Asian 205 Midterm

An Nam (Annam)

What the French called Vietnam during their occupation of the country.
An nam = pacified south, this term was never used by the Vietnamese
Was technically ruled by the government of the Nguyen dynasty, but was actually under French control (Year N/A)

Annexation of Korea

Japanese occupation of Korea - 1910-1945
Suppression of Korean culture and promotion of Japanese culture - in all aspects of life: language, environment, education, religion
Comfort women
Catalyst for march first movement

Year 1910

Boxer Uprising

• Anti-foreign uprising in China, led by the Boxers, who practiced martial arts and claimed immunity to weapons.

• Triggered by Yellow River floods and government failure to aid refugees, fueling anti-foreign resentment.

• Boxers besieged the Legation Quarter in Beijing, targeting foreigners and missionaries.

• The Eight-Nation Alliance sent 20,000 troops to crush the rebellion, leading to heavy reparations under the Boxer Protocol (1901).

• Weakened the Qing Dynasty, accelerating its decline.

Canton system of trade

Trading patterns between china and foreign merchants in Guangzhou (formerly Canton) Strict trade regulations GB traded opium for tea and silk - china tried to stop this, led to opium wars. Was shut down after first opium war

Champa

What? A collection of Hindu-Buddhist maritime kingdoms that existed in central and southern Vietnam from the 2nd to the 19th century.

• Culture & Influence: Influenced by Indian civilization, with Sanskrit inscriptions, Hindu temples (e.g., Mỹ Sơn), and maritime trade connections across Southeast Asia.

• Conflicts: Frequent wars with Vietnamese (Dai Viet) and Khmer empires; steadily lost territory to Vietnamese expansion (Nam Tiến).

• Decline: Conquered by Dai Viet in 1471, reducing it to a small vassal state until its final absorption in 1832 by Emperor Minh Mạng.

• Legacy: The Chăm people still exist today, preserving their distinct language, culture, and religious traditions in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Cochinchina

Southern region of vietnam, called this during French colonial period. Majority vietnamese, Strong rice growing region Merged with vietnam in 1949

Dai Viet

• Also known as An Nam, located in northern Vietnam. Was the monarchical state of Vietnam before Nguyen Dynasty.

• Monarchical state with eight ruling dynasties, including the Lý, Trần, and Lê Dynasties.

• Expanded southward, conquering Champa and parts of Cambodia (Nam Tiến movement).

• Experienced periods of division and conflict, notably the Trịnh-Nguyễn War (1627–1672), before reunification.

• Successfully resisted Mongol (13th century) and Ming (15th century) invasions.

• Renamed Việt Nam in 1804 under the Nguyễn Dynasty.

Daimyo/domain (tozama, fudai, shimpan)

Japanese social class, landowners,
Shogunate had strict guidelines for daimyo: no colluding against shogun, limited number of guns, marriage needed approval, give men and money to shogun, can relocate daimyo
Sankin kotai

Dejima (Deshima)

Japanese artificial island in Nagasaki bay where dutch stayed

Dutch and japanese exchange of information was allowed Also trading post with portugese

Dutch Learning

• Japan’s study of Western science and technology through Dutch texts during the Tokugawa period.

• Allowed despite Japan’s Sakoku (isolation) policy, with knowledge coming through Dutch traders in Dejima (Nagasaki).

• Introduced Western medicine, astronomy, physics, and military science to Japan.

• Key figures: Sugita Genpaku (medicine), Takano Chōei (science and reform).

• Declined after the Meiji Restoration (1868) as Japan adopted broader Western influences from multiple countries.

Empress Dowager Cixi

Mother of the emperor, basically ruled since son was so young Backed boxer rebellion. When son died, chose his cousin to "rule" so she could keep ruling. Fought with french over vietnam. Had lots of court power even after retiring

modernized - no foot binding, legal reform, education reform, got rid of tributary system (Year 1861)

Examination system

Chinese civil service exam, a way to find people that were actually talented, not just wealthy people. Tested knowledge of confucian philosophy and texts. There were multiple periods of reform for the exams, eventually got rid of exams and went to mass education like in the West. A similar system was used in Korea and Japan, also to test knowledge of Chinese confucian classics

First Sino-Japanese War

conflict between China and Japan in 1894-1895 over control of Korea. Showed that japan was a world power, showed China's weakness japanese troops expelled Chinese forces out of Korea Korea asks help from china to put down rebellion, japan took opportunity to force war on china France, Russia and Germany force japan to give up Korea

Freedom and Popular Rights' Movement

• Japanese political movement (1870s-80s) advocating for democracy, constitutional government, and civil rights during the Meiji era.

