Unit 1:1 Modern Global History

Filial piety

A virtue of respect for one's parents and ancestors, particularly emphasized in East Asian cultures.

Neo-Confucianism

A philosophical movement that blends Confucian ethics with Buddhist and Daoist influences, focusing on moral conduct and social harmony.

Theravada Buddhism

A branch of Buddhism that emphasizes personal spiritual development and the attainment of enlightenment primarily through silent meditation.

Mahayana Buddhism

A branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the altruistic aspect of Enlightenment, focusing on the salvation of all beings.

Tibetan Buddhism

A branch of Buddhism known for its incorporation of rituals and practices, including chanting and extensive use of mantras.

Champa rice

A fast-ripening, drought-resistant rice variety from Vietnam that allowed for two harvests per year and contributed to the population growth in China.

Grand Canal

A significant transportation innovation during the Song dynasty that facilitated trade and the movement of goods across China.

Civil Service Exam

An examination system in China for selecting candidates for the state bureaucracy based on merit, primarily focused on Confucian texts.

Kowtow

The act of bowing and knocking one's head to the ground as a sign of respect and submission to a superior, especially within the context of the Chinese tribute system.

Tribute system

A set of practices through which non-Chinese authorities acknowledged Chinese superiority and their subordinate position in a Chinese-centered world order.

Patriarchal society

A social system in which men hold primary power, dominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.

Heaven's Mandate

An ancient Chinese doctrine that claimed that the emperor's right to rule came from a divine source, and that he must govern benevolently.

Song Dynasty

A period in Chinese history (960-1279) known for economic prosperity, advancements in technology, and cultural achievements.

Urbanization during the Song Dynasty

The phenomenon of rapid population growth and urban migration that made Song China the most urbanized country in the world.

Confucian traditions regarding women

A cultural expectation in historical China that women should primarily be good wives and mothers, reflecting a hierarchical gender structure.