1.1 to 1.3 Flashcards
(158 cards)
1
Q
During which century did China first become a unified state?
A
Third century BCE.
2
Q
What was the political structure like during China’s unification?
A
Emperor was at the top of the government.
3
Q
What were the main achievements of the Tang Dynasty?
A
Expanded Chinese borders and broke off to the Song Dynasty.
4
Q
How did the territory of the Song Dynasty compare to that of the Tang Dynasty?
A
Not as extensive as the Tang’s had been.
5
Q
What was significant about the ruling class during the Song Dynasty?
A
Well-educated ruling class with aristocratic lineage as an easy way to power.
6
Q
What educational innovation did the Song Dynasty introduce?
A
Civil Service examinations.
7
Q
Who had the opportunity to gain influence through Civil Service examinations?
A
Men, as it was not open to women.
8
Q
Besides study and official duties, what else were scholars involved in during the Song Dynasty?
A
Appreciated and even produced literature, music, and art.
9
Q
Who was responsible for bringing together Confucian writings into the official version during the Song Dynasty?
A
Zhu Xi.
10
Q
What led to the disorder in China that facilitated the Mongol invasion?
A
Drought, disease, rebellions, and bad leadership.
11
Q
Who led an army against the Mongols and founded a new dynasty?
A
Taizu.
12
Q
How did economic expansion contribute to the growth of cities during the dynastic periods?
A
By fueling economic growth.
13
Q
What was one significant innovation in the production of money during the Song Dynasty?
A
Issuing the world’s first government-issued paper money.
14
Q
What aspects of Chinese culture were particularly influential in East Asia?
A
Confucian political ideas, Buddhist teachings, and adapted Chinese writing.
15
Q
When did Korean rulers adopt the vassal state relationship with China?
A
During the early years of the period.
16
Q
What script was increasingly used for poetry and memoirs during the Heian Period in Japan?
A
A new script for writing Japanese phonetically.
17
Q
What forms of Buddhism were introduced by Japanese monks during this period?
A
Zen Buddhism and Pure Land Buddhism.
18
Q
What led to the decline of the Fujiwara family’s dominance in Japan?
A
Civil war in the late 12th century.
19
Q
Who established military governments in Japan following the decline of Fujiwara dominance?
A
Other powerful families headed by shoguns.
20
Q
What natural phenomenon helped the shogunate repel the Mongol invasions?
A
Kamikaze (divine winds) destroying Mongol fleets.
21
Q
What persisted in Japan despite successfully repelling the Mongol invasions?
A
Disputes and widespread violence.
22
Q
What is the core belief system of Islam?
A
Islam is a monotheistic tradition, believing in one god, Allah.
23
Q
What are the Five Pillars of Islam?
A
The Five Pillars of Islam are: 1) Declaring faith in God and Muhammad as God’s Prophet, 2) Performing regular daily prayers, 3) Fasting during the sacred month of Ramadan, 4) Giving charity to the poor, and 5) Performing the pilgrimage to Mecca if able.
24
Q
How did Islam emerge historically?
A
Islam emerged after Muhammad received a revelation from God in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century CE. His teachings spread rapidly across the region and beyond after his death.
25
What are the primary Islamic texts?
The primary Islamic texts are the Quran and the Hadith reports, which contain accounts of the Prophet Muhammad's teachings and actions.
26
How did early Muslims organize after Muhammad's death?
After Muhammad's death, early Muslims debated and eventually established a caliphate to lead the community both politically and religiously.
27
How did Islam spread beyond its place of origin?
Islam spread through conquest, trade, and cultural exchange, reaching regions from Spain to India within a few decades after Muhammad's death.
28
What influence did Islam have on societies?
Islam influenced societies by shaping their culture, politics, economy, and intellectual life, creating a unified cultural world known as Dar al-Islam.
29
How do historians study Islam?
Historians study Islam through analyzing primary sources such as the Quran, Hadith reports, archaeological evidence, and corroborating narratives.
30
Why are historical narratives about Islam significant?
Historical narratives about Islam are significant because they shape our understanding of the religion's emergence and development, influencing global perspectives and contemporary events.