• Pushed for a national assembly and greater political participation + social liberalism.

• Inspired the creation of Japan’s first political parties, such as the Liberal Party (Jiyūtō, 1881).

• Pressured the Meiji government to establish the Meiji Constitution (1889) and the Imperial Diet (1890).

• Ultimately suppressed by the government, but laid the foundation for Japan’s constitutional monarchy and early democratic movements.

French Indochina

Vietnam, laos, cambodia
Gov structures remained in this countries, but were controlled by french
Made separate treaties with each country recognizing their independence

French Society of Foreign Missions

Org dedicated to missionary work in foreign countries
Wanted to convert non-christians

Fukuzawa Yukichi

• Japanese intellectual, writer, and educator, key figure in Meiji-era modernization.

• Advocated for Western-style education, science, and political institutions, emphasizing individualism and meritocracy.

• Founded Keio University (1858) and wrote An Encouragement of Learning, promoting rational thought and self-improvement.

• His ideas helped shape Meiji Japan’s reforms, transitioning Japan into a modern, industrialized nation.

• Believed Japan should embrace Western knowledge to avoid colonial domination, influencing Japan’s foreign policy and imperial ambitions.

• Staunch supporter of independence and self-determination for Japan, very nationalistic in his views.

Gapsin Coup

• Pro-Japanese reformist coup in 1884 Korea, led by Kim Ok-gyun and the Progressive Party, aiming to modernize Korea and eliminate the yangban aristocracy.

• Inspired by Japan’s Meiji Restoration, they sought to establish a constitutional monarchy and implement Western-style reforms.

• With Japanese support, they briefly seized power but were quickly crushed by Korean conservatives backed by Chinese troops (Qing Dynasty).

• Failure led to stronger Chinese control over Korea under the Tianjin Convention (1885), increasing tensions that later led to the First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895).

Genroku urban culture

• Flourishing of urban culture during the Genroku era (1688–1704), centered in Edo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

• Marked by the rise of the chōnin (merchant class), who became key patrons of art, theater, and literature.

• Kabuki theater, ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), and haiku poetry (notably Matsuo Bashō) thrived.

• Reflected pleasure-seeking, entertainment, and sophistication in Japan’s cities.

• Symbolized the cultural peak of the Edo period, though later criticized as decadent by the shogunate.

Gia Long

Who? Founder and first emperor of the Nguyễn Dynasty (1802–1945), the last ruling dynasty of Vietnam.

• Significance: Unified Vietnam in 1802 after defeating the Tây Sơn rebels.

• Policies: Expanded territory, centralized administration, and implemented Confucian governance.

• French Connection: Received military aid from France, which later contributed to growing French influence in Vietnam.

Goto Shinpei

• Japanese political leader who modernized Taiwan’s economy after Japan colonized it in 1895, made taiwan colony of Japan.

• As Chief of Civil Administration (1898–1906), he implemented infrastructure, public health, and economic reforms, making Taiwan a model colony.

• Later became Japan’s Home Minister and Foreign Minister, promoting urban planning and public health reforms in Japan.

• Helped rebuild Tokyo after the Great Kantō Earthquake (1923) with modern city planning.

Ho Chi Minh

President of north vietnam
Communist leader
Helped gain vietnams independence

Hundred Days of Reform

• Attempt to modernize China using a Western-style model under Emperor Guangxu, influenced by Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao.

• Aimed to reform government, military, education, and economy, but threatened conservative elites.

• Empress Dowager Cixi, backed by conservatives, staged a coup, imprisoning Guangxu and ending the reforms.

• Failed, leading to conservative backlash and setting the stage for the Boxer Rebellion (1899–1901).

Imperial Rescript on Education

• Issued by Emperor Meiji in 1890 to promote loyalty, Confucian morals, and nationalism in Japan.

