World History Project Ap

# World History Project AP

## Introduction: A Journey Through Modern World History

Welcome to the World History Project AP, a comprehensive and engaging exploration of modern world history from c. 1200 CE to the present. This course is designed to provide you with a deep understanding of the major historical events, developments, and processes that have shaped the world we live in today. Aligned with the College Board’s AP® World History: Modern curriculum, this course will not only prepare you for the AP exam but also equip you with the critical thinking skills necessary to analyze historical sources, make connections across time and space, and construct well-supported historical arguments [1].

Throughout this journey, we will explore a wide range of topics, from the rise and fall of empires to the impact of technological innovation and the forces of globalization. We will examine how different societies have interacted with each other, how cultures have developed and spread, and how economic and political systems have evolved over time. By the end of this course, you will have a richer appreciation for the complexity and interconnectedness of the human experience and a greater understanding of your place in the grand narrative of world history.

### The Six Themes of AP World History: Modern

To help you make connections and see the bigger picture, the AP World History: Modern course is organized around six overarching themes. These themes will serve as the lens through which we will examine the course content.

* **Humans and the Environment (ENV)**: The environment shapes human societies, and as populations grow and change, these populations in turn shape their environments.
* **Cultural Developments and Interactions (CDI)**: The development of ideas, beliefs, and religions illustrates how groups in society view themselves, and the interactions of societies have influenced the development of new ideas and beliefs.
* **Governance (GOV)**: A variety of internal and external factors contribute to state formation, expansion, and decline. Governments maintain order through a variety of administrative institutions, policies, and procedures, and governments obtain, retain, and exercise power in different ways and for different purposes.
* **Economic Systems (ECN)**: As societies develop, they affect and are affected by the ways that they produce, exchange, and consume goods and services.
* **Social Interactions and Organization (SIO)**: The process by which societies group their members and the norms that govern the interactions between these groups and between individuals influence political, economic, and cultural institutions and organization.
* **Technology and Innovation (TEC)**: Human adaptation and innovation have resulted in increased efficiency, comfort, and security, and technological advances have shaped human development and interactions with both intended and unintended consequences.

## Unit 1: The Global Tapestry (c. 1200 to 1450 CE)

Welcome to the year 1200 CE, a time of sprawling trade routes, mighty empires, and diverse cultures. This unit will serve as our starting point for our journey through modern world history. We will explore the major civilizations of this era, from the powerful Song dynasty in China to the flourishing Islamic world and the feudal societies of Europe and Japan. We will examine how these societies were governed, how their economies functioned, and how their cultures developed and interacted with one another. By the end of this unit, you will have a rich understanding of the complex and interconnected world that existed on the eve of the modern era [2].

### Developments in East Asia

During this period, East Asia was dominated by the Song dynasty in China. The Song dynasty was a time of great economic and cultural prosperity. The Chinese economy was the most advanced in the world, with a thriving agricultural sector, a sophisticated manufacturing industry, and a bustling commercial network. The Song dynasty was also a time of great technological innovation, with the invention of gunpowder, the compass, and movable type printing. In terms of governance, the Song dynasty had a complex and meritocratic bureaucracy, with officials selected through a rigorous civil service examination system. This system helped to ensure that the government was staffed by talented and capable individuals.

### Developments in Dar al-Islam

The Islamic world, or Dar al-Islam, was another major center of power and culture during this period. From the Abbasid Caliphate in the Middle East to the Delhi Sultanate in India, the Islamic world was a vast and diverse region. The Islamic world was a major center of trade and commerce, with merchants traveling far and wide to exchange goods and ideas. The Islamic world was also a major center of learning and scholarship, with scholars making significant advances in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy. The House of Wisdom in Baghdad was a renowned center of learning that attracted scholars from all over the world.

### Developments in South and Southeast Asia

In South and Southeast Asia, a variety of states and empires rose and fell during this period. In India, the Delhi Sultanate was a powerful Muslim state that ruled over a large part of the subcontinent. In Southeast Asia, the Srivijaya and Majapahit empires were powerful maritime states that controlled the lucrative trade routes between India and China. These states were characterized by a rich and diverse culture, with a blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic influences.

### State Building in the Americas and Africa

In the Americas, powerful states such as the Inca Empire in the Andes and the Aztec Empire in Mesoamerica emerged. These empires were characterized by sophisticated systems of agriculture, impressive architectural achievements, and complex social and political structures. In Africa, powerful states such as the Mali Empire in West Africa and the Great Zimbabwe in Southern Africa emerged. These states were major centers of trade and commerce, with gold and salt being the main commodities.

