AP World History Study Guide Answers

1. Explain gender roles within hunter / gatherer societies?

• Men: leadership roles, hunting roles; Women: gathered nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Although were men still superior to women, the status gap b/w men and women was not wide

2. Explain the (changes / transformations / impact) of the Neolithic Revolution on: political / economic and social institutions.

• Through domestication of animals, there was a higher yield of crops because animals were used on the field
• Agriculture allowed for a stable food source
• With more food, populations began to bloom which resulted in even more food because of there were more workers out on the fields
• More jobs opened up for things besides agriculture since only a few people needed to work on the fields
• The status gap between men and women began to widen, and men became the dominant figure in early civilizations. A patriarchal society arose as women and men assumed different roles; women took care of the children and cooked while men hunted and took on leadership roles.
• Settlements differed greatly from those of the nomads because the nomads never made permanent stayings

3. What were some of the major developments / contributions of the Hittites?

• Utilized horses in battles, making horse chariots
• The hittite land contained a lot of iron deposits leading to the new invention of iron weapons and armor; they were cheaper and more abundant than bronze, copper, silver

• One of the most influential Indo-European migrants in Ancient times.
• Earliest people to migrate into the Middle East.

4. What was the major contribution of the Phoenicians?

• Phoenicians were important in the realm of language and writing; they created an alphabet based on that of the Greek and Roman (22 characters); a huge step forward from the use of pictographs; their alphabet is even laid out the foundations for other western societies

5. Explain the origins of writings systems in Mesopotamia?

• First type of written language = cuneiform; written by sumerians in 2900 BCE to keep track of tax collections; used graphic/picture symbols

6. What was the status of women in Mesopotamia?

• Women of higher status were given less respect than those in the lower classes
• Numerous powerful goddesses were worshiped such as the fertility gods

7. Explain a patriarchal society.

• The head of the household = oldest male member
• Vested authority over public & private affairs in adult males; males were given the authority of decision making

8. What are some of the major (similarities / differences) between the Mesopotamia and Egyptian societies – pay attention to their views on religion and the role of women in those societies.

• Egypt had predictable and controllable floodings, however Mesopotamia had unpredictable floods.
• In Egypt, women had a higher status than those in Mesopotamia.
• The Mesopotamians on the other hand were more skilled and advanced in astronomy and math than the Egyptians were.
• Both groups were polytheistic and worshipped several gods.

9. What is the major premise of Hammurabi’s Code of Law?

• Relied heavily on “Law of Retaliation” where offenders of the law suffered punishments resembling their violations.(lex talionis) ex. An eye for an eye...

10. What was the major contribution of the Hebrew culture?

• Introduced monotheism, belief in a single god.
• Jewish beliefs and traditional stories were written down and later became basic to Christianity and Islam (led to the development of other religions).

11. Explain the characteristics of a “city-state”?

• City-State: urban areas surrounding agricultural areas, single city (both a country & capital city at once), independent rulership (ruled by a single ruler/king), own form of currency, impose taxes & tariffs, own militia/army

12. What were some of the major differences with regards to the transition of river valley societies to classical societies?

• trade increased and became more long distant
• more frequent events of conquering neighboring areas leading to more expansion of their society
• More sophisticated cultural and religious systems

13. What was the concept of the Mandate of Heaven?

• Mandate of Heaven: Emperors were given divine power from the gods; dynasties rise and fall according to heaven’s will or ancestors; Cho dynasty ruled with the Mandate of heaven .

14. How important was the veneration of ancestors in Chinese society?

• Ancestor Veneration= very important in Chinese societies; Chinese believed that the spirits of their ancestors passed into another realm of existence in which they had the power and support to protect their surviving families; Descendants had to display proper ancestral respect through offerings and prayer.

15. Explain the major: (beliefs / elements / aspects of) Confucian thought?

• Emphasis on the importance of harmony, order, and obedience.
• Valued 5 types of relationships:

-emperor/subject, father/son, older/younger brother, husband/wife, friend/friend.

• Reinforced patriarchal society/family structure.
• filial piety, or devotion of the child to his parents, was the foundation for all others.