• Emphasized filial piety, respect for authority, and devotion to the emperor as the foundation of education.

• Read in schools across Japan, shaping students’ values and reinforcing state Shinto ideology.

• Played a key role in fostering militarism and national unity, influencing Japan’s expansionist policies.

• Revoked in 1948 after World War II as part of Japan’s democratization under U.S. occupation.

Ito Hirobumi

Who? A key Meiji-era statesman, Japan’s first Prime Minister, and an architect of Japan’s modernization.

• Contributions: Helped draft the Meiji Constitution (1889), modeled Japan’s government on Prussian-style constitutional monarchy, and played a major role in the creation of the Imperial Diet.

• Role in Korea: Oversaw Japan’s control over Korea as Resident-General (1905–1909) after the Eulsa Treaty, making Korea a Japanese protectorate.

• Assassination: Killed in 1909 by Korean nationalist An Jung-geun in Harbin, China, for his role in Korea’s subjugation.

• Legacy: A founding father of modern Japan, but highly controversial in Korea for his role in paving the way for annexation (1910).

Iwakura Mission

Japanese diplomatic mission to america during Meiji period (71-73) Impacted japanese modernization -gov agencies, education, economy, etc Wanted to revise unequal treaties and study western practices

Kang Youwei (K'ang Yu-wei)

Chinese scholar, leader of reform movement of 1898, nationalist Promoted modernizing/reframing Confucianism, rebelled against Chinese traditions Help launch institutional reforms (Hundred Days of Reform) Argued in favor of constitutional monarchy Sentenced to death by the dowager empress, fled to Japan

Kangxi Emperor

• Longest-reigning Qing emperor, ruling from 1661 to 1722.

• Expanded and stabilized the Qing Dynasty, defeating the Three Feudatories Rebellion (1673–1681) and conquering Taiwan (1683).

• Strengthened Manchu control over China and expanded into Inner Mongolia, Tibet, and Central Asia.

• Promoted Confucian governance, patronized scholars, and commissioned the Kangxi Dictionary.

• Fostered economic growth and foreign trade, but restricted Christianity after tensions with missionaries.

• Remembered as one of China’s greatest emperors for his military, administrative, and cultural achievements.

• "carrot and stick" - invite scholars to compile dictionaries, etc, but using this as a tool to maintain intellectual orthodoxy

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King Sejong

one of three most successful Korean kings, 1418. Developed hangul, improved army and navy, extended Jeoson territory, economic system reforms Emphasis on education, other progressive reforms

Li Hongzhang (Li Hung-chang)

• Key leader of the Self-Strengthening Movement, modernizing China's military and industry.

• Helped defeat the Taiping Rebellion (1864) under Zeng Guofan.

• Negotiated with foreign powers after the Tianjin Massacre (1870) and Boxer Rebellion (1901).

• Led China in the Sino-French War (1884–85) and the First Sino-Japanese War (1894–95), signing the Treaty of Shimonoseki (1895) after China’s defeat.

• Pushed for modernization but faced setbacks due to war losses and foreign pressures.

Macartney mission

• British diplomatic mission led by Lord George Macartney to China (Qing Dynasty), seeking to expand trade and diplomatic relations.

• Aimed to open more ports for British trade and establish a permanent embassy in Beijing.

• Qianlong Emperor rejected British requests, stating China lacked nothing and had no need for Western goods.

• Symbolized China’s resistance to Western influence, foreshadowing future conflicts like the Opium Wars (1839–1842, 1856–1860).

Matteo Ricci

Italian missionary, brought Christian teaching to China
Went to beijing, taught science and Christianity

Meiji Restoration

Political revolution in Japan that ended the Tokugawa period
Era of political, economic, and social change - brought modernization and westernization
Class system was abolished
Helped japan become modern and industrialized, fixed unequal treaties

Mission civilisatrice

France's attempt to convert colonial subjects into french people
Thought that people could "evolve" to become french

National studies (Nativism)

Promoting the interests of natives over foreigners
Wanted to maintain that their culture was just as important - esp in Korea, wanted to be independent during Japanese rule

Neo-Confucianism

What? A revival and reinterpretation of Confucian philosophy that incorporated elements of Daoism and Buddhism.