31
Dar al-Islam Definition
Refers to regions where Muslims are in the majority and rulers practice Islam.
32
Spread of Islam
Started with conquests of Muhammad and Arab armies in the seventh century, quickly expanding from Arabia to surrounding regions.
33
Islamic Universalism
Like Christianity and Buddhism, Islam emerged as a universalist and missionary religion, believing anyone could become Muslim.
34
Early Caliphates
Umayyad (661–750) and Abbasid (750–1258) Caliphates spread Islam across Afro-Eurasia, embracing new ideas encountered during conquests.
35
Cultural Exchange
Early Islamic empires blended ideas from different places, fostering a diverse but unified cultural world.
36
Golden Age
Abbasid Empire's conquests and prosperity initiated the Golden Age of Islam, lasting until the thirteenth century.
37
Intellectual Contributions
Islamic scholars preserved and innovated, preserving Greek and Roman texts, pioneering concepts like Arabic numerals, algebra, and zero.
38
Agricultural Innovations
Abbasid Empire introduced new irrigation techniques and exchanged plants and animals, revolutionizing agriculture.
39
House of Wisdom
Baghdad became a leading center of education and research, fostering advancements in various sciences.
40
Political Fragmentation
Abbasid Caliphate declined from the ninth to thirteenth centuries due to invasions, revolts, and disputes, but cultural expansion continued.
41
Turkic Invasions
Turkic tribes migrated into Central and Southwest Asia, adopting Islam and establishing large states like the Seljuk dynasty.
42
Mongol Conquests
Mongol invasions led to the fall of Baghdad in 1258 but also facilitated the spread of Islam across the Mongol Empire.
43
Cultural Expansion
Despite political fragmentation, Dar al-Islam culturally expanded from 1200 to 1450, reaching sub-Saharan Africa, India, and Southeast Asia.
44
Unified Cultural World
Dar al-Islam fostered a unified cultural world, exemplified by travelers like Ibn Battuta, who found cultural unity across Afro-Eurasia.
45
Modern Relevance
The expansion of Dar al-Islam contributed to modern science, math, and medicine, and shaped the religious and cultural geography of the world.
46
Introduction to Islam
Islam is a monotheistic tradition centered around belief in one God, Allah, and follows the teachings of Muhammad.
47
Five Pillars of Islam
Core beliefs and practices include declaring faith in Allah and Muhammad, regular prayers, fasting during Ramadan, giving charity, and performing the pilgrimage to Mecca.
48
Variety within Islam
Islam is practiced in diverse cultures, each leaving its mark on the religion.
49
Early History of Islam
Islam emerged in 7th-century Arabia under Muhammad's teachings, spreading rapidly across the Arabian Peninsula and beyond.
50
Islamic Texts
The Quran is considered the speech of God revealed to Muhammad, while Hadith reports document the Prophet's statements and actions.
51
Development of Islamic Community
After Muhammad's death, early Muslims organized under a caliphate, facing challenges in governance and expansion.
52
Spread of Islam
Despite initial slow conversion rates, Islam spread through trade networks and urban centers, integrating with local cultures.
53
Influence of Islam
Islamic empires expanded trade routes, conquered new lands, and reshaped societies, influencing life across Afro-Eurasia.
54
Historiography of Islam
Historians rely on sources like the Quran, Hadith, and archaeological evidence to construct narratives about early Islam, while recognizing the diversity of narratives within and outside Muslim communities.
55
Significance of Islamic Narratives
Historical narratives about Islam's emergence and development shape our understanding of global affairs and cultural diversity.
56
The period from 1200 to 1450 saw the emergence of what varied and complex human societies across the Americas?
The period from 1200 to 1450 saw the emergence of varied and complex human societies across the Americas, with diverse cultures, practices, and beliefs.
57
What did the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, formed in North America around 1200, pledge and what conflicts did it end?
The Haudenosaunee, or Five Nations, pledged peace and unity, ending conflicts among the Iroquois tribes.
