Section outline

  • The final topic in this unit focuses on the skill of argumentation and so provides an opportunity for your students to draw upon the key concepts and historical developments they have studied in this unit. Using evidence relevant to this unit’s key concepts, students should practice the suggested skill for this topic.

    LEARNING OBJECTIVE

    Unit 1: Learning Objective N

    Explain the similarities and differences in the processes of state formation from c. 1200 to c. 1450.

    REVIEW: UNIT 1 KEY CONCEPTS

    KC-3.2
    State formation and development demonstrated continuity, innovation, and diversity in various regions.

    KC-3.2.I
    As the Abbasid Caliphate fragmented, new Islamic political entities emerged, most of which were dominated by Turkic peoples. These states demonstrated continuity, innovation, and diversity.

    KC-3.2.I.A
    Empires and states in Afro-Eurasia and the Americas demonstrated continuity, innovation, and diversity in the 13th century. This included the Song Dynasty of China, which utilized traditional methods of Confucianism and an imperial bureaucracy to maintain and justify its rule.

    KC-3.2.I.B.i
    State formation and development demonstrated continuity, innovation, and diversity, including the new Hindu and Buddhist states that emerged in South and Southeast Asia.

    KC-3.2.I.D.i
    In the Americas, as in Afro-Eurasia, state systems demonstrated continuity, innovation, and diversity, and expanded in scope and reach.

    KC-3.2.I.D.ii
    In Africa, as in Eurasia and the Americas, state systems demonstrated continuity, innovation, and diversity, and expanded in scope and reach.

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    • Opened: Sunday, 16 November 2025, 9:00 AM

      This practice MC quiz has 25 questions. Try to complete it within 20 minutes. Time yourself.

    • Opened: Sunday, 16 November 2025, 9:00 AM

      Task:

      Using information from the chart and sources, write a short comparative paragraph (5–6 sentences):
      Compare one Afro-Eurasian state (Song, Delhi Sultanate, or Mali) with one American state (Aztec or Inca) in terms of how each established and maintained authority between 1200–1450.


      Guiding prompt:
      What role did religion play?
      How was power organized?
      How did geography influence their systems?

      Region Example State Basis of Power Method of Governance Source of Legitimacy Notable Innovation
      East Asia Song Dynasty Bureaucracy, taxation Merit-based civil service exams Mandate of Heaven Gunpowder, paper currency
      South Asia Delhi Sultanate Military conquest Islamic administration over Hindu subjects Religious law and taxation Indo-Islamic cultural fusion
      Africa Mali Empire Control of trade routes Tributary system, Islamic advisors Wealth and justice Expansion of Islam via trade
      Europe Holy Roman Empire Feudal relationships Decentralized monarchy Christian Church Blend of feudal and religious authority
      Americas Aztec / Inca Tribute and labor Militarized tribute states Religious rituals and divine kingship Road networks, record-keeping (quipu)