Japan 3/27/25 - 4/4/25

Question 1

What type of geographic formation is Japan?

Answer 1

Archipelago

Japan is composed of numerous islands.

Question 2

What percentage of Japan’s land is arable?

Answer 2

15%

This indicates limited agricultural land.

Question 3

What are the two basic elements of Japan’s governance and belief system?

Answer 3

1. Emperor
2. Shintoism

The Emperor is considered divine, and Shintoism is a polytheistic religion.

Question 4

From which year does the Japanese count time based on the first emperor?

Answer 4

660 BCE

This marks the beginning of the Japanese imperial calendar.

Question 5

What is Shintoism characterized by?

Answer 5

Polytheism and animalistic beliefs

Shintoism does not have priests or scriptures.

Question 6

What significant influences did China have on early Japanese history?

Answer 6

1. Writing
2. Religion
3. Law Code

Japan adopted and adapted these elements from China.

Question 7

What time period does the Heian Period cover?

Answer 7

794-1185

This era is known for its cultural refinement.

Question 8

During the Heian Period, what was expected of the elite regarding poetry?

Answer 8

Considered social outcast if didn’t write good poetry

Poetry was a key social skill.

Question 9

What characterized the social structure of Feudal Japan?

Answer 9

Lawlessness and emergence of warlords

Large landowners had private armies.

Question 10

What is ‘bushido’?

Answer 10

The way of the warrior

It describes the ethical code of the samurai.

Question 11

Who is the Shogun?

Answer 11

Supreme general of the emperor’s army

The Shogun had significant military power.

Question 12

What natural disaster is Japan prone to?

Answer 12

Natural disasters

Earthquakes and tsunamis are common in the region.

Question 13

What is the relationship between Buddhism and Shintoism in Japan?

Answer 13

They peacefully coexist

Both religions have influenced Japanese culture.

Question 14

What does the term ‘kamikaze’ refer to in the context of Japanese history?

Answer 14

Divine wind that repelled Kublai Khan

It refers to typhoons that destroyed invading fleets.

Question 15

What are the primary characteristics of the Mongols?

Answer 15

Nomads/Pastoralists

Question 16

Where did the Mongols primarily inhabit?

Answer 16

Central Asian Steppe

Question 17

Describe the geography of the Mongolian environment.

Answer 17

Flat grassland, little rainfall, harsh environment

Question 18

What natural resources were available to the Mongols?

Answer 18

Very few natural resources

Question 19

How did the Mongols obtain goods they needed?

Answer 19

Trade for needed goods (horses) and took what they needed

Question 20

What type of social structure did the Mongols have?

Answer 20

Tribal / Clan Existence

Question 21

What was a notable aspect of Mongol political unity?

Answer 21

Lack of political unity

Question 22

Was warfare common among the Mongols?

Answer 22

Yes, warfare was very common

Question 23

Who was the leader of the Mongols?

Answer 23

Genghis Khan

Question 24

What was Genghis Khan’s original name?

Answer 24

Temujin

Question 25

What was Genghis Khan destined to become?

Answer 25

A leader

Question 26

What type of life did Genghis Khan live?

Answer 26

A difficult violent life

Question 27

What tragic event occurred in Genghis Khan's early life?

Answer 27

His father was murdered by a rival tribe

Question 28

What happened to Genghis Khan when he was young?

Answer 28

He was kidnapped

Question 29

At what age did Genghis Khan begin amassing an army?

Answer 29

20

Question 30

What was Genghis Khan's main goal in amassing an army?

Answer 30

Avenge his father's murder

Question 31

What did Genghis Khan do to rival tribes?

Answer 31

Destroys rival tribes

Question 32

What type of tactics did Genghis Khan use?

Answer 32

Brilliant military tactics

Question 33

What name did Temujin earn after his military successes?

Answer 33

Genghis Khan

Question 34

What term describes Genghis Khan as the original terrorist?

Answer 34

Encouraged true and false stories about Mongols' terrible reputation ## Footnote This tactic was used to instill fear and control among adversaries.