58
From where did the Aztecs, or Mexica, migrate and what city did they establish in central Mexico? What characterized their complex societies?
The Aztecs, or Mexica, migrated from Aztlan to central Mexico, where they established the city of Tenochtitlan. They developed complex societies with pyramids, human sacrifices, and trade networks.
59
In what region was Mayapan located and what civilization and culture influenced this cultural and political center from 1250 to 1450?
Mayapan was located in Yucatán and was a cultural and political center of the Yucatecan Maya civilization from 1250 to 1450, influenced by Toltec culture.
60
Originating from where did the Inca Empire emerge around 1100 and how did it expand to establish its vast imperial system across the Andes?
The Inca Empire originated from Lake Titicaca, emerging around 1100 and expanding through military conquests to establish a vast imperial system across the Andes.
61
What diverse religious rituals did societies practice across the Pre-Columbian Americas?
Across the Americas, societies practiced diverse religious rituals, including human sacrifices, festivals honoring celestial deities, and reverence for nature.
62
Despite regional diversity across the Americas, what increasing connections between societies led to the emergence of large states and shared cultural practices?
Despite regional diversity, there were increasing connections between societies, leading to the emergence of large states and shared cultural practices.
63
What was the Taíno?
One of the major indigenous peoples of the Caribbean, living across multiple islands at the time of European contact.
64
What were the Kalinago (Carib) known for?
An indigenous Caribbean people known for resisting Spanish colonization and control of the Caribbean islands.
65
What was a dugout canoe?
A type of boat made from a hollowed tree trunk, used by indigenous Caribbean peoples for transportation between islands.
66
What was the encomienda system?
A labor system imposed by Spanish colonizers where indigenous peoples were forced to work for Spanish settlers.
67
What was the Columbian Exchange?
The widespread transfer of plants, animals, cultures, human populations, and diseases between the Americas and the Old World after 1492.
68
What is globalization?
The process by which the world's peoples and societies have become increasingly interconnected culturally and economically.
69
What is cultural fusion?
The merging and blending of diverse cultural elements from different societies into new forms.
70
What was the nature of trade in the Americas before 1500?
All societies in the Americas engaged in trade before 1500, with extensive long-distance trade networks.
71
Which region was a major hub of trade in the Americas due to its central location?
Mesoamerica (Mexico and Central America) was a major hub of trade due to its central location.
72
What was the geographic extent of trade networks in Mesoamerica during the Classic period (100-650 CE)?
Evidence shows trade networks in Mesoamerica reached from southwestern U.S. to Panama during the Classic period (100-650 CE).
73
Which city controlled obsidian sources and traded across Mesoamerica?
The city of Teotihuacan controlled obsidian sources and traded across Mesoamerica.
74
What types of luxury goods did Maya city-states trade via coastal canoes?
Maya city-states traded luxury goods like jade, cacao, and feathers via coastal canoes.
75
What characterized trade in the Aztec Empire in the 15th century?
The Aztec Empire (15th century) had huge markets and a merchant class (pochteca) trading across Mesoamerica.
76
What other regions had long-distance trade networks in the Americas before 1500?
Other regions with long-distance trade included the Andes Mountains (llama caravans), the Southwestern U.S. (turquoise), the Mississippi River valley, and the Caribbean islands trading with South America.
77
How did trade spread technologies in the Americas before 1500?
Trade spread technologies like metalworking and agricultural methods across the Americas.
78
What is the current state of knowledge about interconnections between distant regions in the pre-1500 Americas?
Interconnections between distant regions are debated due to a lack of written sources, but archaeological evidence continues revealing new information about pre-1500 trade networks.
79
What distinguished the Aztec Empire from the broader Aztec civilization?
The Aztec Empire was a specific political entity that emerged within 100 years prior to Spanish colonization, distinct from the broader Aztec civilization.
80
How did Tenochtitlan rise to prominence in the 14th century?
Tenochtitlan rose to prominence by forming an alliance with Texcoco and Tlacopan known as the Triple Alliance.
81
How was the Aztec Empire established?
The Aztec Empire was established through the conquest of the city-state of Azcapotzalco by the Triple Alliance.
