Asia Global Unit Flashcards
What is the Gentry Class?
A group of rich and educated people who had a lot of power and influence
They were usually scholars, landowners, or government officials who got their jobs by passing Civil Service Exams.
What are the Steppes?
Vast, flat, grasslands with very few trees, covering a huge area of Central Asia
They shaped Mongol culture by making them tough, independent, and skilled at war.
How did the Mongols survive on the steppes?
They lived as nomads, raised horses, sheep, goats, and yaks, and lived in yurts
Yurts are round portable tents that could be easily moved.
Who was Genghis Khan?
A brilliant Mongol chieftain who united warring tribes and took the name Genghis Khan, meaning ‘universal ruler’
He conquered a vast empire stretching from the Pacific Ocean to Eastern Europe.
What is Pax Mongolica?
A period of peace and order established by Genghis Khan’s sons and grandsons across their domains
It led to political stability, economic growth, and flourishing trade along the Silk Road.
Who was Kublai Khan?
Genghis Khan’s grandson who ruled all of China, Korea, and Tibet from his capital Khanbaliq
He established the Yuan Dynasty and transformed Khanbaliq into a walled city.
What were Mongol war tactics?
Expert horse riders, hit and run attacks, fake retreats, and psychological warfare
They used fear to intimidate enemies and moved quickly with discipline.
What is the Yam System?
The Mongol Empire’s postal and communication network with relay stations every 20-40 miles
It allowed messages to travel up to 200 miles a day, improving trade and communication.
What is Japan’s geographical feature?
Located on an archipelago with ⅘ of its land too mountainous to farm
Most people settled in narrow river valleys and along coastal plains.
What is the structure of Feudalism in Japan?
Emperor, Shogun, Daimyo, Samurai, Peasants, Artisans, Merchants
The emperor was a symbolic figure, while the shogun held actual power.
What is the Code of Bushido?
The samurai’s code of values, meaning ‘the way of the warrior’
It emphasizes honor, bravery, and loyalty.
What religion emphasizes meditation and self-reliance in Japan?
Zen Buddhism
It became popular during the period.
What is Shintoism based on?
Worship of nature
It is one of the primary religions in Japan.
How did Japan practice cultural borrowing?
By adopting Chinese customs but modifying or discarding others
They kept some practices while developing their own unique traditions.
What was the Heian Court?
A period in Japan where culture flourished, blending Chinese influences with unique Japanese traditions
The imperial capital was located in Heian (modern-day Kyoto).
What were the differences between European and Japanese feudalism?
Fighting style, land rewards, and social structure
Samurai focused more on honor, while knights were rewarded with land.
What geographical challenge did the Mongols face in invading Japan?
The surrounding seas made it hard to transport horses and troops
This contributed to Kublai Khan’s failed attempts to invade Japan.
What is the significance of the Ring of Fire for Japan?
It makes Japan prone to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis
This geological feature has greatly influenced Japanese culture and society.
What was Kublai Khan’s focus as a ruler?
Ruling China and balancing Mongolian and Chinese culture
He prioritized trade and governance.
What role did the Silk Road play in Mongolian culture?
It was a vital trade route that facilitated cultural diffusion
The Mongols protected the Silk Road, ensuring safety for traders.
What was a significant military tactic used by the Mongols?
Psychological warfare
They used fear tactics to intimidate and control cities.
Who served the daimyo as the warrior class?
Samurai
The samurai were skilled warriors who adhered to the code of Bushido.
What percentage of the Japanese population were peasants?
75%
Peasants provided food and manual labor and occasionally served as foot soldiers.
What could a skilled peasant soldier achieve in society?
Rise to samurai status
This reflects the potential for social mobility in feudal Japan.
What role did artisans play in Japanese society?
Crafted weapons, armor, and tools
These items were essential for samurai and warfare.
What was the initial status of merchants in feudal Japan?
Lowest social class
Merchants did not produce goods, but their status improved over time.
What does the Code of Bushido emphasize?
Honor, bravery, and loyalty
The Code of Bushido is known as ‘the way of the warrior.’
What religion became popular in Japan and emphasized meditation?
Zen Buddhism
Zen Buddhism also focused on self-reliance and mastery of everyday tasks.
What is Shintoism based on?
Worship of nature
Shintoism is one of Japan’s indigenous religions.
Who acted as a cultural bridge between Japan and China?
Korea
Korea introduced Buddhism and Chinese writing to Japan.
What architectural style was adopted as Buddhism spread to Japan?
Pagoda architecture
This style reflects Buddhist influence on Japanese culture.
What ideas from Confucianism took root in Japan?
Filial piety
This emphasizes respect for elders and family hierarchy.
What did Japan practice regarding cultural borrowing?
Selective borrowing
Japan kept some Chinese customs but modified or discarded others.
What did Japan never adopt from China regarding government?
Civil service exam
Instead, Japan maintained inherited family status for government positions.
What did the Japanese add to the Chinese writing system?
Kana
Kana are phonetic symbols representing syllables.
Where was the imperial capital of Japan located during the Heian period?
Heian (modern-day Kyoto)
This period was marked by cultural flourishing.
What type of society did noblemen and noblewomen live in during the Heian period?
Elegant, refined society
They were surrounded by pavilions, gardens, and lotus ponds.
What language were men at court allowed to study, but women were forbidden from learning?
Chinese
This restriction limited women’s access to certain forms of literature.
What did Heian women produce despite restrictions on learning Chinese?
Some of Japan’s most important literature
Women contributed significantly to Japanese literary culture.
