1.7 Notes- AP History
Explain how the role of nomads changed over time in the process of state building.
Nomadic people had an essential role in the process of state building between 1200 and 1450. The Mongols ruled over important areas of Asia and Eastern Europe during the 13th century and Mongol dominance allowed political stability and expansion of trade across Eurasia. The Seljuks and Ottoman Turks were other strong empires. The creation of these strong empires would be among the last major impacts of the interaction between settled and nomadic people. The part of nomads in commerce and cross-cultural exchange began to decline as they were replaced by organized groups of merchants and trading companies.
How was the role of religion in empire and state building similar or different throughout Afro-Eurasia?
Religion was a vital part of state-building in much of the world because it helped to unite a diverse population and strengthen political control over territories. One prime example of how religion worked with state-building was the Islamic world because Islam provided the basis for the legitimacy of rulers from West Africa to Southeast Asia. Other states strengthened by religion include the Song Dynasty (used Confucianism), Neo-Confucianism spread to Korea and Japan (allowed rulers in these East Asian regions to justify their power), and rulers in Southeast and South Asia relied on Buddhism and Hinduism to help strengthen states as well. However, Europe's relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and state-building was slightly different. Sometimes, the Church was part of the state-building process, but due to European states being so weak for most of the Middle Ages, the Church had given an alternative structure for organizing society. Between 1200 and 1450, more powerful states in France and the Holy Roman Empire emerged, which caused the Church to become the rival power on occasions.
The author makes the claim that states in core areas of civilization grew larger, while smaller states began to decline. Identify and explain two examples that prove this argument.
States in core areas of civilization grew larger because of cultural and technological progression. For example, the Song Dynasty in China was maintained for a long period of time due to the advancements that occurred. Also, the Chola Kingdom and Vijayanagar Empire used trade to construct strong states. Smaller states declined due to the lack of innovation.
Using the chart on pg. 68, describe two major types of state building that you believe are the most successful.
The two types of state buildings that I believe are the most successful are the revival of former empires and expansion in scope. Revival of former empires is defined as when new leadership continues or rebuilds a previous empire with some innovation. One example of this is the Mali Empire and this empire was very successful because it became very powerful and wealthy. The expansion of scope process is when an existing state expands its influence through conquest, trade, or other means and an example of this are the Incas in South America.
Explain how the increase in cross-cultural exchanges impacted regions through Afro-Eurasia.
These exchanges were fueled by increased trade and as these occurred, so did the exchange of technology and innovation. One example of innovations in crop innovation was when Champa rice was spread from Vietnam to China. This helped the Song Dynasty feed and maintain a growing population, which resulted in a larger and more urban citizenry that was supported by the proto-industrialization of China's economy. The production of steel, silk, porcelain, and iron all increased during this time as well. Paper manufacturing reached its way to Europe in the 13th century, which caused an increase in printed material that led to increased literacy rates across Europe, Southwest Asia, and North Africa. This led to advances in math and medicine. Europe was still dependent on the manorial system and serfdom, which may have caused a halt in European technological innovation. Conflict occurred because of the transfers of knowledge paralleling the spread of religion along trade networks. Cross-cultural interactions and transfers intensified and several of the first direct contacts between Europe and China was facilitated by Mongol rule.
