The Story of China - Historical Overview

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the history of China as discussed in the lecture notes.

Tang Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty that ruled from 618 to 907, known for its cultural and political achievements.

Song Dynasty

Established by Zhao Kuangyin in 960, marked a high point of Chinese classical culture from 960 to 1279.

Kaifeng

The capital city of the Song Dynasty, known for being the world's largest urban city at its peak.

Qing Ming

A famous Chinese painting that depicts everyday life during the Song Dynasty.

Woodblock printing

A technique that popularized the production of books during the Song Dynasty.

Neo-Confucianism

An ideological revival of Confucianism that became the official state ideology during the Song Dynasty.

Pax Mongolica

The Mongol peace that facilitated trade and cultural exchange across the empire.

Yuan Dynasty

Founded by Kublai Khan, it was the Mongol-led dynasty that ruled China from 1271 to 1368.

Ming Dynasty

Reigned from 1368 to 1644, known for its cultural, economic, and political strength.

Hongwu

The founder of the Ming Dynasty who implemented strict government control and agricultural reforms.

Zheng He

A Chinese Muslim explorer who led expeditions to develop trade relationships during the Ming Dynasty.

Boxer Rebellion

An anti-foreign uprising in China from 1899 to 1901 that sought to eliminate foreign influence.

May Fourth Movement

A cultural and political movement that began in 1919, sparked by students protesting against the Treaty of Versailles.

CCP

Chinese Communist Party, founded in 1921, which eventually led China after the civil war.

Tiananmen Square Protests

Protests in 1989 led by students demanding political reform, resulting in a violent crackdown.