82
When did the Aztec Empire fall, and who conquered it?
The Aztec Empire fell in 1521, conquered by the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés.
83
How did Cortés defeat the Aztec Empire?
Cortés defeated the Aztec Empire with the assistance of soldiers from neighboring city-states and the devastating impact of a smallpox epidemic.
84
What were some advanced features of Tenochtitlan?
Tenochtitlan boasted advanced infrastructure such as causeways, dams, and a flood control system.
85
How did the Spanish conquest impact Tenochtitlan?
The Spanish conquest led to the destruction of much of Tenochtitlan's infrastructure, with Mexico City founded atop its ruins.
86
How did the Aztec Empire differ from the Maya city-states?
Unlike the autonomous Maya city-states, the Aztec Empire operated as a tributary state, with other city-states paying tribute to the capital of Tenochtitlan.
87
Who was Pachacuti?
Pachacuti was the ninth ruler of the kingdom of Cuzco who initiated an aggressive expansion effort, leading to the creation of the Inca Empire.
88
What did the Inca call themselves? What did Inca mean?
The Inca referred to their ruler, with "Inca" being their term for ruler. The empire started by Pachacuti was called Tawantinsuyu, which referred to the four regions conquered, with Cuzco at the center.
89
What made the Inca an empire?
The Inca became an empire by having one group, the kingdom of Cuzco, conquer other peoples and extract tribute from them.
90
How many people were living in the Inca Empire prior to its decline?
The Inca Empire had approximately 10 million people living in it, making it the largest empire in the Americas at the time of European conquest.
91
What was the Mit’a system?
The Mit’a system was the method through which the Inca Empire taxed its people. Instead of using formal coinage, members of society had to dedicate a portion of their labor directly to the empire, which contributed to large building projects like Machu Picchu.
92
What are some different ways of organizing communities that Africans used in the period 1200-1450?
Africans organized communities using various systems like elders' councils, sodalities, chieftaincies, kingdoms, city-states, and confederations.
93
What group of people were particularly influential in the governing of Swahili city-states?
Swahili city-states were ruled mostly by merchant families, with merchants having significant influence over trade policies.
94
What kinds of factors helped individuals to elevate themselves to be chiefs and then kings in the southern African region that included Great Zimbabwe?
In southern Africa, individuals rose to power by controlling cattle, forming alliances through marriage, and dominating trade.
95
What kinds of factors helped individuals to elevate themselves to be chiefs and then kings in the Congo River region?
In the Congo River region, kings emerged to settle disputes due to population growth and increased trade.
96
Tyo was a Confederation. Kongo was an empire. What was the difference? What were the similarities?
Tyo was a confederation of smaller kingdoms, while Kongo was a centralized monarchy. Both relied on trade and religious figures for power.
97
To what extent does this article explain how and why states in Africa developed and changed over time?
The article extensively discusses the development and change of states in Africa, highlighting factors like population growth, trade dynamics, and societal structures.
98
What factors stand out to you as particularly distinct and important in the way communities were organized in Africa in this period? How do these seem similar or different to other parts of the world you have studied for this period?
Factors like lineage-based systems, chieftaincies, and city-states were distinct in African communities, while similarities can be drawn with other regions in terms of trade networks and governance structures.
99
What were the various forms of government and social organization in Africa during the 13th to 15th centuries?
Chieftaincies, kingdoms, confederations, and empires.
100
How was Africa connected to Eurasia during this period?
Africa was connected to Eurasia through trade, conflict, and shared values and beliefs.
101
What challenges exist in identifying general patterns of community organization in Africa during this time?
Diversity among African societies and misconceptions about African communities make identifying general patterns challenging.
102
What were some common systems of community organization in Africa during this period?
Lineage-based systems, sodalities, chieftaincies, kingdoms, city-states, and confederations.
103
What type of state emerged along the Indian Ocean coast during this era?
City-states, collectively referred to as the Swahili states, emerged along the Indian Ocean coast.
104
What characterized Swahili societies during this period?