## Unit 2: Networks of Exchange (c. 1200 to 1450 CE)

If the world is a tapestry, then networks of exchange were the threads that held it together. During this period, a vast and complex network of trade routes connected the major civilizations of the world, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies. This unit will explore the major networks of exchange of this era, including the Silk Roads, the Indian Ocean trade routes, and the trans-Saharan trade routes. We will examine the goods that were traded, the people who participated in the trade, and the impact that this trade had on the societies it connected [3].

### The Silk Roads

The Silk Roads were a network of trade routes that connected East Asia with the Middle East and Europe. For centuries, the Silk Roads were the main artery of trade and communication between these two regions. A wide variety of goods were traded along the Silk Roads, including silk, spices, precious metals, and manufactured goods. The Silk Roads were also a major conduit for the exchange of ideas, technologies, and religions. Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam all spread along the Silk Roads, and new technologies, such as papermaking and gunpowder, were introduced to the West.

### The Mongol Empire and the Making of the Modern World

The Mongol Empire, which was founded by Genghis Khan in the early 13th century, played a crucial role in the history of the Silk Roads. The Mongols conquered a vast empire that stretched from China to the Middle East, and they created a safe and secure environment for trade and travel. The Mongols also promoted trade by building roads, establishing a postal system, and introducing a standardized system of weights and measures. The Mongol Empire had a profound impact on the making of the modern world. It facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies between East and West, and it helped to create a more interconnected and globalized world.

### Exchange in the Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean was another major center of trade and exchange during this period. A vast and complex network of trade routes connected the ports of East Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. A wide variety of goods were traded in the Indian Ocean, including spices, textiles, precious metals, and timber. The Indian Ocean trade was dominated by Muslim merchants, who used their knowledge of the monsoon winds to navigate the vast and treacherous waters of the ocean. The Indian Ocean trade had a profound impact on the societies it connected. It led to the growth of powerful port cities, the spread of Islam, and the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies.

### Trans-Saharan Trade Routes

The trans-Saharan trade routes connected North Africa with West Africa. For centuries, these trade routes were the main artery of trade and communication between these two regions. A wide variety of goods were traded along the trans-Saharan trade routes, including gold, salt, slaves, and manufactured goods. The trans-Saharan trade was dominated by Muslim merchants, who used camels to transport their goods across the vast and inhospitable Sahara Desert. The trans-Saharan trade had a profound impact on the societies it connected. It led to the growth of powerful empires in West Africa, such as the Mali Empire, and it facilitated the spread of Islam.

## Unit 3: Land-Based Empires (c. 1450 to 1750 CE)

The period from 1450 to 1750 was an age of great land-based empires. In this unit, we will explore the major land-based empires of this era, including the Ottoman Empire, the Safavid Empire, the Mughal Empire, and the Qing dynasty in China. We will examine how these empires were governed, how they expanded their territories, and how they managed their diverse populations. We will also explore the cultural and intellectual achievements of these empires, as well as the challenges they faced [4].

### Empires Expand

This period saw the expansion of several major land-based empires. The Ottoman Empire, which was founded in the late 13th century, expanded to become one of the most powerful empires in the world. The Ottomans conquered a vast territory that stretched from the Balkans to the Middle East and North Africa. The Safavid Empire, which was founded in the early 16th century, was a powerful Persian empire that was a major rival of the Ottoman Empire. The Mughal Empire, which was founded in the early 16th century, was a powerful Indian empire that was known for its religious tolerance and its magnificent architecture. The Qing dynasty, which was founded in the mid-17th century, was the last imperial dynasty of China. The Qing dynasty was a time of great economic and cultural prosperity, but it was also a time of increasing challenges from the West.

### Empires: Administration

The rulers of these land-based empires used a variety of methods to administer their vast and diverse territories. The Ottoman Empire had a complex and centralized bureaucracy, with the sultan at the top of the power structure. The Safavid Empire was a theocracy, with the shah claiming to be the representative of the hidden imam. The Mughal Empire had a decentralized system of government, with local rulers retaining a great deal of autonomy. The Qing dynasty had a highly centralized and meritocratic bureaucracy, with officials selected through a rigorous civil service examination system.

### Empires: Belief Systems

Religion played a major role in the land-based empires of this period. The Ottoman Empire was a Sunni Muslim empire, and the sultan was also the caliph, or the leader of the Muslim world. The Safavid Empire was a Shia Muslim empire, and the shahs were considered to be the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. The Mughal Empire was a Muslim empire that ruled over a predominantly Hindu population. The Mughal emperors were known for their religious tolerance, and they patronized both Muslim and Hindu art and architecture. The Qing dynasty was a Manchu dynasty that ruled over a predominantly Han Chinese population. The Qing emperors adopted many aspects of Chinese culture, including Confucianism, but they also maintained their own distinct Manchu identity.

