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The Neolithic Revolution - Slides

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AP World History: Modern Study Guide

Unit 1: Global Tapestry 1200 to 1450

The Neolithic Revolution

The Neolithic Revolution marks a significant turning point in human history and is a
fundamental concept

for understanding the course of world history.

Key Concept

This period saw the shift from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agriculture, transforming human social organization and laying the groundwork for the development of civilizations.

Key Concepts and Vocabulary:

  • Neolithic Revolution: The transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture as the primary mode of subsistence.
  • Domestication: The process of adapting wild plants and animals for human use.
  • Agriculture: The cultivation of crops and rearing of animals for food, clothing, and other products.
  • Surplus: An excess of food or resources beyond what is immediately needed for survival.
  • Specialization of Labor: The division of work into specific tasks performed by different individuals.
  • Pastoralism: A subsistence strategy based on herding domesticated animals.

Potential Gaps and Misconceptions:

  • The Neolithic Revolution was not a sudden or singular event. It occurred gradually over thousands of years and varied in different parts of the world.
  • Agriculture did not immediately replace hunting and gathering. Many societies practiced a mixed economy.
  • The adoption of agriculture did not always lead to a higher quality of life. It brought new challenges such as disease and social inequality.

Memory Aids:

  • **"Neo" means new, and "lithic

Question 1 of 9

Ready to test your knowledge? 🤔 The Neolithic Revolution is BEST characterized by which major shift in human history?

The development of complex writing systems

The transition from hunting and gathering to settled agriculture

The widespread use of metal tools and weapons

The establishment of global trade networks