What time period is WHAP Unit 1?

WHAP Unit 1, which corresponds to AP World History: Modern Unit 1, covers the time period from 1200 CE to 1450 CE.

This foundational unit is known as The Global Tapestry. It examines the intricate connections and developments of various civilizations across the globe before the profound shifts brought about by greater global interconnectedness.

Understanding The Global Tapestry (1200-1450 CE)

During this era, major civilizations significantly influenced global dynamics through their growth, innovations, trade, and conflicts. It was a period characterized by the flourishing of established empires and the emergence of new powers, laying the groundwork for future global interactions.

Key Aspects and Civilizations of Unit 1:

• Islamic World: Continued its expansive reach across Afro-Eurasia, fostering intellectual and scientific advancements, and acting as a crucial bridge for trade and cultural exchange. Diverse Islamic caliphates and sultanates played a central role in connecting various regions.
• China: Under dynasties like the Song and later the Yuan (Mongol-led) and early Ming, China remained a powerhouse of innovation, economic prosperity, and cultural influence. Its technological advancements, particularly in areas like printing, gunpowder, and navigation, had widespread impacts.
• Mongol Empire: Rose to unprecedented power, creating the largest contiguous land empire in history. While its conquests were transformative, the Pax Mongolica facilitated the movement of goods, ideas, and people across vast distances, connecting disparate regions of Eurasia like never before.
• Interregional Networks: This period saw the strengthening and expansion of various trade routes, including the Silk Roads, Trans-Saharan routes, and Indian Ocean networks. These routes were vital for the exchange of:
  • Goods (e.g., spices, textiles, precious metals)
  • Technologies (e.g., compass, astrolabe)
  • Religions (e.g., Islam, Buddhism, Christianity)
  • Diseases (e.g., the Black Death)

Summary of WHAP Unit 1

To provide a clear overview, here's a table summarizing the key details of WHAP Unit 1:

This unit sets the stage for understanding how various regions of the world developed independently and interconnectedly, shaping political structures, economic systems, and cultural landscapes before the dawn of the Age of Exploration.