AP World History: Unit 1 - The Global
Tapestry (c. 1200 - c. 1450) Study Guide
I. East Asia: Song Dynasty & Chinese Influence
A. Song Dynasty (960–1279)
● Government: Used Confucian bureaucracy and civil service exams
● Economic Growth: Champa rice (from Vietnam) → population increase, Silk Road &
Grand Canal for trade
● Technology: Paper money, gunpowder, printing, compass
● Society: Neo-Confucianism reinforced patriarchy (foot binding)
B. Influence on Neighboring States
● Japan: Feudalism (shogun, daimyo, samurai); selective borrowing of Buddhism &
Confucianism
● Korea: Tributary state; adopted Chinese writing, Confucianism, and Buddhism
● Vietnam: Resisted Chinese control; retained matriarchy in some areas
II. Dar al-Islam: Islam’s Expansion & Influence
A. Political Developments
● Abbasid Caliphate (750–1258): Declining due to invasions (Mongols sack Baghdad in
1258)
● Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526): Established by Turkic invaders in India, faced resistance
from Hindus
B. Cultural & Technological Contributions
● Intellectual: House of Wisdom (Baghdad) preserved Greek/Roman texts
● Math & Science: Algebra, medical advancements, astrolabe for navigation
● Architecture: Mosques (example: Alhambra in Spain), calligraphy
III. South & Southeast Asia: Hindu & Buddhist States
● India: Hinduism dominant; Delhi Sultanate introduced Islam
● Southeast Asia: Srivijaya (Buddhist trading empire), Khmer Empire (Hindu & Buddhist
temples, like Angkor Wat)
IV. Africa: New States & Trade Networks
A. West Africa
● Mali Empire (1235–1600): Wealthy from gold-salt trade, Mansa Musa’s hajj spread
Islam
● Timbuktu: Center of learning & trade
B. East Africa
● Swahili city-states: Mix of Bantu and Islamic culture; Indian Ocean trade hub
V. Europe: Feudalism & the Catholic Church
A. Political Systems
● Feudalism: King → Lords → Knights → Serfs (land-based hierarchy)
● Manorial System: Self-sufficient estates
● Magna Carta (1215): Limited power of English monarch
B. Role of the Catholic Church
● Monasteries preserved knowledge
● Crusades (1095–1291): Failed attempts to retake Holy Land but increased trade &
cultural diffusion
● Black Death (1347–1351): Killed ~1/3 of Europe, weakened feudalism
VI. Americas: Pre-Columbian Civilizations
A. Maya (Yucatán Peninsula, c. 250–900)
● City-states, advanced astronomy, step pyramids
B. Aztec Empire (Mexico, 1428–1521)
● Chinampas (floating gardens), tribute system, human sacrifice
C. Inca Empire (Andes, 1438–1533)
● Mita labor system, terrace farming, extensive road network
VII. Networks of Exchange & Global Connections
● Silk Roads: Connected Asia to Europe, spread luxury goods (silk, porcelain) & ideas
● Indian Ocean Trade: Monsoon winds helped trade, Muslim merchants dominated
● Trans-Saharan Trade: Gold-salt trade, spread Islam into Africa
Key Takeaways
● Song Dynasty led East Asian innovation & trade
● Islamic Empires preserved knowledge and expanded through trade & conquest
● Africa & Americas developed distinct civilizations with trade & agriculture
● Europe’s feudalism relied on a rigid social hierarchy & was dominated by the Church
● Trade networks connected the world and spread ideas, technology, and religion
Practice Questions
1. How did the Song Dynasty strengthen China’s economy?
2. Compare the spread of Islam in Africa and South Asia.
3. What were the major differences between the Aztec and Inca Empires?
4. How did feudalism shape medieval Europe?
5. What impact did trade networks have on cultural diffusion during this period?
