Medieval and Early Modern Asia

Question 1

1200’s China (Medieval China)

Answer 1

• Medieval China fell under the control of the Mongol Empire,
• the largest contiguous empire in the history of the world,
• Ruled by GENGHIS KHAN and successors.

Question 2

Mongol

Answer 2

• largest empire

- conquered the entirety of Asia (minus India)

Question 3

Why Mongol Empire was so effective (Genghis Khan and successors)

Answer 3

1. Advanced Military technology- could fire bow and arrow on horseback.
2. Did NOT try to install their own government in the regions they conquered “You can still rule, but you have to pay us tribute or tax”

Question 4

Ming Dynasty

Answer 4

(1300-1600) the Mongols were ousted, and China practiced an isolationist policy (Didn’t have much trade with outside world. After the Mongols, you can see why they didn’t trust others)

Question 5

Japan

Answer 5

-borrowed heavily from Chinese politics and culture, but began to develop a distinct identity during the Heian Era.

Question 6

Heian Era

Answer 6

• Japan in 800-1200A.D.
• 800A.D. a capitol was set to rule over Japan.
• Kyoto (City of Heian) unified the clans together- more unique/own government system.

Question 7

Feudal Japan

Answer 7

-the emperor held little REAL power (before the feudal period, they did)
-Similar to Prime minister versus Royals in England.
Power was instead vested into the Shogun a military ruler who was usually chosen from amongst the diamyo (nobility who owned land.)

Question 8

Who was the Shogun?

Answer 8

a military ruler who held the power. Chosen from the diamyo (nobility who owned land)

Question 9

Who were the Diamyo?

Answer 9

the nobility who owned land. They would give up pieces of their land to warriors (samurai) in order to fight for them. Samurai served them.

Question 10

Who were the samurai?

Answer 10

The warriors who fought for the Diamyo (the nobility). They would give them pieces of their land in return the samurai would fight for them.

Question 11

When did Japan practice “extreme isolationism”?

Answer 11

• during the Tokugawa period
• they felt threatened by Christianity and European influence so they shut themselves off from outside world.
• people in Japan were not allowed to leave.
• only a small trade post with Dutch was able to continue because they didn’t push Christianity.

Question 12

How did they avoid being conquered by Mongols?

Answer 12

-They almost were, but then a huge storm wiped out their navy. They called it the “Divine Wind” (also known as Kamikaze). It saved them!