Unit 1 History Test

Chinese dynasty

Chinese dynasty

A succession of rulers from the same family, marked by cultural and social achievements.

Mandate of Heaven

A concept justifying the emperor's rule as divinely ordained, with loss leading to overthrow.

Major Chinese dynasties

Include Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing, shaping Chinese culture.

Confucianism

Belief in filial piety

Trade in ancient China

Facilitated cultural exchange and prosperity, notably through the Silk Road.

Innovations from ancient China

Such as papermaking, gunpowder, the compass, and printing.

Daoism

Philosophical tradition promoting harmony with the Dao (the Way) and naturalness.

Social structures in ancient China

Hierarchical, with the emperor, nobles, scholars, peasants, artisans, and merchants.

Great Wall of China

Symbolizing Chinese strength, built for protection against invasions.

Silk Road

Network of trade routes connecting China to the West, facilitating cultural exchange.

Islam

Monotheistic faith based on the teachings of Muhammad and the Qur'an.

Five Pillars of Islam

Shahada (faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage).

Umma

refers to the whole Muslim world, or the community of believers

Spread of Islam

Through trade, conquest, and cultural exchange, facilitated by merchants.

Merchants in spreading Islam

Traveled extensively, sharing beliefs and practices with other cultures.

Islamic culture in Africa

Influenced social organization, architecture, and legal systems.

Songhai Empire

West African empire known for wealth, culture, and promotion of Islam.

Sundiata Keita

Founder of the Mali Empire, controlling gold trade routes and establishing Timbuktu.

Mansa Musa

A leader of the Mali empire known for his riches and strengthened ties of Muslim states

Products traded in West Africa

Gold and salt, crucial commodities for trade and economic prosperity.

Decline of the Songhai Empire

Fell to Moroccan forces using advanced gunpowder technology.

Oral tradition in African cultures

Vital for preserving history and culture, often facilitated by griots.

Great Zimbabwe

Known for advanced society, trade networks, and metalworking.

Swahili language

Syncretic language blending Bantu and Arabic, facilitating trade along East Africa.

Tang and Song dynasty innovations

Printing, gunpowder, advancements in agriculture, and commerce.

Hinduism beliefs

Include Brahman, Moksha, and Karma, central to the faith.

Caste System

Hierarchical social structure in Hindu society based on birth and occupation.

Merchants in ancient Africa

Facilitated trade, connected regions, and promoted economic growth.

Spread of Islam to Egypt

Through military conquests, gaining a foothold after conflicts with the Romans.

Islamic impact on African societies

Introduced new legal systems, education, and architectural styles.

Timbuktu significance

Major center of trade, culture, and Islamic scholarship in the Mali Empire.

Early African kingdoms

Marked by resources, trade networks, and reliance on oral traditions.

West African empires

Known for wealth, gold and salt trade, and the introduction of Islam.

Griots in African culture

Oral historians and storytellers preserving community history and traditions.

Innovations in East Africa

Advancements in trade, Swahili language, and architecture.

Geography and Buddhism in East Asia

Han dynasty stability initially limited Buddhism's appeal, chaos later allowed its spread.

Japan adopting Chinese culture

Borrowed from China, adopting rituals, government structures, and Buddhism.

Shotoku Taishi significance

Centralized Japan's government based on Chinese models, promoting Buddhism and Confucianism.

Tang and Song impact on East Asia

Periods of economic growth, cultural flourishing, and technological advancements.

Women in Japanese society vs. China

Japanese women had more freedoms in property rights and marriage customs than Chinese women.

Islamic innovations vs. European society

Islamic advancements in technology and culture surpassed Europe during the same period.

Han dynasty collapse and Buddhism

Allowed Buddhism to gain followers as Confucianism lost authority in chaotic times.

Trade routes in ancient Africa

Facilitated exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas, leading to powerful empires.

Geography of Japan

Island status allowed independence and selective adoption of Chinese cultural elements.

Jizya

Special tax for non-Muslims in Islamic states, recognizing their protected status.

Qur'an

Holy book of Islam, believed to be the direct words of God revealed to Muhammad.

Karma in Hinduism

Principle where good actions lead to positive outcomes in future lives.

Moksha

Ultimate goal of Hinduism, liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Hajj significance

Pilgrimage to Mecca, symbolizing devotion and unity among Muslims.

Niger and Senegal Rivers

Vital for trade and agriculture in West Africa, supporting powerful empires.

Formation of the Mali Empire

Sundiata Keita's control over gold trade routes led to the empire's establishment.

Salt in West African trade

Essential for food preservation and hydration, a valuable commodity.

Syncretism

Blending of different religious and cultural traditions, as in the Swahili language.