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Period: 618 to 1279
Tang and Song Dynasties
North and South China were divided in the beginning of the sixth century, but came together through conquest by the Sui Dynasty, ruling from 581 to 617 A.D. In 618 CE, the Tang came to power and expanded for almost 300 years.The Tang dynasty was overthrown in 907 CE by one of its own generals. In 960 CE, a period of stability began under the Song dynasty. People were able to devote themselves to arts, landscape, poetry and history.The dynasty lasted until 1279, when the Mongols invaded China. -
Period: 750 to 1517
Abbasid Caliphate
Ruled over a large empire that included the Middle East, western Asia, and northeast Africa (including Egypt). During their reign, advances were made in areas of science, mathematics, and medicine. This period lasted from around 790 CE to 1258 CE, when Mongols invaded Baghdad. In 1261, the Abbasids reclaimed the Caliphate from Cairo, Egypt.Together the Mamluks and Abbasids ruled the Caliphate until 1517 when they were conquered by the Ottoman Empire. -
Period: 800 to 1500
Feudalism in Europe
Feudalism spread from France to Spain, Italy, and later Germany and Eastern Europe. It was a way of structuring the society around relationships that were derived from the holding of land in exchange for service or labour. Land was divided by kings between their lords and nobles, known as fiefs. As the Bubonic Plague spread, Feudalism declined as serfs left their land to seek higher wages and the land became worthless. -
Period: 1206 to 1368
Mongol Empire
The Mongol empire was the largest contiguous land empire and the second largest empire in history. They conquered many European countries and became a technologically advanced force. They were known for warfare, but also celebrated productive peace. After Genghis and Kublai Khan, the empire began to split and lose influence due to wars over succession along with the outbreak of the bubonic plague, which caused many deaths. -
Period: 1206 to 1526
Delhi Sultanate
The Delhi Sultanate refers to the five short-lived Muslim kingdoms of Turkic and Pashtun origin that ruled the territory of Delhi between 1206 and 1526 CE. They brought the religion of Islam into India, which remained after the rule ended. They introduced islamic style architecture such as arches and domes. Hinduism was harshly imposed in the beginning, but as time went on they became more tolerant. -
Period: 1235 to
Mali Empire
The Mali empire was located in West Africa, Sundiata’s conquest in 1235 being considered the founding of the Empire. They became very wealthy from salt and gold trade. Eventually, the empire outgrew its political and military strength and after the death of Mansa Musa, the empire began to lose power as no other ruler held enough influence to hold the states together. Smaller states desired to break free and the empire fully collapsed in 1600 CE. -
Period: 1271 to 1368
Yuan Dynasty
The dynasty was led by Kublai Khan, although he placed his grandfather Genghis Khan on the imperial records as the official founder of the dynasty as Taizu. The rulers encouraged advanced placement in technology and transportation. They had a centralized bureaucracy, political subdivisions, and a rationalized taxation system. The vast size of the empire resulted in more-extensive foreign trade and foreign intercourse than at any other time before the modern period. -
Period: 1299 to
Ottoman Empire
A state and caliphate that controlled much of Southeast Europe, Western Asia and North Africa between the 14th and early 20th centuries. They were known for their achievements in art, science and medicine. Major cities throughout the empire were recognized as artistic hubs, such as Istanbul. The Ottoman economy became disrupted by inflation, caused by the influx of precious metals into Europe from the Americas and by an increasing imbalance of trade between East and West. -
Period: 1300 to
European Renaissance
A period of cultural, artistic, political and economic “rebirth” following the Middle Ages. One of the major causes was the Bubonic Plague, which caused people to spread ideas and express themselves through art. Cities were recovered, agriculture expanded, and new styles of architecture were implemented. The printing press was also discovered and a movement known as Humanism. A belief that human needs and values are more important than religious beliefs, or the needs and desires of humans. -
Period: 1346 to 1353
Bubonic Plague
The plague also known as the Black Death was transmitted from fleas and quickly spread through trade throughout Europe. It was a fatal disease which caused people to flee their homes out of fear and overall wiped out about one third of Europe's population. The most popular theory of how the plague ended is through the implementation of quarantines. The uninfected would typically remain in their homes and only leave when it was necessary. -
Period: 1368 to
Ming dynasty
The Ming became the first dynasty to overthrow the Mongols and one of the most stable and autocratic of all Chinese dynasties.The civil service system was perfected during the Ming dynasty as emperor Hongwu destroyed evidence of Mongol culture. A major accomplishment of the Ming was their architecture, which is largely undistinguished with the Forbidden City. During their reign, the dynasty would oversee an unprecedented growth in China’s population and general economic prosperity. -