Question 35

What type of bows did the Mongols use?

Answer 35

Long distance bows ## Footnote These bows provided a significant advantage in warfare.

Question 36

What was the primary source of wealth, food, and military strength for the Mongols?

Answer 36

Horses ## Footnote Horses were crucial for mobility and logistics.

Question 37

What material was used for Mongol armor?

Answer 37

Lightweight armor made of leather or felt ## Footnote This type of armor allowed for greater mobility in battle.

Question 38

What was Pax Mongolica?

Answer 38

Mongol Peace ## Footnote A period of stability and peace under Mongol rule that facilitated trade.

Question 39

What did the Mongol trade network facilitate?

Answer 39

Products, people, techniques, information, and ideas moved easily through Eurasian land mass ## Footnote This network was vital for cultural and economic exchange.

Question 40

How did the Mongol government encourage and protect trade?

Answer 40

Through alliances ## Footnote Alliances were essential for maintaining order and security along trade routes.

Question 41

How were cities governed under Mongol rule?

Answer 41

Left under rule of native governors ## Footnote This approach helped maintain local stability and governance.

Question 42

What was the basis for promotions within the Mongol government?

Answer 42

Merit ## Footnote This system aimed to ensure that capable individuals were placed in positions of power.

Question 43

What characterized the Mongol postal system?

Answer 43

Protected by army, fast and efficient, used silk roads ## Footnote This system was crucial for communication across the vast empire.

Question 44

What was a key feature of the Mongol system of writing?

Answer 44

System of writing ## Footnote This facilitated administration and communication across diverse cultures.

Question 45

Fill in the blank: The Mongols used _______ for their military advantage.

Answer 45

Horses ## Footnote Horses were integral to the Mongol military strategy.

Question 46

True or False: The Mongol government promoted individuals based on their family background.

Answer 46

False ## Footnote Promotions were based on merit rather than family connections.

Question 47

Who is Kublai Khan?

Answer 47

Grandson of Genghis Khan

Question 48

What traditional skills was Kublai Khan raised in?

Answer 48

Warfare, hunting, pastoralists

Question 49

What influence did Kublai Khan have in his education?

Answer 49

Literature & exposure to Chinese culture

Question 50

When did Kublai Khan inherit the Mongol Empire?

Answer 50

1259

Question 51

What significant achievement did Kublai Khan accomplish in China?

Answer 51

1st to rule all of China and renamed it Yuan Dynasty

Question 52

Fill in the blank: Mongols are primarily _______.

Answer 52

nomadic/pastoralic

Question 53

What is a characteristic of Mongol literacy?

Answer 53

Predominantly illiterate

Question 54

Describe the political tradition of the Mongols.

Answer 54

Little political competence/tradition

Question 55

How did Mongols view the Chinese?

Answer 55

Don’t trust Chinese

Question 56

What type of culture do the Chinese have?

Answer 56

Farming culture

Question 57

What historical periods are associated with the Chinese?

Answer 57

History of 'Golden Ages'

Question 58

What is a defining feature of the Chinese government?

Answer 58

Large bureaucratic government

Question 59

How did the Mongols view the Chinese?

Answer 59

Viewed as barbarians

Question 60

Who was Marco Polo?

Answer 60

A Venetian merchant

Question 61

What items did Marco Polo bring to Kublai Khan?

Answer 61

Holy oils and papal documents

Question 62

What position did Marco Polo hold in Kublai Khan's court?

Answer 62

A position in Kublai’s court

Question 63

How long did Marco Polo remain in Kublai Khan's court?

Answer 63

17-20 years

Question 64

What is the title of the work written by Marco Polo?

Answer 64

The Travels

Question 65

Name three things Marco Polo described in his writings.

Answer 65

* Xanadu * Postal service * Eyeglasses * Coal * Asbestos

Question 66

What is a criticism regarding Marco Polo's stories?

Answer 66

Some 'tall tales' cast doubt on all of his stories

Question 67

What do some Chinese texts mention?

Answer 67

Marco Polo