16. What was concept of “dynasty” – in Chinese history / tradition?

• Dynasty: succession of rulers from the same family; family/group that maintains power for several generations; used the mandate of heaven; forms the dynastic cycle

17. What was the premise of Legalism? How was it used by the Qin / Han political units in China and what overall impact did it have of the political legacy of China?

• Legalism:emphasized strict obedience and harsh punishments; philosophy of Shi Huangdi and the Qin dynasty; put an end to the period of Warring States & brought unification of China.

18. Who was Qin Shi Huangdi – his policies – and what (impact / legacy) did he had on China?

• Qin Shi Huangdi

-1st emperor of China of the Qin Dynasty

-policies= based on Legalism (harsh punishments)

-feared for his power and ruthlessness

-wiped out Confucian teachings and burned Confucian books/killed Confucian scholars.

• Accomplishments that led to Chinese unification:

-standardized laws and currency

-built roads and bridges

-standardized Chinese script (universal Chinese script/writing)

19. What were the origins of the Confucian Civil Service Exam? What was the point in creating a meritocracy? What impact did it have on the political establishment of China?

• Confucian Civil Service Exam (based on wealth)

-exam system in imperial China that was designed to select the best potential candidates to serve as administrative officials, for the purpose of recruiting them for the state's bureaucracy.

-The exams were designed so that the wealthy people had a greater advantage at passing and earning a degree. So generally, only wealthy people could afford to prepare for these tests.

-created a highly educated government workforce.

• Meritocracy (based on talent)

- a system in which people are rewarded and advanced based on ability and talent rather than social status or wealth(or heredity).

-This bureaucracy based on merit was especially prominent for thirteen centuries in China, during which government officials were chosen from the top ranks of the Confucian educational system based on imperial civil service examinations.

20. What was the premise of Taoist thought? How was it (different / similar) to that of Confucian ideology?

• Taoism

-natural order is more important than social order

-go with the flow; be one with nature .

• Taoism VS Confucianism

-Confucianism: activist & extroverted

-Taoism: reflective & introspective

-Both encouraged self-knowledge & acceptance of the way things are.

21. Explain the Aryan invasion of India – what were the major cultural traits of the Aryans and how did those help shape what would become known as “Indian” culture?

• The Aryans came from the Caucasus Area and arrive in the Indian subcontinent.
• Originally nomadic, but eventually began settling in the fertile Ganges River area.
• Imposed caste system on natives; Influenced much of Hinduism

22. What were the Vedas?

• Religious texts of Hinduism and vedic religion
• A lot were preserved orally; the four major collections are the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda.

23. What was the basis for the Indian Caste system? What were the major components / elements of the Caste System? How does the concept of “social mobility” work within the framework of the Caste System?

• Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra, and Harijans

• social mobility occurs only within the designated caste level

24. What role did the Brahmin priests play in Hindu society?

• They were the highest level in the caste system

25. Explain the concepts of: (samsara / Moksha / Karma / Dharma).

• Samsara - the repeating cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth/reincarnation
• Moksha - liberation from reincarnation; departure from samsara
• Karma - deeds that determine the next life in the reincarnation cycle
• Dharma - the duties given to individuals in each caste system. ex: wife’s dharma is to serve her husband. If dharma is fulfilled, individuals are rewarded in their next life with a higher caste  

26. How could you compare China’s political development to that of India’s during the classical period?

• Classical China (“the Hans”) - built upon centralization practices of Qin, but less harsh; mandate of heaven in use, division of central gov’t into civilian, military, censorate; large bureaucracy funded by taxes of peasants; military dominance
• Classical India (“The Gupta”) - built upon fragmentation and regionalism, didn’t develop solid political traditions and institutions like china; chief source of revenue = agriculture; lack of individuals with political brilliance, Gupta left the decision making to allies in various regions of the Empire; loyalty was ensured by stationing a representative of the royal court at each sub-ruler’s court  

27. What was the practice of the Sati?

• The former Hindu practice of a widow throwing herself onto her husband's funeral pyre.