• When? Developed during the Song Dynasty (960–1279) and further refined in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).

• Key Ideas:

• Emphasized moral self-cultivation and the role of education in creating virtuous leaders.

• Reinforced social hierarchy, filial piety, and state-centered ethics.

• Introduced the concept of “li” (principle) and “qi” (material force) to explain the universe.

• Influence:

• Became the dominant ideology in China, Korea (Joseon Dynasty), and Japan (Tokugawa period).

• Used to justify meritocratic civil service exams and strict social order.

• Played a role in shaping the Imperial Rescript on Education (1890) in Japan.

• Legacy: Remained a major intellectual tradition in East Asia until the 20th century, influencing nationalism and state ideology.

Nguyen Dynasty

• Last imperial dynasty of Vietnam, founded by Gia Long after unifying the country.

• Expanded Vietnamese territory and ruled independently until French colonization (1880s).

• Became a French protectorate (1883–1885), with emperors retaining de jure rule but no real power.

• Ended when Emperor Bảo Đại abdicated in 1945, marking the rise of modern Vietnam.

Nurhaci

• Founder of the Later Jin Dynasty, which later became the Qing Dynasty.

• Unified Jurchen tribes, laying the foundation for Manchu rule over China.

• Created the Banner System, a military and administrative structure that strengthened Manchu power.

• Defeated the Ming in key battles, expanding Manchu control in northeast China.

• Died in 1626, but his successors, especially Hong Taiji, completed the conquest, leading to the Qing Dynasty’s rule over China in 1644.

Okubo Toshimichi

Who? A key leader of the Meiji Restoration, helping overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate and modernize Japan.

• Role: One of the “Three Great Nobles” of the Meiji Restoration, alongside Saigō Takamori and Kido Takayoshi.

• Policies: Advocated for centralized government, industrialization, and Western-style reforms in administration and economy.

• Conflict: Opposed Saigō Takamori over military expansion; helped suppress the Satsuma Rebellion (1877).

• Assassination: Killed in 1878 by discontented samurai who opposed his modernization policies.

• Legacy: Architect of modern Japan, laying the foundation for its industrial and military rise.

Opium Wars

• Two wars between China (Qing Dynasty) and Britain, later joined by France in the Second War, over opium trade, sovereignty, and Western access to China.

• First Opium War (1839–1842): Britain forced China to continue opium trade, leading to the Treaty of Nanjing (1842), which ceded Hong Kong to Britain and opened five treaty ports to foreign trade.

• Second Opium War (1856–1860): Britain and France attacked China again, forcing the Treaty of Tianjin (1858) and the Convention of Beijing (1860), further expanding Western privileges.

• Weakened the Qing Dynasty and marked the beginning of China’s "Century of Humiliation" (1839–1949).

Partible inheritance

Property is equally dispersed between heirs
Used in Chinese Qing Dynasty

Phan Boi Chau

• Vietnamese nationalist who led the anti-French independence movement in the early 20th century.

• Founded the Dong Du Movement (1905), sending students to Japan for modern education.

• Advocated for armed resistance and modernization to free Vietnam from colonial rule.

• Arrested by the French in 1925, spent his later years under house arrest.

• Inspired later Vietnamese revolutionary movements, including Ho Chi Minh’s struggle for independence.

Primogeniture

Firstborn child succession, used by Tokugawa

Qianlong Emperor

Who? The sixth emperor of the Qing Dynasty, ruling at the height of Qing power.

• Achievements: Expanded China’s territory to its greatest extent (including Tibet, Xinjiang, and Mongolia).

• Cultural Influence: Promoted art, literature, and the preservation of Chinese heritage.

• Foreign Relations: Rejected Macartney Mission (1793), refusing to open trade with Britain, reinforcing China’s isolationist policies.

• Decline: His later reign saw corruption (Heshen scandal), economic strain, and military overreach, setting the stage for Qing decline in the 19th century.

Quoc ngur

Vietnamese writing system. Modified roman alphabet
French administration made it mandatory in 1910

Rites' Controversy

What? A dispute over whether Confucian rituals & ancestor veneration were compatible with Christianity.

