AP World History Unit 1

• What period is referred to as the High Middle Ages?


  The High Middle Ages refers to the period from c. 1000 to 1300.
• What are the key political and social structures that emerged during the High Middle Ages?


  • Feudalism: Hierarchical system of land ownership and military service
  • Manorialism: Economic system based on self-sufficient agricultural estates
  • Monarchies: Centralization of power under kings in England and France
  • Urban growth: Revival of towns and cities leading to a new merchant class
• What is feudalism?


  Feudalism is a hierarchical system of land ownership and military service.
• What is manorialism?


  Manorialism is an economic system based on self-sufficient agricultural estates.
• How did monarchies change during the High Middle Ages?


  Monarchies saw the gradual centralization of power under kings in countries like England and France.
• What was a significant social change during the High Middle Ages?


  The revival of towns and cities led to the emergence of a new merchant class.
• In feudal England, what would a lord grant to a vassal in exchange for military service?


  A lord would grant land (fief) to a vassal in exchange for military service and loyalty.
• What role did the Catholic Church play in medieval Europe?


  The Catholic Church was a dominant force influencing nearly every aspect of life.
• What were the key aspects of the Medieval Church's influence?


  • Religious authority: Significant political and social influence
  • Monasticism: Centers of learning and preservation of classical knowledge
  • Crusades: Religious wars to reclaim the Holy Land
  • Inquisition: Efforts to combat heresy and maintain doctrinal purity
• What was the purpose of the Crusades?


  The Crusades were religious wars aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land from Muslim control.
• What was the Inquisition?


  The Inquisition was an effort to combat heresy and maintain doctrinal purity.
• What was a significant technological advancement during the High Middle Ages?


  The heavy plow allowed farmers to cultivate heavier soils, significantly increasing crop yields.
• What were the key economic and technological developments during the High Middle Ages?

  • Agricultural Revolution: New farming techniques and tools
  • Commercial Revolution: Growth of trade, banking, and urban centers
  • Guilds: Organizations of craftsmen regulating production and training
  • Technological innovations: Windmills, water wheels, and improved ship designs
• How did the Agricultural Revolution impact food production?


  New farming techniques and tools increased food production during the Agricultural Revolution.
• Which empire was known for its wealth in gold and salt?


  The Mali Empire
• What were the key points of Africa's political structures from 1200 to 1450 CE?


  • Diverse political structures
  • Range from large empires to city-states
  • Trans-Saharan trade connections
  • Spread of Islam
  • Technological advancements in agriculture and metallurgy
• What characterized Africa from 1200 to 1450 CE?


  The rise of powerful empires, extensive trade networks, and significant cultural and religious changes
• Who was the famous ruler of the Mali Empire?

  Mansa Musa
• Where were the Swahili City-States located?


  Along the East African coast
• What were the major trade goods in the Trans-Saharan trade network?


  • From North Africa: salt, cloth, horses
  • From West Africa: gold, slaves, ivory
• What was the primary mode of transportation for Trans-Saharan trade?


  Caravans of camels
• How did Trans-Saharan trade facilitate the spread of Islam in West Africa?


  By connecting trade routes where Muslim merchants traveled
• What was Timbuktu known for during the period of Trans-Saharan trade?


  It became a center of learning and culture
• What were the impacts of Trans-Saharan trade on African cities?


  • Growth of cities like Timbuktu
  • Centers of learning and culture
  • Wealth from trade
• What were the major ways Islam spread in Africa during 1200-1450?


  Through trade, conversion of rulers, and Islamic scholars
• What were the consequences of the spread of Islam in Africa during this period?


  • Increased literacy through Islamic education
  • Adoption of Arabic script for writing African languages
  • Construction of mosques in major cities
• What cultural synthesis occurred due to the spread of Islam in Africa?


  • Blending of Islamic practices with local traditions
  • New architectural styles and educational systems
• What are the key features of the Aztec Empire?

  • Centered in Tenochtitlan
  • Established in 1325 CE
  • Formed the Triple Alliance in 1428
  • Hierarchical social structure: Emperor, Nobility, Commoners, Slaves
  • Economy based on tribute and trade
  • Polytheistic religion with human sacrifice
• What were the major civilizations in the Americas from 1200 to 1450 CE?

  Aztecs, Incas, Maya, and various North American societies
• Who was at the top of the Aztec social structure?

  The Emperor (Huey Tlatoani)
• What were the key characteristics of the Inca Empire?


  • Largest pre-Columbian empire in America
  • Rapid expansion from 1438 to 1533 CE
  • Centralized bureaucracy and efficient administration
  • Use of quipu for record-keeping
  • Extensive road network (Qhapaq Ñan)
  • Economy based on reciprocity and state control
• What were the major cultural achievements of the Maya civilization?


  • Advanced writing system (hieroglyphics)
  • Sophisticated calendar system
  • Impressive architectural structures (pyramids, palaces)
  • Advanced mathematics, including the concept of zero
  • Polytheistic religion with a complex pantheon
• What was the political structure of the Maya civilization?


  A collection of independent city-states
• What characterized North American societies during 1200-1450 CE?


  • Diverse cultures and linguistic groups
  • Major cultural areas: Eastern Woodlands, Great Plains, Southwest, Northwest Coast
  • Varied subsistence strategies: agriculture, hunting and gathering, fishing
  • Social organization from small bands to complex chiefdoms
  • Extensive trade networks
• How did the political structures of the Aztec, Inca, and Maya civilizations differ?


  The Aztecs and Incas had centralized empires, while the Maya were organized into independent city-states.
• What was the significance of trade networks in North American societies?


  They facilitated the exchange of goods and cultural practices across diverse regions.
• What was a common feature of the economies of the major civilizations in the Americas?

  Based on agriculture, trade, and tribute
• What characterized South and Southeast Asia from 1200-1450 CE?


  Political fragmentation, rise of new empires, expansion of trade networks, spread of religions, and cultural exchange
• What was the Delhi Sultanate and when was it established?


  The Delhi Sultanate was established in 1206 CE by Turkic rulers
• What role did the Delhi Sultanate play in North India?


  It introduced Islamic rule to much of North India