28. Explain the political make-up of the Gupta and how did it compare to the Mauryan Empire?

• The Gupta Empire did not have an extensive bureaucracy.
• In the Mauryan Empire, four major provinces were ruled by governors which were overseen by one emperor.

29. What were some of the major technological and cultural developments during the Gupta Empire?

• Invented concept of zero; astronomy flourished and discoveries were made about the shape of earth and the number of days in a year; roles of women significantly dropped

30. What were the major elements of Buddhist thought? Including the Four Noble Truths and Nirvana.

• 1. The truth of suffering (dukkha)

2. The truth of cause of suffering (samudaya)

3. The truth of the end of suffering (nirodha)

4. The truth of the path that frees us from suffering (magga)

• Nirvana - a state of being one with the universe and being of great wisdom
• The Eightfold path to enlightenment - the eight steps to Nirvana that enable an individual to unite with the universal spirit. Changes in thought and intentions → changes in lifestyle/actions → meditations → eventually a “breakthrough” occurs and the individual gains a whole new understanding of life: Right knowledge, right thought, right speech, right behavior, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration   
• Boddhisatvas - saints that helped others reach Nirvana

31. Be able to compare the (beliefs / ideology / practices) of Hinduism and Buddhism.

• Both originated from india
• Both groups believe in Karma, the affect a person’s actions in this life will change his next life.
• Hindus believe in caste system, but Buddhists do not.
• Both  believe the good deeds of a person are their work for salvation and their salvation will decide their next life, when they are reincarnated.
• Both believe that our suffering is caused by excessive attachment to things and people in the physical world.
• Both believe in reaching a state of peace and oneness with the world; Buddhism = nirvana; hinduism = moksha

32. Who was Ashoka and what impact did he have on Buddhism in India?

• Ashoka was a late Mauryan Emperor, and he converted to Buddhism and promoted its practices. Due to this, Buddhism spread more within India.
• Ashoka also glorified road networks with wells and rest stops, and he encouraged commerce

33. What groups within Indian society would be drawn to Buddhism and why would that be the case?

• Slaves, lower class, untouchables because buddhism allowed anyone to reach Nirvana whereas only those in the highest caste system in hinduism could reach Moksha.
• During the Gupta empire, because women were severely looked down upon, some converted and entered buddhist communities

Unit 2

1. What role did (topography / geography) play in shaping the (political / economic) features of Greek society? Explain the movement of the early Greeks – the colonization period.

• Greek topography consisted of several oceans and water sources so the Greeks placed their cities near the water ports taking advantage of its resource. Through the colonization period, the Greeks moved throughout the sea by ships. Also, the Greek empire was composed of city-states because it was made up of islands.

2. How do the political systems that emerged in early Greek societies (compare / contrast) to political structures in other societies that we have covered?

• Unlike other societies with an emperor, the Greek society was democratic and had a voting system.

3. What were the elements of Greek “democracy”? (Definitions / criteria / limitations of).

• Even though it was a democracy, not everyone had rights. Only male citizens were eligible to vote, and women, foreigners, and slaves weren’t able to participate in politics.

4. What were some of the differences with regards to the role of women in Athenian society to that of Spartan?

• Women had much more rights and were considered more equal in the Spartan society compared to the Athenian society. In the Spartan society, women were more independent since the men were always off at war. They were also able to divorce and remarry. Athenian women had few rights and were often controlled by their father or husband. Marriage was arranged, and they were often veiled.

5. What was the make-up of Spartan society?

• In the Spartan society, men as well as women were very educated and both went through physical training. The boys went through military training too. There were also Olympic games.

6. Explain the impact that Alexander the Great had on the Eastern Mediterranean world (emphasis should be placed on the Hellenistic elements in that region)?

• Alexander the Great invaded several parts of the Mediterranean and had started the Hellenistic society. This was an era where art, literature, math, and culture prospered.

7. Explain the concept of the: Pax Romana? Why was it an important time period in Roman history?

• In the Roman Empire, Pax Romana was the era of peace and prosperity and had first begun under the rule of Emperor Augustus.

