## Period 1: c. 1200 to c. 1450 ### Unit 1: The Global Tapestry from c. 1200 to c. 1450 This unit explores the diverse developments across the globe from c. 1200 to c. 1450, focusing on key regions and their interactions. We'll examine political structures, economic systems, social hierarchies, and cultural expressions, highlighting both continuities and changes. Remember to consider the interconnectedness of these regions and how events in one area impacted others. #### Topic 1.1: Developments in East Asia This section focuses on the Song Dynasty in China, along with its neighboring countries: Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. ##### Government Developments in the Song Dynasty * The Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE) witnessed significant advancements in centralized governance, including a sophisticated bureaucracy and improved administrative systems. * The civil service examination system expanded, providing opportunities for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to enter government service, although it still favored the elite. ##### Economic Developments in Postclassical China * The Song Dynasty experienced remarkable economic growth, fueled by advancements in agriculture (e.g., Champa rice), manufacturing (e.g., porcelain, silk), and trade. * The Grand Canal played a crucial role in facilitating internal trade and economic integration. * The use of paper money and credit facilitated commerce. ##### Social Structures in China * Confucianism remained the dominant ideology, shaping social hierarchies and emphasizing filial piety and social harmony. * Don't assume social mobility was nonexistent. While the elite held significant power, opportunities for advancement existed through education and merit. ##### Intellectual and Cultural Developments * Neo-Confucianism emerged, synthesizing Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist ideas. * Advances in printing technology led to wider dissemination of knowledge and literature. ##### Religious Diversity in China * Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism coexisted, often influencing each other. * Consider how these different belief systems interacted and competed for influence within Chinese society. ##### Comparing Japan, Korea, and Vietnam This section compares the political, economic, and cultural developments in these East Asian countries during this period, highlighting their unique trajectories while acknowledging their interactions with China. * **Japan:** Developed a feudal system with powerful samurai warriors and a decentralized political structure. * **Korea:** Maintained close ties with China, adopting aspects of Chinese culture and governance while retaining its distinct identity. * **Vietnam:** Experienced periods of both independence and Chinese rule, blending indigenous traditions with Chinese influences. #### Topic 1.2: Developments in Dar al-Islam This section examines the Islamic world during this period, focusing on the impact of invasions, trade, and cultural exchange. ##### Invasions and Shifts in Trade Routes * The Mongol invasions significantly impacted trade routes, leading to both disruption and, eventually, increased connectivity across Eurasia. * The Pax Mongolica, a period of relative peace and stability under Mongol rule, facilitated trade along the Silk Road. ##### Cultural and Social Life * Islamic scholarship flourished, with advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. * The House of Wisdom in Baghdad played a vital role in preserving and translating ancient texts. ##### Free Women in Islam * While patriarchal structures were prevalent, some Islamic societies offered women greater freedoms and opportunities than their counterparts in other regions. * Consider the diverse interpretations and practices of Islam across different regions and time periods. ##### Islamic Rule in Spain * The Islamic Golden Age in Spain saw significant cultural and intellectual achievements, with contributions to art, architecture, science, and philosophy. #### Topic 1.3: Developments in South and Southeast Asia This section explores the political, religious, social, and cultural developments in South and Southeast Asia. ##### Political Structures in South Asia * The Delhi Sultanate established a powerful Islamic state in northern India. * Avoid generalizations about the relationship between the Delhi Sultanate and existing Indian populations. Interactions were complex and varied. ##### Religion in South Asia * Hinduism and Buddhism continued to be major religions, alongside the growing influence of Islam. * The Bhakti movement emphasized devotion and personal piety, transcending caste distinctions. ##### Social Structures in South Asia * The caste system remained a significant aspect of South Asian society, although its rigidity varied across regions. ##### Cultural Interactions in South Asia * Cultural exchange between different religious and ethnic groups led to a rich tapestry of artistic, literary, and architectural achievements. ##### Southeast Asia * Southeast Asia witnessed the rise of powerful empires, such as the Khmer and the Srivijaya, characterized by sophisticated irrigation systems and maritime trade networks. #### Topic 1.4: Developments in the Americas This section examines the diverse civilizations of the Americas, including the Mississippian culture, Chaco and Mesa Verde, the Maya, the Aztecs, and the Inca. ##### The Mississippian Culture * The Mississippian culture, known for its large earthen mounds and complex social organization, flourished in the eastern United States. ##### Chaco and Mesa Verde * Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde in the southwestern United States were centers of advanced Ancestral Puebloan societies. ##### The Maya City-States * The Maya civilization in Mesoamerica was characterized by its advanced writing system, calendar, and mathematics. ##### The Aztecs * The Aztec Empire, centered in Tenochtitlan, controlled a vast territory through military conquest and tribute systems. ##### The Inca * The Inca Empire, stretching along the Andes Mountains, was known for its sophisticated road system, administrative structures, and agricultural techniques. ##### Continuities and Diversity * Despite their geographical separation, these American civilizations shared some common features, such as advanced agricultural practices and complex social hierarchies, while also exhibiting significant regional diversity. #### Topic 1.5: Developments in Africa This section explores the political, social, and cultural developments in Africa during this period. ##### Political Structures in Inland Africa * Various kingdoms and empires emerged in sub-Saharan Africa, including the Mali and Ghana empires, known for their control of trans-Saharan trade routes. ##### Political Structures of West and East Africa * West African empires like Mali and Ghana thrived on gold trade, while East African city-states like Kilwa and Mombasa flourished through Indian Ocean trade. ##### Social Structures of Sub-Saharan Africa * Social structures varied across different regions, with some societies organized around kinship groups, while others had more hierarchical structures. ##### Cultural Life in Sub-Saharan Africa * Sub-Saharan Africa exhibited a rich diversity of cultural expressions, including oral traditions, artistic creations, and religious beliefs. #### Topic 1.6: Developments in Europe This section examines the political, religious, and economic developments in Europe during this period. ##### Feudalism: Political and Social Systems * Feudalism was a decentralized political and social system characterized by a hierarchical structure of lords, vassals, and serfs. ##### Political Trends in the Later Middle Ages * The later Middle Ages witnessed the consolidation of monarchical power and the decline of feudalism. ##### Roman Catholic Church during the Middle Ages * The Roman Catholic Church played a dominant role in European society, influencing political, social, and cultural life. ##### Christian Crusades * The Crusades, a series of religious wars between Christians and Muslims, had significant political, economic, and social consequences. ##### Economic and Social Change * The growth of towns and cities, the expansion of trade, and the emergence of a merchant class challenged the traditional feudal order. ##### Renaissance * The Renaissance, a period of renewed interest in classical learning and art, began in Italy and gradually spread throughout Europe. ##### The Origins of Russia * The origins of Russia can be traced to the Eastern Slavic tribes and the rise of the principality of Kiev. #### Topic 1.7: Comparison in the Period from c. 1200 to c. 1450 This section encourages comparative analysis of state-building, the role of religion, trade, nomadic peoples, and patriarchy across different regions. ### Unit 1 Review This section includes a review of key concepts, historical perspectives, writing prompts, and practice questions (multiple-choice, short-answer, document-based, and long essay). ### Unit 2: Networks of Exchange from c. 1200 to c. 1450 This unit explores the major trade networks of the period, including the Silk Roads, the Mongol Empire's impact, the Indian Ocean trade, and the Trans-Saharan trade routes. It examines the causes and consequences of these networks, focusing on cultural, environmental, and economic impacts. Pay close attention to the interconnectedness of these trade routes and how they facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and diseases. **(The remaining units and topics follow a similar structure, analyzing specific periods and themes with detailed explanations, examples, and practice questions.)**