SS Topic 5 study guide

What is a bureaucracy?

A system of government in which decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.

What is the importance of scholar-officials in Tang and Song China?

Scholar-officials were critical in administrating the state, as they were selected through the merit system and often helped implement policies.

What is the merit system?

A system where individuals are selected for government positions based on their abilities and performance on examinations.

What is urbanization?

The process by which cities grow and societies become more urban, often characterized by an increase in population and infrastructure.

What is a money economy?

An economic system where goods and services are exchanged for currency rather than through barter.

What advances in farming took place during the Tang and Song dynasties?

Crop rotation, improved irrigation techniques, and the introduction of fast-ripening rice contributed to agricultural productivity.

Why did trade and industry expand during the Tang and Song dynasties?

Increased agricultural output led to surplus production, population growth, and the development of trade networks.

What art form thrived during the Tang dynasty?

Poetry was the greatest art form during the Tang dynasty, showcasing the cultural advancements of the era.

How did the rulers of the Song dynasty try to keep peace with neighboring enemies?

They sometimes used diplomacy and tribute systems to maintain peaceful relations.

What led to the fall of the Tang dynasty?

Factors such as internal rebellions, corruption, and a weakened military contributed to its decline.

Who was Genghis Khan?

The founder and first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, known for uniting the Mongol tribes and expanding the empire.

How did the Mongols grow such a huge empire?

Through superior military strategies, horseback riding skills, and the incorporation of conquered peoples into their armies.

What was the name of the Mongol dynasty in China?

Yuan dynasty.

What was the social hierarchy in Yuan China?

The hierarchy included Mongols at the top, followed by non-Chinese allies, then northern Chinese, and finally southern Chinese at the bottom.

What important thing did the Mongols do for trade in China?

They established the Pax Mongolica, which promoted safe and efficient trade across the Silk Road.

What did Hongwu do during his reign?

He founded the Ming dynasty, implemented agricultural reforms, and centralized power.

How did the tributary system work under the Ming dynasty?

Countries around China sent tribute to the emperor in exchange for protection and trade privileges.

What happened in China after Yongle’s death?

There was a decline in exploration and a return to isolationism.

Who was Zheng He?

A Chinese explorer during the Ming dynasty known for leading treasure voyages to Southeast Asia and beyond.

What is Daoism?

A philosophical and religious tradition emphasizing living in harmony with the Dao, which is seen as the fundamental principle of the universe.

What is Buddhism?

A religion founded on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, focusing on the path to enlightenment and liberation from suffering.

Who founded Buddhism?

Siddhartha Gautama.

How did Buddhism decline in China?

It faced challenges from Confucianism and Taoism and lost state support and patronage.

What is Confucianism?

A philosophy based on the teachings of Confucius, emphasizing morality, social relationships, and justice.

How did Chinese inventions reach Europe?

Through trade routes such as the Silk Road and later individual explorers and traders.

What is Japan’s climate and geography like?

Japan is an island nation with diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, and coasts, with a temperate climate.

How did Prince Shotoku attempt to unify Japan?

By sending missions to China to learn about Chinese government and culture and promoting Buddhism and centralized government.

What is a kami?

A spirit or deity in Shinto, often associated with natural elements.

What did Japan borrow from other cultures?

Japan borrowed elements such as writing systems, Buddhism, art, and governance from China and Korea.

What is a shogun?

A military ruler in Japan who held power in feudal society.

What is feudalism in Japan?

A social system where land was exchanged for service and loyalty, characterized by a hierarchy of lords, vassals, and serfs.

Who were the daimyo?

Powerful feudal lords who ruled over large areas of land in Japan.

Who were the samurai?

The warrior class in Japan, known for their martial skills, honor, and adherence to the code of Bushido.

What is the code of Bushido?

A samurai code of conduct emphasizing honor, loyalty, and discipline.

How did Mongols threaten Japan?

The Mongols attempted to invade Japan during the 13th century, leading to significant military confrontations.

What were the battles between the Samurai and Mongols invaders?

These included the major conflicts during the attempted Mongol invasions, particularly in 1274 and 1281.

How did life change for women when Confucianism was introduced?

Women were often restricted to domestic roles and had less social and political power compared to earlier times.

What is the Shinto religion?

The indigenous spirituality of Japan focusing on ritual practices to connect with kami.

Who wrote the Tale of Genji?

Murasaki Shikibu.

What is Kabuki?

A classical Japanese dance-drama known for its stylized performance and elaborate makeup.

What is celadon?

A type of ceramic glaze, renowned for its pale green color, developed during the period of the Silla and later dynasties.