8. What was the importance of the Latifundia in the Roman economy?

• Latifundia are piece of land specialized for growing certain goods and was operated by slaves. In the Roman empire, the wealthy class were able to benefit from the Latifundia and as a result became wealthier. However, the poor class didn’t receive any profit from the Latifundia.

9. Be able to compare the political structure of Athens to that of the Roman Republic.

• Athens- democracy, majority wins
• Rome- the community elects a representative which represents the community in congress

10. How was Christianity “viewed” in the early Roman Empire (before Constantine)?

• The Roman government worried that Jesus would spread resistance to Roman rule in Judea; the Roman governor of Judea (Pontius Pilate) ordered Jesus to be executed by crucifixion
• Christianity was looked upon as a cult prior to Constantine.

11. What role did Paul & St. Augustine play in the expansion and development of Christianity?

• Paul spread christianity throughout the jews and the romans. He said that Jesus was the son of god. He played a huge role in converting many people into christianity.
• Originally known as Saul, Paul persecuted Christians until temporarily blinded by a light.  He changed to Paul and converted to Christianity.
• St.Augustine influenced christianity in the western side. He was the one to develop the concept of the catholic church.

12. Explain the role that Constantine had on Christianity (Edict of Milan) and (Council of Nicea)

• In 312 CE Constantine I became the 1st Emperor to convert to Christianity; In 313 CE he issued the Edict of Milan which restored freedoms & equality to Christians; much influence from his christian mother

13. What were some of the elements that led to the deterioration and collapse of classical civilizations in: Han China, Gupta India, and the Western Roman Empire.

• internal conflicts, external invasions, political(military dictatorship=rebellions) , economic(debt), and family(lack of family structure= males no longer dominant figure) issues

14. Why was the collapse of the Roman Empire more “devastating” than the collapse of imperial order in India and China?

• rome collapsed instantly which hurt the empire whereas india and china still maintained the empires but every so often had a change in power which did not disrupt the empire overall

15. Why did philosophy emerge in Greek society?

• it emerged because they wanted to answer the world’s question logically and with reasoning, not with the magical forces of their gods and goddesses

16. How were Christians treated in the Roman Empire during the time period of 50 to 300 CE?

• many were persecuted and looked down upon
• Christians became Martyrs (people who sacrifice life for beliefs) & helped spread Christianity).

17. What were some of the changes that occurred in Chinese society after the collapse of the Han dynasty?

• Buddhism spread from India to China. (Buddhism helped people cope with the chaotic times)
• Internal struggle = Civil war, and nomads invaded the country before the government collapsed.

18. What impact or major development occurred with regards to Emperor Ashoka on Buddhism (also – what were his stone pillars)?

• spread buddhism from south asia to east asia through monks that set out to diffuse the culture

19. Compare and contrast the (role / status / view of) merchants in various classical societies.

• the chinese held their peasants higher than merchants because the peasants produced food
• in india merchants are considered vaisyas which are third highest from the brahmins indicating the slight more importance of trade in this society  

20. Explain the changes in (ideology / beliefs) of Buddhism after the death of the Buddha – what accounted for these changes and for the development of Mahayana Buddhism?

• Buddha is food poisoned to death, and after his death although he forbid it, people began to worship him as a god

21. What was the view of women in early Christianity and Buddhism?

• men and women were of equal status  

22. Explain the concept of syncretism?

• Syncretism is the combining of different, contradictory beliefs, while melding practices of various schools of thought.

23. What was the importance of the Silk Road – what were the goods / diseases / religions that migrated along this system of transportation?

• Black death(bubonic plague), smallpox, measles
• silk, spices(ginger,cloves,nutmeg,mace),cotton textiles, pearls,coral,ivory
• Buddhism spread into asia

24. Pay attention to particular works of art and architecture in Persia, China, Greece, Rome and India during the classical period – take a look at pictures in your textbook.

• Greek Architecture: Doric Column - the most simple and plain

         Ionic Column - a little more detailed

        Corinthian Column - very detailed, distinguished by elaborate leaves