## Unit 4: Transoceanic Interconnections (c. 1450 to 1750 CE)

After 1492, the world was a different place. The voyages of Christopher Columbus and other European explorers led to the establishment of new trade routes and the connection of the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. This unit will explore the causes and consequences of these transoceanic interconnections. We will examine the technological innovations that made these voyages possible, the development of new trade routes, and the establishment of new colonial empires. We will also explore the Columbian Exchange, the global circulation of goods, ideas, and diseases that resulted from these new connections [5].

### Technological Innovations

A number of technological innovations made the voyages of exploration possible. The development of the caravel, a small, fast, and maneuverable ship, allowed sailors to travel farther and faster than ever before. The invention of the astrolabe and the magnetic compass allowed sailors to navigate more accurately. And the development of new cartographic techniques allowed sailors to create more accurate maps of the world.

### Exploration: Causes and Events

The voyages of exploration were driven by a variety of factors, including economic, political, and religious motivations. European rulers were eager to find new sources of wealth, such as gold, silver, and spices. They were also eager to expand their empires and to spread Christianity. The voyages of exploration were also driven by a spirit of adventure and a desire to learn more about the world.

### Columbian Exchange

The Columbian Exchange was the widespread transfer of plants, animals, culture, human populations, technology, and ideas between the Americas, West Africa, and the Old World in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Columbian Exchange had a profound impact on the world. It led to the introduction of new crops and livestock to both the Old World and the New World, which had a major impact on agriculture and diet. It also led to the spread of diseases, such as smallpox and measles, which had a devastating impact on the indigenous populations of the Americas.

### Maritime Empires Established

The voyages of exploration led to the establishment of vast maritime empires by European powers such as Spain, Portugal, England, France, and the Netherlands. These empires were based on the control of trade routes and the exploitation of colonial resources. The establishment of these empires had a profound impact on the world. It led to the growth of a global economy, the spread of European culture, and the subjugation of indigenous peoples.

## Unit 5: Revolutions (c. 1750 to 1900 CE)

Beginning in the eighteenth century, an age of revolutions shook the foundations of the old order. This unit will explore the major revolutions of this era, including the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the Haitian Revolution. We will examine the causes and consequences of these revolutions, as well as the new ideas and ideologies that they inspired. We will also explore the Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the late 18th century and had a profound impact on the world [6].

### The Enlightenment

The Enlightenment was an intellectual and cultural movement that emphasized reason, individualism, and human rights. Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, challenged the traditional authority of the church and the state, and they advocated for a more just and equitable society. The ideas of the Enlightenment had a profound impact on the revolutions of this era, and they continue to shape our world today.

### Nationalism and Revolutions

Nationalism, the idea that people with a common language, culture, and history should have their own independent state, was another powerful force in this era. Nationalism inspired a number of revolutions, including the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the Haitian Revolution. These revolutions led to the creation of new nation-states and the redrawing of the map of the world.

### The Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution was a period of major technological and economic change that began in Britain in the late 18th century. The Industrial Revolution was driven by a number of factors, including the development of new technologies, such as the steam engine and the power loom, the availability of new sources of energy, such as coal and iron, and the growth of a global market. The Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on the world. It led to the growth of cities, the rise of a new industrial working class, and the expansion of the global economy.

## Conclusion: The Making of the Modern World

This course has provided a comprehensive overview of modern world history, from the complex societies of the 13th century to the interconnected world of the 21st century. We have explored the rise and fall of empires, the development of new technologies, the spread of new ideas, and the forces of globalization. We have also examined the major revolutions that have shaped our world, from the American Revolution to the Industrial Revolution. By the end of this course, you will have a deeper understanding of the historical forces that have shaped our world and a greater appreciation for the complexity and diversity of the human experience.

## References

[1] College Board. (n.d.). *AP World History: Modern Course – AP Central*. Retrieved from https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-world-history

[2] OER Project. (n.d.). *World History AP®*. Retrieved from https://www.oerproject.com/World-History-AP

[3] Khan Academy. (n.d.). *OER Project: World History AP®*. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/world-history-project-ap

[4] UWorld. (n.d.). *AP® World History Overview: Units, Topics & Key Concepts*. Retrieved from https://collegeprep.uworld.com/ap/ap-world-history-modern/units-topics-and-key-concepts/

[5] Perfection Learning. (n.d.). *AP World History: Modern (1200-Present), 2nd Edition*. Retrieved from https://perfectionlearning.com/ap-and-honors/social-studies/advanced-placement-world-history-modern

[6] Grokipedia. (n.d.). *AP World History: Modern*. Retrieved from https://grokipedia.com/page/ap_world_history_modern