January 2022 Flashcards
What is a dynasty?
A series of rulers from a single family
How did the geography contribute to China’s culture?
Because of its isolation, China developed a unique culture
From which direction could invaders come and what did the Chinese do about it?
The north - they built a Great Wall
When did Buddhism become popular in China and why?
After the fall of the Han dynasty - its appealing when things are rotten
Why was Confucianism popular with rulers?
It’s based on respect for authority
What is the Mandate of Heaven?
The concept that Heaven supports China’s ruler conditionally, so long as they rule well.
What did the Chinese build during the Sui dynasty to improve trade?
the Grand Canal
From which group were the Tang dynasty officials chosen?
The aristocracy - the rich protecting the rich
From which groups were the Song and Ming officials chosen?
Scholars - by passing exams based on Confucian teaching
From which group were the Yuan officials chosen?
Foreigners, based on loyalty more than talent
What group was generally favored when taking exams?
The wealthy because they could afford to give their sons an education.
Why were merchants considered the lowest class in traditional society?
They produced nothing, just made money on other people’s labor
Why did the Tang dynasty territory extend so far west?
To keep the Silk Road open
Why didn’t the Tang dynasty having the territory they had bother the Song?
They had begun to focus on maritime (sea) trade
What technological advancements made maritime trade possible?
Watertight compartments, the magnetic compass, and the stern post rudder
What sparked the economic boom of the Song dynasty?
The shift south and rice cultivation
What fueled the economic boom of the Song dynasty?
Commerce, canal travel, and urbanization
What brought the Song dynasty to an end?
They were conquered by Kublai Khan who established the Yuan dynasty
What groups were favored by the Yuan?
Mongols and other foreigners, merchants, and northern Chinese
Who was Marco Polo and what was his legacy?
A trader from Venice who served Kublai Khan and brought knowledge of China to Europeans
What also traveled to Europe during the Yuan dynasty?
The Bubonic Plague
What system did the Ming prefer over commercial trade?
Tribute and kowtowing to the emperor
Who was Zheng He and what was his mission for the Ming emperor?
the “Admiral of the Western Seas” voyages of exploration to establish more tributary states
How did their ships compare to Europe’s at the time?
5 times the size and far more seaworthy
Why did the Ming stop exploration and trade?
Mis-trust of foreigners, too expensive, and the belief the outside world had nothing valuable to offer them
How did the Ming establish a “closed door” policy?
They built the Great Wall, forbade outside travel, and controlled all interactions with foreigners
How did a closed door policy hurt China?
They fell behind technologically as the West began to advance
What inventions changed the world once in the hand of Europeans?
The magnetic compass, paper, and gunpowder
What Chinese practice reflected Neo-Confucian views in regards to women?
foot binding
Despite the previous popularity, how did the Chinese rulers come to view Buddhism?
As something basically not Chinese