Swahili societies were characterized by the blending of Bantu-speaking communities with Islamic religion and Arabic script, thriving on trade with Arab and Indian merchants.
105
How were Swahili port cities governed during this time?
Swahili port cities were often governed by kings from wealthy merchant families, with power primarily held by the merchant communities.
106
What factors contributed to the development of large states in southern Africa?
Factors such as the control of cattle, trade with Swahili merchants, and the demand for gold contributed to the development of large states in southern Africa.
107
What was the significance of Great Zimbabwe in southern Africa?
Great Zimbabwe dominated a large gold-producing region and played a crucial role in the trade network, especially with the Swahili city-state of Sofala.
108
What factors led to the emergence of large states like Tyo and Kongo in the Congo River basin?
Population growth, trade expansion, and the need for dispute resolution contributed to the emergence of large states like Tyo and Kongo in the Congo River basin.
109
Who was Mansa Musa, and why might he have had a problem with his portrayal in the first photo?
Mansa Musa was the ruler of the Mali Empire, possibly the wealthiest man of his time due to his control over goldfields. He might have had a problem with his portrayal in the first photo because it depicts him with European symbols of kingship, such as a crown and a scepter, which were not typical in West African culture.
110
Examine the map shown in the article. What does it tell us about settlements of communities in the Sahel?
The map in the article shows several Sudanic states and their locations in West Africa during the 9th to 11th centuries. It reveals the distribution and settlements of communities in the Sahel, indicating the establishment of various kingdoms and states in the region.
111
What is the Sahelian state model? What is its significance?
The Sahelian state model refers to the political organization and governance structures of states in the Sahel region of West Africa. It is significant because it demonstrates common elements shared by these states, such as reliance on long-distance trade, densely populated grain-producing centers, and religious pluralism.
112
What is religious pluralism? How is it relevant to understanding west African communities?
Religious pluralism refers to the coexistence of multiple religious beliefs and practices within a society. In West African communities, it is relevant for understanding the inclusive approach to religion adopted by rulers, who allowed the practice of Islam alongside local non-Muslim religions, fostering diversity and tolerance.
113
What are some of the arguments for and against considering Mali an empire?
Arguments for considering Mali an empire include its control over a vast territory, wealth from trade, and dominance in the gold trade. Arguments against include the decentralized nature of governance and the inclusive treatment of conquered peoples, which may not align with traditional notions of empire.
114
Describe the extent to which this article explains how and why states in Africa developed and changed over time.
The article provides a comprehensive explanation of how states in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, developed and changed over time. It highlights the emergence of various kingdoms and states, their reliance on trade, governance structures, and religious dynamics.
115
Based on the evidence in this article, what was unique about the states of West Africa in this period, and what features did they share with states in other regions?
West African states in this period were characterized by their reliance on long-distance trade, densely populated centers, and religious pluralism. They shared similarities with states in other regions in terms of governance structures and economic dependencies on trade networks.
116
How does this article support, extend, or challenge your understanding of the “state” when viewed through the filter of the governance theme?
This article extends understanding of the concept of the "state" by illustrating diverse governance models and political structures in West Africa. It challenges conventional views by highlighting the complexities of state formation and the interconnectedness of African societies with global trade networks.
117
John Green points out that most sub-Saharan African histories were preserved by oral tradition rather than written down. He also says there is a prejudice against oral tradition. What evidence does he use to argue that oral tradition is in fact important?
John Green argues that oral tradition is important because literary artifacts like the Iliad and the Odyssey were composed and memorized orally for centuries before being written down. He also challenges the prejudice against oral tradition by highlighting the engagement with spoken language, as viewers do when watching his videos.
118
Who was Mansa Musa, and why was his hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) so significant?
Mansa Musa was the ruler of the West African empire of Mali, and his hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) was significant because he embarked on this journey with a large entourage and an immense amount of gold, leaving a lasting impression on the cities he visited and contributing to the myth of West Africa as a land of wealth.
119
What was Mali like when Mansa Musa ruled it, in terms of both politics and religion?
