An Introduction to Buddhism for AP World History

Religion shapes the daily lives of individuals, but it also shapes the events of history. If you are going to understand the events of world history, then you need to know about the world religions. This page will teach you the basics of Buddhism for AP World History. Click through the slides to read about Buddhism. At the end, there is a short video to watch too!

Siddhartha Gautama

Siddhartha Gautama was a wealthy Hindu prince. He wanted to discover the meaning of human suffering, so he meditated under a bodhi tree until he became the Buddha, or Enlightened One.

Siddhartha Gautama lived in Nepal. He was born in 563 BCE and died in 483 BCE.

Four Noble Truths

Buddhism does not have a supreme being or god. Buddhists follow the four noble truths.

1. all life is suffering

2. suffering is caused by desire

3. one can be freed from desire

4. one is freed from desire following a prescribed path

   
   

Big Ideas About Buddhism

1. It rejected social hierarchies, so people in lower social classes embraced it.

2. It wasn’t tied to a specific social structure, so it could be applied to any culture. As a result, it spread quickly.

3. Buddhism in India eventually reabsorbed into Hinduism.

4. Buddhism thrived in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

5. Like other religions, Buddhism spread via trade routes.

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World Religions

Want more information about the world religions you need to know about for the AP World History exam? Check out the links below!

Buddhism

Christianity

Confucianism

Hinduism

Islam

Judaism

Unit 1:The Global Tapestry

AP World History