1.1 - Developments in East Asia Flashcards
Song Dynasty
The wealthiest and most innovative empire during the years 1200-1450.
Leading manufacturer of iron, silk, steel, porcelain.
Grand Canal
Inexpensive and efficient water-way transportation system.
Allowed China to become most populous trading area in the world
Champa rice
Fast-ripening and drought-resistant strain of rice.
Allowed farming to expand to where rice once could not grow
Tributary System
Arrangement in which other states had to pay money or provide goods to honor the Chinese emperor.
Cemented China’s economic + political power/created stability
Kowtow
Ritual in which anyone greeting Chinese emperor must bow their head to the floor.
Highest sign of reverence + demonstrated power of emperor
Schlor Gentry
New social class created by bureaucratic expansion.
Educated in Confucian philosphy.
Foot-binding
Young girls would wrap their feet so tightly that the bones did not grow right; restricted movement.
Bound foot = social status
Small foot = beautiful
Zen Buddhism
Syncretic faith where Buddhist doctrines were combined w/ Daoist traditions.
Became very popular in China. Monastries appeared in most major cities.
Filial Piety
Respect and honor of ancestors
Neo-Confucianism
Syncretic faith, combining rational thought w/ abstract ideas of Buddhism and Daoism.
Became immensely popular in Japan, Korea, Vietnam
Sinification
Assimilation to Chinese culture and traditions.
Laid foundation for Japan, Korea, Vietnam and their economy/culture
How does an imperial bureaucracy work?
Everyone carries out the will of king/emperor.
How does a meritocracy work?
Men of lower economic classes could score well on the civil service exam, earning themselves a job in the bureacracy
What were the civil service exams based on?
Knowledge of Confucian texts
Why did Song Dynasty decline?
It grew too big. Had to pay gov. officials more -> insane wealth dried up
