Regions in World History
How do you think about the world?
1.
Saudi Arabia
2.
Russia
3.
Ethiopia
4.
London, England
5.
France
6.
The Nile River, Egypt
7.
The Gobi Desert, China
8.
India
9.
United States
10.
Mexico
How do “Regions” play a part in AP
World History

Regions divide the world into groups.

These groups help us think about how different
places interacted and changed.

Whatever we study, you always want to be
aware of which regions are involved in the
event.

One of the most important things you will study
is how regions changed over time.
What is a Region?

A region is most often unified according to:
◦ Geography
 Example…
◦ History
 Example…
◦ Culture
 Example…
◦ Religion
 Example…
◦ Ethnicity
 Example…
What does that mean?


A region is in
one space. It
isn’t divided
by other
regions.
It is usually
marked by
an important
physical
feature.
Arabian
Peninsula
Meaning of “Region” (cont.)

Regions often share a lot of history.
◦ It’s been controlled by one empire, gone through the
same conflicts, influenced by the same events, etc.

Culturally, Religiously, & Ethnically:
◦ A region shares a common feature, but that does NOT
mean that everyone fits that exactly.
Which map shows
regions?
A.
C.
B.
Which of these shows regions?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Compare these two world maps.
Southwest Asia (aka Middle East)
Shared history:

◦
◦
◦



Human civilization began here in
Mesopotamia
Many major religions began here: Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam
Area was often ruled by one empire
Religion: Islam
Economy: Depends on exporting oil
Ethnicity: Mostly Arab, but includes
many minorities and ethnic warfare has
been a problem
South Asia

Shared history:
◦
◦
◦



One of the earliest civilizations—Indus River
Hearth of two religions: Hinduism and
Buddhism
Colonized by Britain
Religion: Hindu since 2000 BCE. Now
large number of Muslims.
Economy: Growing middle-class with a
rapidly developing modern economy
Population: Second largest population in
the world
East Asia

Shared history:
◦
◦
◦



Early civilization—China
China built strong empires and
controlled/influenced the rest of the region
Ideas of Confucianism spread around the
region
Religion: Confucianism, Buddhism
Economy: Wealthy; center of world
trade and manufacturing
Population: Largest population in the
world
AP World Regional Map

Study the AP World Regional map and
complete the regional question worksheet.

We will share and check answers when
you finish.

If you finish early, raise your hand and
ask for tonight’s homework.