During Mansa Musa's rule, Mali was a large empire stretching from the coast into the interior of West Africa, politically ruled by Mansa Musa and later by his successor, Mansa Suleyman. Islam was the dominant faith among the elite, while traditional African religions persisted among non-Muslim populations.
120
What kinds of states were built along the eastern coast of Africa at this time, and how were they linked?
Along the eastern coast of Africa, city-states known as Swahili civilization emerged as autonomous urban centers connected by trade networks. They were linked by common language, trade routes, and the adoption of Islam by the elites.
121
For a long time, scholars incorrectly believed the Swahili city-states in east Africa must have been founded by Arabs, rather than local Africans. Why did they believe that, according to John Green?
Scholars previously believed that the Swahili city-states were founded by Arab or Persian traders, underestimating the agency and sophistication of local Africans. However, it is now recognized that these cities were established before the arrival of Islam and had engaged in trade since the first century CE.
122
What kinds of goods and other resources were traded through the Swahili city-states?
The Swahili city-states traded a variety of goods and resources, including raw materials like ivory, animal hides, and timber. They also exported gold and slaves, albeit in smaller numbers, and imported finished luxury goods such as porcelain and books.
123
To what extent does this video explain how systems of belief and their practices affected society in the period from c. 1200 to 1450?
The video provides insights into how systems of belief, particularly Islam, affected society during the period from c. 1200 to 1450. It discusses the spread of Islam in West Africa, its adoption by elites for prestige and commercial connections, and its synthesis with traditional African religious practices.
124
Why do you think two different kinds of states formed in different African regions (large empires in the interior of west Africa and city-states along the coast of east Africa)?
Different kinds of states formed in different African regions due to various factors such as geographical location, economic specialization, and cultural influences. In West Africa, large empires like Mali emerged due to control over lucrative trade routes and the adoption of Islam by ruling elites. On the eastern coast, Swahili city-states developed as trade hubs, influenced by Bantu migrations, Arab traders, and the adoption of Islam.
125
How is Mansa Musa’s life evidence of a wider network connecting societies in multiple regions in this period?
Mansa Musa's life serves as evidence of a wider network connecting societies in multiple regions during this period. His pilgrimage to Mecca brought him into contact with various cultures and societies, contributing to the exchange of ideas, goods, and knowledge across different regions of the Afro-Eurasian world.
126
What role did agriculture play in the emergence of kingdoms in the West African Sahel?
Agriculture played a significant role in the emergence of kingdoms in the West African Sahel by supporting large populations, necessitating governance and organization, and creating centers of trade and power.
127
Who was Mansa Musa, and why is he renowned in history?
Mansa Musa was the ruler of the state of Mali in the 14th century and is renowned for his immense wealth, control over goldfields, and his famous pilgrimage to Mecca, during which he distributed vast amounts of gold, leaving a lasting impression on the Mediterranean world.
128
What were the major elements common to the Sudanic states of West Africa during the 9th-11th centuries?
The major elements common to the Sudanic states of West Africa during the 9th-11th centuries were reliance on long-distance trade, control over densely populated, wet, grain-producing centers, and the management of religious diversity, particularly the coexistence of Islam and local, non-Muslim religions.
129
How did Mali emerge as a dominant power in West Africa, and what characterized Mansa Musa's rule?
Mali emerged as a dominant power in West Africa under the leadership of Sunjata, who defeated the Susu and expanded the Mali Empire. Mansa Musa's rule was characterized by immense wealth derived from control over gold trade, significant influence in the region, and his famous pilgrimage to Mecca.
130
Describe the diversity of states and kingdoms in Africa, pre-1500 CE, beyond Mali and the Sudanic states.
Beyond Mali and the Sudanic states, Africa had diverse states and kingdoms, including large kingdoms like Benin, the Yoruba and Igala states in the forests, the Kitara kingdom in the mountains of Central Africa, the kingdom of Ethiopia ruled by a Solomonic dynasty, and the extensive states in Southeast Africa like Great Zimbabwe.
131
The author argues that Europe was “barely an idea” in this period, but that it was slowly becoming a reality. What sorts of things were widely shared among Europeans?