Period: 1415 to
Portuguese Trading Post Empire
More than 50 posts were built between W. Africa and E. Asia. Portugal did not want to conquer territories, but to control trade routes by forcing merchant vessels to call at fortified trading sites and pay duties there.They tried to take complete control, but couldn't due to a lack of men. Portuguese dominion weakened by the late 16th century. -
Period: 1419 to 1507
Age of Exploration
A period from the early 15th century and continuing into the early 17th century, during which European ships traveled around the world to search for new trading routes and partners. They traded gold and spices, but a negative was that disease was spread. It was based on the philosophy of God, gold, and glory. Meaning country's goals were to gain influence, wealth, and spread their religion. The four countries that were apart of the exploration included: Portugal, Spain, France, and England. -
Period: 1428 to 1533
Mesoamerican Empires
The Aztecs were American Indian people of Central Mexico, who arrived in Mesoamerica around the 13th century. They made many great developments and were able to construct a double aqueduct to bring fresh water to Tenochtitlan. They were quickly conquered by Spanish conquistadors and their empire fell in 1521. The Incas had the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. They were based in the Peruvian highlands where they developed walls, roads, and irrigation networks. The empire fell in 1533. -
Period: 1492 to
Spanish Colonial Empire
The Spanish empire was formed after conquering indigenous empires and claiming large stretches of land, beginning with Christopher Columbus in the Caribbean Islands. Many technological advancements had been made, such as the astrolabe, lateen sails, and compass. This allowed for long distance travel and easier trade. Therefore the Spanish were able to colonize and spread their religion throughout the Americas more efficiently. -
Period: 1517 to
The Reformation
The major causes of the protestant reformation include that of political, economic, social, and religious background. The religious causes involve problems with church authority and a monks views driven by his anger towards the church. After the Bubonic plague, the churches became corrupt as people no longer had faith in them. The churches began asking for indulgences in exchange for forgiveness of peoples sins and so the Reformation began. Martin Luther was the first to begin protesting. -
Period: 1526 to
Mughal Empire
The Mughal Empire ruled most of India and Pakistan in the 16th and 17th centuries. It consolidated Islam in South Asia, and spread Muslim arts and culture as well as the faith. The Mughals were Muslims who ruled a country with a large Hindu majority. The Mughal dynasty was notable for its more than two centuries of effective rule over much of India. A further distinction was the attempt of the Mughals, who were Muslims, to integrate Hindus and Muslims into a united Indian state. -
Period: 1526 to
Atlantic Slave Trade
The transportation of enslaved African people, mainly to the Americas. It began during the 15th century when Portugal, and subsequently other European kingdoms, were finally able to expand overseas and reach Africa. The Portuguese first began to kidnap people from the west coast of Africa and to take those they enslaved back to Europe. The trade increased due to the profitability of sugar in European markets. From there, slaves were forced to work under harsh and fatal conditions. -
Period: to
Tokugawa Shogunate
The Tokugawa Shogunate organized Japanese society under the strict Tokugawa class system. They also banned most foreigners under the isolationist policies of Sakoku to promote political stability. They saw rapid economic growth and urbanization in Japan which led to the rise of the merchant class and Ukiyo culture. The Tokugawa Shogunate declined during the Bakumatsu ("Opening of Japan") period from 1853 and was overthrown by supporters of the Imperial Court in the Meiji Restoration in 1868. -
Period: to
Qng Dynasty
This was the final imperial dynasty in China lasting from 1644 to 1912. During its rule China was at peace and arts flourished. The Manchu culture also expanded, for example, the adoption of the Manchu queue: a male hairstyle featuring a high shaved forehead and a long braided ponytail. Internal changes played a major role in the downfall of the Qing dynasty, including: corruption, peasant unrest, ruler incompetence, and population growth which led to food shortages and regular famine. -
Period: to
The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment emerged out of a European intellectual and scholarly movement known as Renaissance humanism. At least six ideas came to punctuate American Enlightenment thinking: deism, liberalism, republicanism, conservatism, toleration and scientific progress. Enlightenment thinkers believed they could help create better societies and better people. The concept of nationalism also arose as many came to believe that monarchy and religion were no longer needed in order to build a state. -
Period: to
Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution began in England and was fueled by the use of steam power. It was a time when the manufacturing of goods moved from small shops and homes to large factories. The Agricultural Revolution paved way for this as new techniques were developed and food was needed to be processed more efficiently. Goods were then produced in mass quantities by machines. This shift brought about changes in culture as people moved from rural areas to big cities in order to work. -
Period: to
American revolution
The American revolution began after the French and Indian war. The thirteen colonies opposed the British and their attempts to impose greater control over the colonies and to make them pay taxes in order to repay their own debt. The Thirteen Colonies defeated the British in war with the assistance of France, winning independence from Great Britain and establishing the United States of America. They developed the Declaration of Independence, which demanded them rights and liberty. -
Period: to
French Revolution
The French Revolution was a period of time in France when the people overthrew the monarchy and took control of the government. It was largely influenced by the Age of Enlightenment and the American Revolution as they showed that revolting could be successful for people to be treated with equality and fairness. The third Estate created the National Assembly and the Declaration of the Rights of Man was issued. A period known as the Reign of Terror followed and ended with the rise of Napoleon. -
Period: to
Haitian Revolutions
Slaves initiated the rebellion in 1791 and by 1803 they had succeeded in ending not just slavery but French control over the colony. The maroons (escaped slaves) fought against the French masters and caused Saint Domingue, a former French colony to become independent. Former slave, Toussaint l’Overture led this revolt, which allowed these people to form their own nation. Although, because of slaves no longer working, there was an economic decline that left Haiti in poverty. -
Period: to
Opium Wars
When the British began exporting large amounts of the drug from India, the Chinese began using opium for its mind-altering effects. There were two wars which were waged between the Great Qing and the British Government in the mid-19th century. Opium had been used in traditional Chinese medicine for a long time before the British came, mostly to treat disease.The wars and the subsequently-imposed treaties weakened the Qing dynasty and led to the legalization of Opium trade. -
Period: to
Tanzimat Reforms
The Tanzimat reforms were carried out between 1830 and 1870 in the Ottoman Empire. The army was the principal target of reform. The reforms drew inspiration from the Enlightenment era. They codified Ottoman laws and created new ones and by 1856 the Ottoman Reform Edict completely updated the French legal system. These reforms were only partially successful and did not halt the Ottoman decline -
Period: to
Taiping Rebellion
The Taiping Rebellion was a revolt against the Qing dynasty in China, fought with religious conviction over regional economic conditions, and lasting from 1850 to 1864. The rebellion began under the leadership of Hong Xiuquan. They attempted to overthrow the Qing dynasty by starving peasants, workers, and miners. The Taiping Rebellion eventually failed, however, and led to the deaths of more than 20 million people. -
Period: to
Sepoy Mutiny
Because the British began making rifle cartridges that were greased with cow and pig fat, the Muslims and Hindus were angry as it went against their beliefs. This led them to believe that the British were trying to convert them to Christianity. The Sepoy Mutiny marked India's first attempt to gain independence from Britain. It led to an increase in the power of the East India Company. -
Period: to
Meiji Revolution
In 1868 the Tokugawa shôgun, lost his power and the emperor was restored to the supreme position. The emperor took the name Meiji ("enlightened rule") as his reign name; this event was known as the Meiji Restoration. They began to become more modern and accepting of women as well as incorporating European style clothing. Railroads expanded, modern hospitals and schools, as well as the institution of language were adapted during this time. -
Period: to
Scramble for Africa
The reasons for African colonisation were mainly economic, political and religious. During this time of colonisation, an economic depression was occurring in Europe, and powerful countries such as Germany, France, and Great Britain, were losing money. The Berlin Conference of 1884, which regulated European colonisation and trade in Africa, is usually referred to as the starting point of this "Scramble." They drew borderlines, which resulted in the splitting up of cultural groups and conflict. -
Period: to
Berlin Conference
This regulated European colonization and trade in Africa during the New Imperialism period and coincided with Germany's sudden emergence as an imperial power. Basically meaning that if a European country wanted to colonize land in Africa, they were able to go in and legally colonize without asking for permission. None of the leaders in Africa were invited to the conference as they would likely disagree with the terms. Overall dismissing the fact that it was the African peoples land.