Unit 1

Question 1

Neo-confucianism

Answer 1

: A revival of Confucian ideas mixed with some elements of Buddhism and Daoism. It became the official ideology of the Song Dynasty in China.

Question 2

Confucianism

Answer 2

A philosophy developed by Confucius focusing on family loyalty, respect elders, and social harmony

Question 3

Mahayana Buddhism

Answer 3

A branch of Buddhism that became popular in East Asia (China, Japan, Korea), emphasizing the worship of the Buddha and other enlightened beings.

Question 4

Buddhism

Answer 4

A religion based on the teachings of the Buddha that aims to end suffering through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path

Question 5

Flying cash

Answer 5

A form of paper money used during the Tang Dynasty, making it easier for merchants to conduct long-distance trade without carrying heavy coins.

Question 6

Champa rice

Answer 6

A fast-growing type of rice from Vietnam that could be harvested twice a year, helping China’s population grow during the Song Dynasty.

Question 7

Foot binding

Answer 7

: A Chinese practice where women’s feet were tightly bound to make them smaller, which was considered a symbol of beauty and status during the Song Dynasty.

Question 8

Grand canal

Answer 8

A massive waterway system in China that connected northern and southern China, helping with trade and food distribution.

Question 9

Hangzhou

Answer 9

A major city in southern China known for its beauty and as a cultural center during the Song Dynasty.

Question 10

Beijing

Answer 10

The capital of China starting from the Yuan Dynasty, when it was established by the Mongols under Kublai Khan.

Question 11

Signification

Answer 11

The spread of Chinese culture to other countries, like Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

Question 12

Khanates

Answer 12

The different regions of the Mongol Empire, each ruled by a different khan (Mongol leader) after the empire was divided following Genghis Khan’s death.

Question 13

Uighurs

Answer 13

A Turkic ethnic group in Central Asia that helped the Tang Dynasty by providing military support.

Question 14

Shogunate

Answer 14

A military government in Japan led by a shogun, who was the real ruler, while the emperor was more of a figurehead.

Question 15

Shinto

Answer 15

The traditional religion of Japan, focused on worshiping nature and ancestors.

Question 16

Bushido

Answer 16

The “way of the warrior,” a code of honor and morals followed by the samurai in Japan.

Question 17

Samurai

Answer 17

The warrior class in Japan, known for their loyalty to their lords and their skills in combat.

Question 18

Tang dynasty

Answer 18

A Chinese dynasty (618-907) known for its cultural achievements, expansion of territory, and openness to foreign influence.

Question 19

Song dynasty

Answer 19

A Chinese dynasty (960-1279) known for economic growth, technological advancements (like printing and gunpowder), and a strong focus on Confucianism.

Question 20

Mongols

Answer 20

A nomadic group from Central Asia that created the largest empire in history under the leadership of Genghis Khan.

Question 21

Genghis khan

Answer 21

The founder and leader of the Mongol Empire, known for his brutal conquests and uniting the Mongol tribes.

Question 22

Yuan dynasty

Answer 22

The Mongol dynasty in China established by Kublai Khan, who ruled as the emperor of China from 1271 to 1368.

Question 23

Kublai Khan

Answer 23

The grandson of Genghis Khan who conquered China and founded the Yuan Dynasty, ruling over China as part of the Mongol Empire.

Question 24

Ming dynasty

Answer 24

A Chinese dynasty (1368-1644) that followed the Yuan Dynasty, known for restoring Chinese culture, rebuilding the Great Wall, and sending Zheng He naval expeditions.