Catholicism, the prevalence of the manorial system, and political fragmentation were widely shared among Europeans during this period.
132
How did climate change in Europe during this era, and how did this affect Europeans?
The Medieval Climate Anomaly brought warm, stable weather until the early 14th century, followed by the Little Ice Age, characterized by cold, wet, and unstable weather, leading to turmoil in Europe.
133
What was the manorial system?
The manorial system was a socio-economic arrangement based on villages and surrounding agricultural lands, where peasants worked the land in exchange for protection and access to resources under the control of local lords.
134
What was the feudal system, and what were its political implications?
The feudal system organized relationships between local leaders (lords) and kings, characterized by reciprocal obligations and hierarchies. It resulted in decentralized power structures with lords granting land and resources to vassals in exchange for loyalty and military support.
135
What seems different or especially important about how European communities were organized from 1200 to 1450? Do these factors seem similar or different to other parts of the world you have studied for this period?
European communities from 1200 to 1450 were organized around the manorial system and feudal hierarchies, with political fragmentation and power dispersed among local lords and elites. These factors are similar to other parts of the world during this period, characterized by agrarian societies and feudal structures.
136
To what extent does this article explain the causes and consequences of political decentralization in Europe from c. 1200 to 1450?
The article explains the causes and consequences of political decentralization in Europe from c. 1200 to 1450 by highlighting the devolution of power to local elites, resulting in fragmented governance structures and the weakening of central powers.
137
What characterized the transition of Europe from a vague concept to a defined reality between 1200 and 1450?
Europe transitioned from a vague concept to a defined reality between 1200 and 1450, characterized by Catholicism, a widespread agricultural (manorial) and social system (feudalism), and political fragmentation.
138
How did Europe experience growth and expansion between the 10th and 14th centuries, and what were the contributing factors?
Between the 10th and 14th centuries, Europe experienced remarkable growth marked by population increase, commerce expansion, flourishing arts and culture, and the rise of cities, driven by increased access to trade, ideas, and people from across Afro-Eurasia.
139
What were the consequences of the Black Death on Europe during the 14th century?
The Black Death, bubonic plague, struck Europe in the late 1340s, causing widespread deaths and reversing population growth, with some estimates suggesting a population decline of up to half between 1300 and 1400.
140
How did climate change from the Medieval Climate Anomaly to the Little Ice Age affect Europe during this era?
Europe experienced a shift in climate from the warm and stable Medieval Climate Anomaly to the cold, wet, and unstable weather of the Little Ice Age during the 14th and 15th centuries, impacting population growth and expansion.
141
What was the structure and function of the manorial system in Europe from 1200 to 1450?
The manorial system in Europe from 1200 to 1450 was characterized by villages as basic political, religious, and economic units, legally controlled by powerful local figures or associations who claimed a portion of labor and produce from the villagers.
142
How did feudalism organize political relationships between local leaders and kings, and what were its implications for political fragmentation?
Feudalism organized political relationships between local leaders and kings by granting lords authority over provinces in exchange for promises of military support and governance, resulting in a fractured society of hierarchies and obligations.
143
What were the characteristics of Europe's fractured society during the period of 1200-1450?
Europe from 1200 to 1450 was politically decentralized and fragmented, with power devolved to local elites such as nobles, church officials, city councils, and knights, leading to a system of devolved powers and divided hierarchies known as feudalism.
144
What legacy did the period of 1200-1450 leave on European communities, and how did it shape future developments?
The period of 1200-1450 left a legacy of basic structures related to agriculture, social organization, political divisions, and long-term growth, laying the groundwork for rapid changes in the early modern period.
145
How does the author describe states and religion in the Islamic world?
In the Islamic world, relationships between government and religion were often closely intertwined. Religious figures served as judges (qadi) under rulers' patronage, while rulers funded Islamic schools and temples. However, mystical movements like Sufism emerged as a challenge to oppressive rulers, leading to persecution by Sunni and Shi'a leaders.
146
How were Buddhism and Hinduism different?
