What is an Empire and Song China Flashcards
What is an Empire?
It is a political system in which a strong central state controls weaker peripheral, or outer states.
What are some reasons for why societies create Empires?
For better resources
For protection/safety
Riches/wealth
Power
What is the relationship between the center of an Empire and the periphery?
Center seen as superior (think hunger games, district 1)
Relationships are unequal
Periphery citizens do not have same rights/opportunities/ - second class citizens
Further from center -> further from protection: at hands of “governors”
What are some challenges that Empires face?
Governing diverse people
Feeding people consistently
If center is to strong oppression; if periphery is too strong revolts
Nomadic groups - invaders/barbarians
Too large
Conquered people - no loyalty to empire
More to defend and maintain
How can religion be used to control an Empire?
connecting selves with Religious figures, portraying themselves AS religious figures, verification with control from religious authority
use statutes/iconography to further beliefs/connection
Say God chose them use “Mandate of Heaven” or “Divine Right to Rule”
Use religion to unify people, to control uprisings or critique - Catholic Church with Absolute Monarchs
To maintain social order -Hinduism
Meso-american societies - sacrifice or violence can show strength
What are the multiple ways to control an Empire?
Religion
Family Name
Taxes/Forced Labor
Violence
Toleration
Song Dynasty
Chinese dynasty from 960 to 1279 AD.
Bureaucracy
Government system with officials making key decisions.
Civil Service Exam
Test for government positions, expanded access.
Social Hierarchy
Structured society emphasizing moral behavior and obedience.
Merit-Based System
Government positions awarded based on exam performance.
Scholar-Officials (China)
Educated elite class within the government.
Merchant Class (In Song Dynasty)
Grew in status due to urbanization and trade.
Champa Rice
Hardy rice variety from Vietnam, imported into Sing China and boosted population.
Silk Road
Connected China, India, and the Middle East. Traded goods and helped to spread culture. Started in Roman Times but had a golden age starting in 1200’s.
Porcelain
Fine pottery that flourished and aided trade, important commodity for Song China
Gunpowder
Invented for fireworks in China, later used in warfare and spread by Mongols.
Magnetic Compass
Innovated during Song China, Improved navigation for maritime exploration.
Wood Block Printing
First printing method, leading to movable type. Created in Song China.
Paper Money
First use in history in Song China, would later be used along the Silk Road
Chinese Junks
Advanced ships, best in the world at the time.
Mongol Conquest
Led to the fall of the Song Dynasty.
Khubilai Khan
Mongol leader who defeated the last Song emperor.
