AP World History Exam Review: 1200-1450 (Units 1-2)

Emily Glinkler welcomes viewers to a live stream reviewing AP World History, focusing on units one and two. She acknowledges that some students may not be eager but assures them of the review's value. Glinkler emphasizes the importance of starting to review now, even if one hasn't begun yet, and praises those already in progress. The review aims to demonstrate effective study strategies, especially for the AP exam, which may differ from other history tests. Viewers are encouraged to use the chat for questions, with the promise of addressing as many as possible. Glinkler also promotes her YouTube channel for additional resources on essay writing, rubric points, and multiple-choice strategies.

The paragraph outlines the structure of the AP World History exam, highlighting the multiple-choice section and various writing types, such as short answers and essays. Glinkler stresses the significance of the eras in AP World History, reducing the content to four primary eras for focused study. She advises students to concentrate on eras post-1450, as they are most represented on the exam. Glinkler also discusses the importance of understanding the exam's requirements and the difference in preparation compared to other history tests. She provides a visual aid to help students prioritize their study time effectively.

Glinkler delves into Unit One, emphasizing comparison over dates and chronology. She explains that the College Board's focus is on comparing state-building methods across different regions. Using a map, she identifies key civilizations and suggests organizing information by region or by type of state—large land-based empires versus smaller trading states. She encourages students to understand broad comparisons rather than memorizing specific details. Glinkler also addresses the challenge of Unit One's unconventional starting point in 1200, comparing it to starting an era in the middle of ongoing events.

This section discusses the significance of trade routes in shaping regional powers. Glinkler describes the two types of states that emerged due to trade: large land-based empires that produced goods and smaller trading states that capitalized on traffic from trade routes. She provides examples of each, such as the Song Dynasty and the Abbasid Caliphate as major powers, and the Swahili Coast city-states and Southeast Asian states as minor but influential trading entities. Glinkler also touches on the role of nomadic people in connecting civilizations.

Glinkler continues her discussion on the importance of understanding the role of civilizations in global history. She emphasizes that students should focus on the major developments and broad themes rather than specific facts. Using the Song Dynasty and the Abbasid Caliphate as examples, she illustrates how these civilizations used their strategic positions on trade routes and religion as unifying forces to grow and maintain power. Glinkler also introduces the concept of Pax Mongolica, hinting at its significance in facilitating trade and cultural exchange.

In this paragraph, Glinkler discusses the impact of trade and innovation on global powers. She highlights the importance of understanding the spread of ideas and goods through trade routes. Glinkler provides examples of how the Mongols, through their conquests, facilitated the spread of innovations like gunpowder and the compass, which had a profound impact on the world. She also touches on the spread of crops, religions, and diseases, emphasizing the interconnectedness of civilizations and the significance of these exchanges in shaping history.

Glinkler focuses on the spread of Islam and its cultural impact during this era. She describes the Islamic world as a center of trade, innovation, and tolerance, with Islam spreading through trade and conquest. Glinkler also discusses the importance of the translation movement, which helped preserve and disseminate knowledge from ancient civilizations, contributing to the Renaissance in Europe. She emphasizes the role of the Islamic world in fostering diversity and exchange, which was crucial for the development of global civilizations.

This section explores the consequences of global trade and connectivity. Glinkler explains how trade routes facilitated the exchange of not just goods but also ideas, innovations, and cultural practices. She discusses the spread of religions like Islam and Buddhism, the movement of crops and diseases, and the establishment of diasporic communities. Glinkler also highlights the importance of understanding these consequences for the AP exam, as they illustrate the interconnectedness of civilizations and their impact on world history.

In the concluding paragraph, Glinkler summarizes the key points of the live stream and provides information about future live streams, study resources, and additional support. She mentions her social media presence and the availability of her AP World History review packet for purchase. Glinkler encourages students to continue engaging with the material and to reach out with any questions they may have, promising to address them on her Instagram stories.