Hinduism and Buddhism differed in their approaches and structures. Hinduism was polytheistic and centered around the worship of many gods, with a powerful priestly class (brahmins). Buddhism, on the other hand, emphasized personal enlightenment and did not focus on gods or priestly authority.
147
Why did Buddhism and Daoism often prove troublesome for the Chinese state? What did the Song dynasty promote instead and why?
Buddhism and Daoism posed challenges for the Chinese state as they did not emphasize obedience to the state. Instead, the Song Dynasty promoted Confucianism, which emphasized social hierarchies and loyalty, reflecting cosmic relationships between Heaven and earth.
148
What are some ways that rulers and religious leaders cooperated and clashed in Christian Europe?
In Christian Europe, religious leaders and rulers often formed alliances, such as in the Byzantine Empire where Orthodox Church patriarchs and emperors worked closely together. In Catholic Europe, priests and monks provided rulers with professional services, advice, and legitimacy. However, there were tensions between the Catholic popes and powerful kings, leading to competition for influence and even excommunications.
149
The Mongol Empire conquered people of many different religions across Eurasia? How did the Mongol state treat these conquered peoples?
The Mongol Empire treated conquered peoples of various religions differently. While they allowed religious freedom and often tolerated local religious practices, they also imposed taxes and sometimes persecuted certain groups, such as the Sufis in the Islamic world.
150
How did belief systems impact society and the state from c. 1200 to 1450 CE?
Belief systems impacted society and the state by influencing political structures, social hierarchies, and cultural practices. Religious leaders often served as advisors to rulers and provided legitimacy to political authority, while mystical movements could challenge oppressive regimes.
151
It’s been a while since the fifteenth century, but religions still play a major role in our world today. Sometimes they’re involved in government, sometimes they are supposed to be separate. Can you think of any ways that the history in this article might have influenced the ways we think of religion in the twenty-first century?
The historical interactions between state and religion during the period of c. 1200-1450 CE continue to influence contemporary perceptions of the role of religion in governance. The close ties between religious leaders and rulers, as well as the tensions between religious and secular authority, have shaped discussions on the separation of church and state and the role of religion in public life in the twenty-first century.
152
What characterized the relationship between government and religion in Afro-Eurasia during the 13th to 15th centuries?
The relationship between government and religion was generally close but sometimes conflicted during the 13th to 15th centuries. Rulers often supported religious institutions and claimed divine authority.
153
How did the Islamic world demonstrate a strong connection between state and religion during this period?
In the Islamic world, the relationship between state and religion was strong. Despite the dissolution of the Caliphate, Islam remained dominant, with rulers aligning with Sunni or Shi'a sects for religious authority.
154
What were the main differences between Sunni and Shi'a sects in the Islamic world, and how did they influence religious authority for rulers?
Sunni and Shi'a sects provided different sources of religious authority for rulers, with Sufism sometimes opposing oppressive rulers, leading to united persecution by Sunni and Shi'a leaders.
155
How did religious pluralism manifest in South and Southeast Asia during the 13th to 15th centuries, particularly regarding Hinduism and Buddhism?
South and Southeast Asia exhibited religious pluralism, with Hinduism forming strong alliances with rulers and Buddhism spreading rapidly, influencing various schools of thought.
156
What philosophical system did the Song Dynasty promote in China, and why did they prioritize it over Buddhism and Daoism?
The Song Dynasty prioritized Confucianism over Buddhism and Daoism, as it emphasized social hierarchies and loyalty, aligning with the government's focus on stability.
157
In what ways did rulers in Christian Europe collaborate with religious leaders, and what tensions existed between them, especially concerning the Catholic Church's political influence?
In Christian Europe, rulers collaborated with religious leaders for legitimacy and support, but tensions arose over political influence, exemplified by conflicts such as the dispute between Emperor Frederick II and Pope Innocent IV.
158
How did excommunication serve as a significant tool for the Catholic Church in influencing rulers and maintaining spiritual authority?
Excommunication by the Catholic Church served as a potent tool to influence rulers and maintain spiritual authority, compelling rulers to negotiate and avoid potential unrest among their Catholic subjects.