• Jesuits: Argued they were cultural, not religious (supported adaptation).

• Dominicans & Franciscans: Opposed, calling them pagan.

• Outcome: Pope banned the rites (1704, 1742) → Qing restricted missionaries, weakening Catholic influence in China.ned for christian converts

Russo-Japanese War

• War between Russia and Japan over control of Manchuria and Korea.

• Japan sought to stop Russian expansion into Asia, specifically Korea, and launched a surprise attack on Port Arthur (1904).

• Japan wins, shocking the world as an Asian power defeats a European empire.

• Mediated by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, ending with the Treaty of Portsmouth (1905), granting Japan control over southern Manchuria and Korea.

Sacred Edicts

• A set of 16 moral maxims issued by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty to promote Confucian values among the Chinese people.

• Emphasized filial piety, loyalty, social harmony, and obedience to authority, reinforcing the Confucian order.

• Later expanded and simplified by Emperor Yongzheng (1724) to ensure greater public understanding.

• Read publicly by local officials to educate the common people and maintain social stability.

• Reflected the Qing Dynasty’s reliance on Confucian ideology to govern a diverse empire.

Samurai

Member of japanese warrior caste during Tokugawa period
when wars were less common they became part of governments of towns
abolished during Meiji restoration
Big influence on japanese culture

Sankin kotai (alternate attendance)

• Tokugawa policy (1603-1868) requiring daimyo to alternate living between Edo and their home domains every other year.

• Their families remained in Edo as hostages, ensuring daimyo loyalty.

• Weakened daimyo power by draining their wealth through constant travel and residence costs.

• Helped centralize Tokugawa control and boost Japan’s economy by stimulating trade along travel routes.

• Ended with the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1868.

Self-strengthening Movement

What? (1861-95) A Qing Dynasty reform movement aimed at modernizing China’s military, industry, and technology while preserving Confucian traditions.

• Key Leaders: Zeng Guofan, Li Hongzhang, Prince Gong (not Empress Dowager Cixi).

• Reforms: Built modern arsenals, shipyards, railroads, and telegraph systems, sent students abroad, and established Western-style schools.

• Limitations: Lacked political reform, faced resistance from conservative elites, and was plagued by corruption and inefficiency.

• Outcome: Failed to strengthen China, as shown by defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895), exposing the Qing’s continued weakness.

Sino-French War

• Conflict between China (Qing Dynasty) and France over control of Vietnam (Tonkin region).

• France sought to expand its colonial empire, while China tried to maintain Vietnam as a tributary state.

• War erupted after French attacks on Chinese-backed forces, culminating in the Battle of Fuzhou (1884).

• French victory led to the Treaty of Tientsin (1885), forcing China to recognize Vietnam as a French protectorate.

• Weakened the Qing Dynasty, highlighting China’s military decline and paving the way for future conflicts like the First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895).

Sun Yat-sen (Sun Zhongshan)

• Leader of the 1911 Revolution, which overthrew the Qing Dynasty and ended imperial rule in China.

• Founded the Three Principles of the People: Nationalism, Democracy, and Livelihood, aiming to modernize China.

• First Provisional President of the Republic of China (1912) but soon lost power to warlords.

• Founded the Kuomintang (KMT) and later allied with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to unify China.

• Died in 1925, but his vision influenced both the Nationalists (Taiwan) and Communists (China).

Taiping Rebellion

a mid-19th century rebellion against the Qing Dynasty in China, led by Hong Xiuquan (thought he was son of god sent to reform china)
Captured nanjing, renamed it tianjin → heavenly kingdom
Qing dynasty was heavily weakened by the rebellion

The tributary order

• Foreign policy system where states like Korea, Vietnam, and the Ryukyu Kingdom acknowledged China’s supremacy.

• Tributary rulers sent tribute missions, performed the kowtow, and received trade privileges and protection in return.

• Unlike colonies, tributary states retained domestic autonomy but had to show deference to the Chinese emperor.

• Lasted until the fall of the Qing Dynasty (1912) but weakened due to Western imperialism and unequal treaties.

Tokugawa Ieyasu

Who? Founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate (1603–1868) in Japan.

• Rise to Power: Won the Battle of Sekigahara (1600), unifying Japan after decades of civil war.

