Lecture 6: Chinese Technologies and European Connections Flashcards
What is the most important invention in China?
The compass to make political predictions
When Europeans obtain the same technology as China, what did they use it for?
Obtaining the same technology as ancient china, the compass, the Europeans would use it to navigate and conquer the world
What was the biggest device that the ancient Chinese built?
They built great treasure ships that demonstrate their superiority in technology.
How was black powder invented?
The ancient Chinese initially made the elixir of life but the dried form of the elixir becomes black powder.
The elixir of life was made of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfure mixed with water
What is the usage of the black powder?
Used in religious festivals such as rocketry also known as fireworks in China (1). Whereas, the Europeans would use it for space exploration (2).
Why did ancient Chinese not used their technologies like the Europeans?
Due to the government, religion, and worldview that makes them think of different solutions for change
What is the perspective of rapid change between the West and Ancient Chinese?
Ancient Chinese believe that it’s an imbalance (1). Europeans view it as progress (2).
Why were pigs considered terror weapons?
The pigs have natural ingredients to gunpowder, as their urine (ammonia) and droppings created potassium nitrate.
What was the first weapon to utilize gunpowder?
Cannons in 1320 Ad were manufactured in Mongols and Turks.
What was Constantinople known for?
The thick walls as they are impenetrable.
How did the Constantinople fall?
The Turks invented Dardanelles guns which are big cannons which demonstrates technology potential to conquer.
How did cannons impact the world?
It changed the social structures/towns which made medieval castles obsolete.
What was the transition from medieval castles?
It became palaces that emphasize new philosophical ideas such as books.
When Arabs discovered the Greeks’ texts, what did they discover?
The mathematical text did not their religion and provided wisdom
What does the discovery of Greeks’ text lead to?
Al-Mamum House of Wisdom (700s AD) that survived until 1095 AD
