Unit Zero Reflection AP World History

Describe how the neolithic revolution led to injustices within religions, social classes, and between genders. Please provide examples for each analysis.

The Neolithic Revolution is also called the Agricultural Revolution. It was the time when people shifted from a hunter-gatherer society to farming and permanent settlements. It meant that populations could become more stable and it directly affected the population growth. While it was the onset for human development, it also caused the start of injustices within religions, social classes, and between genders. Because of the start of permanent settlements, people were able to specialize in different jobs. Different jobs ultimately led to to class divisions. Better treatment went to those considered to have more important jobs. In addition, women were having more children compared to the gatherers that came before them. Because they were expected to have children to help with farm work, their social standing became less than men’s. Lastly, the Neolithic Revolution also led to the creation of religion. History of Ancient Civilizations show how conflict often rose with religion being at the root of the issue. 

Describe early neolithic technology and inventions. Please provide examples for each analysis.

Through the Neolithic Revolution, people were able to mentally develop. By domesticating plants and animals, people had create systems so that their new sources of food could thrive. The discovery of fire as well as inventions such as the wheel, horse riding, and chariots were all technological inventions that helped societies grow at this time. 

Describe the rise of Interregional trade routes and how that led to the spread of religions. Give examples.

When ancient civilizations made contact with each other, interregional trade became a common factor among the societies. Through these trade routes, religion, language, and culture were able to pass on through a wide distance. For example, the Mediterranean Sea and trans-Saharan trade routes facilitated trade with Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and North Africa. Through this trade network goods and culture could be exchanged. Another important trade network was the Silk Roads. These networks explain the diffusion of Buddhism from India to China and the spread of Islam all the way to West Africa. 

Explain the difference between centralized and decentralized governments. Please give examples of each.

A centralized government is where one unit of government has full autonomy to make decisions. It is a hierarchical system which can often ignore individual issues. Examples of centralized governments include the United Kingdom and China. Decentralized governments have shared authority with local governments. Because of this political decisions are a process and it is more representative of smaller issues. An example of a decentralized government would be the Unites States. 

List and explain six significant terms that you should remember going into Period 1.

Egalitarianism, centralized & decentralized governments, codification, polytheism & monotheism, and diaspora are each significant terms that I need to remember when going into Period 1. Egalitarianism is the idea of people being equal. Centralized and decentralized governments explain how power and authority is distributed in a society. Codification is when rules, laws, and ideas are written down and recorded. Polytheism and monotheism is the belief of either one or multiple gods. Lastyly, a diaspora is the displacement of a group of people from that homeland.