AP World History UNIT 2 REVIEW—1200-1450

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive review of Unit 2 of the AP World History curriculum, covering the period from 1200 to 1450. It focuses on the major trade routes of the time, their cultural impacts, technological advancements, and significant historical figures. Understanding these elements is crucial for mastering the content and excelling in the AP World History exam.

Step 1: Understand the Major Trade Routes

Familiarize yourself with the three significant trade routes during this period:

• Silk Roads:

  • Connected Asia to Europe.
  • Facilitated the trade of silk, spices, and other luxury goods.

• Indian Ocean Routes:

  • Linked East Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia.
  • Known for the trade of textiles, spices, and precious stones.

• Trans-Saharan Trade Routes:

  • Connected sub-Saharan Africa to North Africa and Europe.
  • Primarily involved the trade of gold, salt, and ivory.

Practical Advice

• Create a map highlighting these trade routes to visualize their connections and geographic significance.
• Note the types of goods traded along each route to understand economic interactions.

Step 2: Recognize the Cultural Exchange

Trade routes were not just about goods; they were conduits for cultural, environmental, and technological exchanges.

• Merchants played a crucial role in spreading ideas, religions, and technologies.
• Key cultural exchanges included the spread of Buddhism, Islam, and various artistic styles.

Practical Advice

• Reflect on how these exchanges influenced the societies involved.
• Consider creating a chart that maps out specific cultural changes resulting from trade.

Step 3: Identify Key Technological Innovations

Several technologies emerged to facilitate trade during this era:

• Saddle: Improved the ability to transport goods over land.
• Lateen Sail: Allowed ships to navigate more effectively by utilizing wind from various directions.
• Sternpost Rudder: Enhanced ship control and navigation.
• Magnetic Compass: Revolutionized navigation, allowing for more precise sailing.
• Astrolabe: Helped sailors determine their latitude and improve navigation accuracy.

Practical Advice

• Make flashcards for each technology, noting its purpose and impact on trade.
• Consider how these innovations might be relevant in modern contexts of transportation and navigation.

Step 4: Explore the Impact of Large States

Large empires played a significant role in maintaining the safety and security of trade routes.

• The Mongols, for example, were instrumental in protecting these routes, which facilitated trade and cultural exchange.
• They also contributed to the spread of diseases like the Black Death, illustrating the dual nature of interconnectedness.

Practical Advice

• Investigate the Mongol Empire’s policies that promoted trade and security.
• Discuss how the spread of diseases could be seen as a consequence of increased trade and interaction.

Step 5: Learn from Historical Figures

Key historical figures such as Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo expanded the world’s understanding of distant lands through their travels.

• Their accounts provided insights into the cultures and economies of the regions they visited.
• These narratives helped shape perceptions of the world during this period.

Practical Advice

• Read excerpts from their travels to gain a firsthand perspective of the era.
• Create a timeline of significant journeys made by these figures and their impacts on global awareness.

Conclusion

This tutorial has outlined the essential components of AP World History Unit 2, focusing on trade routes, cultural exchanges, technological innovations, the role of large states, and notable historical figures. To prepare for your AP exam, consider creating study groups to discuss these topics in depth, practice essay writing based on these themes, and utilize the additional resources linked in the video description for further study. Understanding these key concepts will enhance your grasp of global history during this transformative period.