• Key Achievements:

• Established the Tokugawa Shogunate in Edo (Tokyo), beginning over 250 years of stability.

• Implemented strict feudal policies, including the sankin-kōtai (alternate attendance) system to control daimyo.

• Laid the foundation for Japan’s sakoku (isolationist policy) to limit foreign influence.

• Legacy: His rule brought the Edo period, a time of peace, economic growth, and cultural flourishing in Japan.

Tonghak Rebellion

• Peasant uprising in Korea against corruption, heavy taxation, and foreign influence.

• Led by followers of Tonghak ("Eastern Learning"), a religious movement blending Confucianism, Buddhism, Daoism, and Korean nationalism.

• Rebels demanded land reforms and an end to government corruption.

• The Korean government called for Chinese military aid, prompting Japan to intervene, leading to the First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895).

• The rebellion was crushed, but it exposed Korea’s weakness and paved the way for Japanese dominance over Korea.
  Year: 1894-95

Tonkin

Northern vietnam during french colonial period
Name was never used by vietnamese
Lots of chinese influence

Treaty of Kanghwa

• Unequal treaty between Japan and Korea, forcing Korea to open to Japanese trade.

• Signed after Japan used gunboat diplomacy, exploiting Korea’s isolationist policies.

• Declared Korea an independent nation, weakening its historical ties to China.

• Opened three Korean ports to Japan and granted extraterritorial rights to Japanese citizens.

• Marked the start of Japanese influence in Korea, eventually leading to annexation in 1910.
  Year: 1876

Tribute system

Trade and foreign relations practices in China - other states sent an envoy who would bow to the emperor

Unequal treaties

treaties between China and the Western powers after the Opium War that favored the Western powers
Negotiated in 19th and 20th centuries
Gave westerners more rights in china, more trade spots opened up

Wu Sangui

Chinese (Ming) general, brought the Manchu into China (1644), helped them set up the Qing dynasty Later revolted against Qing dynasty (1673), tried to make his own dynasty Beijing was attacked by rebels (Li) and China needed Manchu to help fight, Ming and Manchu fought together. Ming wanted Wu's help to reestablish dynasty, Wu helped Manchu and Qing instead. Dies in 1678

Xinhai Revolution

Chinese revolution - led to fall of Qing dynasty
Led to sun yat sen establishment of republic of china
Wanted to modernize government

Yangban

Who? The elite ruling class of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) in Korea.

• Role: Comprised of scholar-officials and military elites, they dominated government, education, and Confucian culture.

• Confucian Influence: Heavily based on Neo-Confucian ideals, emphasizing civil service exams, scholarly pursuits, and social hierarchy.

• Privileges: Exempt from taxes and manual labor, had land ownership, and monopolized government positions.

• Decline: Lost power in the late 19th century as reforms, modernization, and social mobility weakened their grip on society.

Yuan Shikai

• Qing general and politician who played a key role in the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the founding of the Republic of China (1912).

• Negotiated the abdication of Emperor Puyi and became the first President of the Republic of China.

• Dissolved parliament and ruled as a dictator, attempting to restore monarchy by declaring himself Emperor (1915–1916).

• His imperial ambitions led to widespread opposition, forcing him to abandon the throne.

• Died in 1916, leaving China politically fragmented and leading to the Warlord Era (1916–1928).

Yun Ch'i-ho

Who? Korean reformist, politician, and nationalist leader during the late Joseon and Japanese colonial periods.

• Key Roles: Advocate for modernization, Christian missionary, and early independence activist. Involved in independence club (founded 1896).

• Affiliations: Supported pro-Western reforms, involved in the Independence Club, later collaborated with Japanese rule.

• Controversy: Initially promoted Korean independence but later cooperated with Japan during colonial rule, leading to a mixed legacy.

• Legacy: His diaries provide critical historical insight into Korea’s political struggles in the early 20th century.

Zaibatsu

Large conglomerate corporations through which key elite families exerted a great deal of political and economic power in Imperial Japan. By WWII, four of them controlled most of the economy of Japan.

Zeng Guofan (Tseng Kuo-fan)

Qing government official, military leader, responsible for suppressing the Taiping rebellion
Helped raise local militias