Asia Unit Exam (China, Japan, Korea, and India)

Civil Service Examinations

Tests used by the Tang Dynasty to qualify candidates for government positions.

Aristocracy

A form of government in which power is held by the wealthy or noble class, as seen in the Tang Dynasty.

Meritocracy

A system of government where individuals are promoted based on their abilities and skills, as practices in the Song Dynasty.

Scholar-officials

Individuals who passed civil service exams and gained government positions, especially during the Song Dynasty.

Kublai Khan

Leader of the Mongols who founded the Yuan Dynasty and ended civil service examinations.

Yuan Dynasty

The dynasty established by the Mongols in China, characterized by a class system and ruled by Kublai Khan.

Confucianism

A philosophy that emphasizes moral values and social harmony, which was deemed unnecessary by Kublai Khan.

Champa Rice

A fast-maturing rice variety from Vietnam introduced during the Song Dynasty that increased crop yields.

Urbanization

The process where more people move to cities, changing lifestyles and cultural practices, as occurred during China's dynasties.

Gunpowder

An explosive powder discovered in China, originally intended to extend life, now used in warfare.

Woodblock Printing

An early printing technique using carved wooden blocks to create images and text.

Movable Type

A printing technology developed in the 11th century that used individual blocks for each character.

Inoculation

An early method of immunization using small doses of a disease to stimulate the immune system.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another, as seen in Japan's adoption of ideas from China and Korea.

Prince Shotoku

A ruler who promoted the adoption of Chinese culture and government in Japan.

Seventeen Article Constitution

A constitution created by Prince Shotoku that outlined the governance and the emperor's role in Japan.

Buddhism

A religion that emerged in India, emphasizing the path to enlightenment and freedom from suffering.

Kanji

Chinese characters adopted by the Japanese for writing.

Kana (Katakana)

Simplified characters used by the Japanese to represent sounds in their language.

Pagoda

A multi-story temple structure originating from Chinese architecture, influenced by Buddhist beliefs.

Heian Period

A period in Japan regarded as a cultural golden age, lasting from 794 to 1185.

Shogun

The military ruler of Japan, who held real power over the emperor.

Daimyo

Noble lords in feudal Japan who supported the shogun and were responsible for land and military.

Samurai Armor

Lightweight armor made of small plates that allowed flexibility while fighting.

Samurai Training

The rigorous preparation of samurai, including mental and physical practices to ensure readiness in battle.

Mongol Rule

The period when the Mongols governed China, introducing a class hierarchy.

Chinese Innovations

Technological advances such as gunpowder, printing, and rice cultivation that had significant impacts on society.

Ming Dynasty

The dynasty that succeeded the Yuan after the Mongols were overthrown in 1368.

Rice Cultivation Techniques

Methods developed during the Song Dynasty to increase rice production through technology and crop variety.

Class System in Yuan China

The hierarchical structure established by the Mongols, categorizing society into four classes.

Aristocratic Rulers

Nobles who governed Japan during the Heian Period, leading to economic and political challenges.

Shintoism

Japan's indigenous religion, centered on nature and the worship of spirits called kami.