom, cotton gin, and improved iron production.
• Key industries were textiles, coal mining, and iron production.
• The factory system shifted production from homes to large-scale factories.
• The Second Industrial Revolution (c. 1870-1914): Innovations included electricity, internal combustion engine and improved steel production.
• Key industries included steel, chemicals, petroleum, automobiles, and electrical equipment.
• The urban workforce expanded as people moved from rural areas to cities for work, resulting in challenges such as overcrowding, poor sanitation, and social problems.

Enlightenment Ideals and the Abolition of Slavery

• Enlightenment ideals promoted reason, individual rights, natural law, and social contract theory.
• Enlightenment thinkers challenged traditional authority and advocated for reform and revolution.
• Abolitionist movement gained momentum through Enlightenment ideas, religious beliefs and ethical arguments.
• Abolition was a gradual process in different countries (e.g., Great Britain, United States).

Egypt: Mamluks and French Influence

• Mamluks were slave soldiers of Turkic and Circassian origin who ruled Egypt, controlling a powerful military force.
• French influence stemmed from Napoleon's invasion in (1798-1801), introducing modern European ideas and technologies to Egypt, and weakening the Mamluks.
• Napoleon's Expedition led to the discovery of the Rosetta Stone.

Chinese Influences on Japan and Korea

• Chinese influence impacted Korean culture through Confucianism, Buddhism, writing, art, architecture, and philosophy.
• Japan and Korea adopted elements of Chinese political and institutional structures.