7th Grade History- China (Extra Information)

You do NOT need to know these terms, but it is for extra learning.

Aristocracy

A rule by the wealthy/a ruling class of noble families.

Meritocracy

A rule by the educated/rule by officials of proven merit.

Bureaucracy

An organized body of workers/ a highly complex body of workers with many levels of authority.

Empress Wu

Empress of China during the Tang dynasty, she ruled ruthlessly and brought prosperity to China.

Mongols

Foreign rulers of China from Mongolia who established the Yuan dynasty.

Zheng He

A trusted adviser of Emperor Chengzu, who traveled to collect tributes from other countries. "Admiral of the Western Seas".

Kublai Khan

The Mongol leader who took the title of emperor in China. His dynasty was called the Yuan dynasty. He ended the civil service exams.

Marco Polo

A young Italian merchant and adventurer who traveled throughout China, and was appointed to an official position in Kublai Khan's government.

Buddhism

An Indian religion that's one of the world's major religions.

Currency

The form of money used in a country.

Period of Disunion

The time of disorder that followed the collapse of the Han.

Dynasty

A line of rulers descended from one family.

Civil service exams

A test given to qualify candidates for positions in the government.

Neo-Confucianism

The blended teachings of Confucius with elements of Buddhism and Daoism (two traditional Chinese religions).

Commerce

The buying and selling of goods; business.

Terraces

Flat areas on hillsides farmers could grow rice on.

Maritime expeditions

Expeditions relating to the sea.

Urbanization

The growth of cities.

Tributary

A conquered country or territory that pays tribute to the conqueror.

Warlord

A military leader operating outside the control of the government.

Confucius

China's great philosopher and teacher.

Agriculture

The science or practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of animals to provide food, wool, and other products.

Open door policy

Welcoming contact with foreigners.