Introduction: Why Comparison Matters
One of the most important skills in AP World History is comparison. Whether you’re writing an LEQ, DBQ, or SAQ, you’ll almost always need to compare civilizations, empires, or societies.
The College Board specifically wants you to:
- Identify similarities and differences.
- Explain why they existed.
- Show historical significance.
This guide walks you through how to compare civilizations effectively, with examples, frameworks, and RevisionDojo tools that make it simple.
Step 1: The Role of Comparison in AP World
Comparison shows up in:
- LEQs (e.g., “Compare the causes of empire expansion in TWO regions”).
- DBQs (often require linking regions).
- SAQs (short comparison questions).
👉 If you can’t compare effectively, you’ll lose essay points.
Step 2: The “3-Step Comparison Framework”
When comparing civilizations, always follow:
- Similarity → What did they share?
- Difference → How were they different?
- Reason → Why? (Geography, trade, culture, technology).
👉 Example: Compare Mughal India vs Ottoman Empire:
- Similarity: Both Muslim gunpowder empires.
- Difference: Ottomans expanded into Europe; Mughals ruled majority-Hindu population.
- Reason: Geography + demographics.
Step 3: Civilizations Commonly Compared
- Mongols vs Islamic Caliphates → Trade + tolerance.
- China vs Japan → Isolation vs adaptation.
- Aztec vs Inca → Agriculture + empire-building.
- British vs French colonies → Different economic + political structures.
- Industrial Britain vs Meiji Japan → Both industrialized, different timing.
👉 RevisionDojo has comparison charts for all major civilizations.
Step 4: Using SPICE-T for Comparison
Always tie your comparisons to SPICE-T themes:
- Social: Gender roles, classes, family structure.
- Political: Leadership, government systems.
- Interaction: Geography, trade, migration.
- Cultural: Religion, art, ideas.
- Economic: Agriculture, industry, trade.
- Technology: Innovations, military power.
👉 This prevents vague comparisons.
Step 5: Essay Strategy for Comparisons
LEQ Example
Prompt: “Compare the causes of empire expansion in TWO regions from 1450–1750.”
- Thesis: Both the Ottoman Empire and Spanish Empire expanded due to military technology, but while Ottomans sought regional dominance, Spain pursued overseas wealth.
DBQ Example
Prompt: “Evaluate the extent to which imperialism in Africa and Asia was similar in the 19th century.”
- Compare documents → both exploited resources, but differed in methods of control.
SAQ Example
Prompt: Identify one similarity and one difference between the Mongol and Islamic empires.
Step 6: Sample Comparisons
Mongols vs Islamic Caliphates
- Similarity: Both supported long-distance trade.
- Difference: Mongols were nomadic conquerors; Caliphates were urban religious states.
China vs Japan (1450–1750)
- Similarity: Both influenced by Confucianism.
- Difference: China remained under Ming/Qing dynasties, while Japan (Tokugawa) isolated.
Aztec vs Inca
- Similarity: Both built tribute-based empires.
- Difference: Aztec = floating gardens (chinampas); Inca = terraced farming.
Step 7: Common Pitfalls in Comparison
- Listing facts without analysis.
- Forgetting reasons for similarities/differences.
- Over-generalizing (e.g., “Both were powerful”).
- Ignoring geography as a key factor.
👉 Always ask: Why were they similar/different?
Step 8: Practice Activity
Take two civilizations and practice:
- Write one similarity.
- Write one difference.
- Explain the reason.
Example: Industrial Britain vs Meiji Japan
- Similarity: Both industrialized rapidly.
- Difference: Britain industrialized first due to coal; Japan borrowed tech after Meiji Restoration.
- Reason: Geography + timing.
👉 RevisionDojo has practice prompts + model answers for comparisons.
Step 9: Real-World Student Example
One AP World student:
- Practiced comparisons weekly.
- Used SPICE-T charts for each unit.
- Reviewed RevisionDojo’s comparison guides.
Result → Scored a 5, saying comparison essays felt “like a formula” once they had the framework.
Step 10: How RevisionDojo Helps with Comparisons
RevisionDojo provides:
- Comparison charts for major civilizations.
- SPICE-T graphic organizers.
- Sample essays with high-scoring comparisons.
- Practice prompts for DBQs + LEQs.
👉 Check out RevisionDojo’s AP World Comparison Hub here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many civilizations do I need to compare?
A: Usually two, sometimes three depending on the prompt.
Q: Do I need to know dates for comparisons?
A: General timeframes are fine — focus on trends + causation.
Q: Should I compare every SPICE-T category?
A: No — pick 2–3 categories that fit the prompt.
Q: Is geography always a reason for differences?
A: Often, yes — it’s one of the most important factors.
Q: How do I practice comparisons?
A: Use old essay prompts and RevisionDojo’s comparison guides.
Final Thoughts
Comparison is one of the core historical thinking skills in AP World History. By following the 3-step framework (similarity, difference, reason) and organizing with SPICE-T, you can write strong essays and ace MCQs/SAQs.
Pair your study with RevisionDojo’s comparison charts, SPICE-T organizers, and essay practice packs, and you’ll turn comparisons into easy points on the
