Era III: 600 - 1450Generally, the third era in AP World History is characterized by political decentralization for many as well as nomadic dominance elsewhere. Following the fall of the classical empires Europe and India witness the rise of smaller regional states, while the Middle East and China are able to centralize. Despite decentralization, commercial, economic, and trade systems intensify during the era.
Regions during this area are better labeled based on major religion (Islam, Buddhism, Christian) than political structure. In fact, these religions spread so widely that they change based on their surroundings. For example a Muslim in Mali has different religious practices then a Muslim in Persia.That is not to say that major empires did not happen. They did and continued to become more complex and larger. Politically, the first half of the era is dominated by the Islamic Empire founded by Bedouin nomads in the Middle East and North Africa as well as the Tang Dynasty in China. However, central Asian nomads including the Mongols and Turks leave their mark in the latter half of the era. Europe, India, and the Americas will also become increasingly centralized as the era goes on. Demographically, quality of life continually improves. Populations go up for the most part throughout the world as new foods are shared and cultivated. Disease, however will take its toll and shake up social structures throughout the world.
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Region by Region snapshotAfrica – Commercial centers in West Africa (Ghana, Mali, Songhai) and East Africa (Zimbabwe, Swahili City-States) emerge thanks to transregional trading networks. These states largely convert to Islam
Americas – Intraregional trade is abound this unit and a couple highly developed and powerful empires rise; notably the Aztec in Central America and the Inca in the Andes Mountains East Asia--China recentralizes after the Era of Six Dynasties entering what many call a golden age with the Sui, Tang, and Song Dynasties. These dynasties have a profound impact on their neighbors, especially Japan and Korea, They are conquered by the Mongols who establish the Yuan Dynasty. At the end of the era, the Chinese have pushed out the Mongols and established the Ming dynasty. Europe – Largely decentralized, feudal, and manorial in the first half. Major turning points come with the Crusades in the twelfth century and the Bubonic Plague in the fourteenth century. The building blocks for European state-building, expansion, and domination are laid during this era. In Eastern Europe, the Byzantine Empire continues the legacy of the Roman Empire. Middle East – Part of the Middle East is controlled by the former Eastern Roman Empire, now called the Byzantine Empire. Islam is founded to begin the era among nomadic groups in the Arabian Desert. The Islamic Empire conquers Persia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain. They change dynasties and are conquered by the Mongols. At the end of the era, a nomadic group called the Turks have settled and conquered most of the area. Oceania – Migrations have finished. Many of the islands struggle with overpopulation and how to control the resources. South Asia – India is not united until 1200. There is plenty of trade and some exposure to Islam. An Islamic group conquers the subcontinent in 1200 establishing the Delhi Sultanate. This is the beginning of a long struggle (more of a rivalry and not necessarily violent) between Muslims and Hindus in India. Southeast Asia – Buddhism has spread into the area as well as Chinese culture. There is a centralized empire called Angkor. |
Class Notes
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