China's Geography, Dynasties, Beliefs & Mongol Conquests

What two major rivers were crucial for early Chinese civilizations?

The Yellow River (Huang He) and the Yangtze River (Chang Jiang).

What geographical features protected China from invasions?

The Gobi Desert to the north, the Tibetan Plateau to the west, and mountains to the southwest.

How did the climate of southern China impact its agriculture?

The warm and wet climate was ideal for rice cultivation, leading to a population boom and economic shift south.

What were the primary trade routes connecting China to other regions?

The Silk Roads (overland) and maritime routes.

What role did geography play in the cultural development of China?

Natural barriers protected China, while fertile land supported large populations, but isolation limited the spread of ideas.

What was a key political feature of the Song Dynasty?

A highly organized bureaucracy based on exams and merit.

What economic changes occurred during the Song Dynasty?

A major shift south to rice-growing regions, leading to food surpluses and a commercial revolution with expanded markets and trade.

What cultural values were emphasized during the Song Dynasty?

A blend of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, with a high value placed on education and scholarship.

What was the significance of ancestor worship in Chinese belief systems?

It linked living families with the spirits of ancestors, reinforcing hierarchy, loyalty, and respect.

What are the core values of Confucianism?

Order, hierarchy, virtue, education, and moral leadership.

How did Daoism influence Chinese culture?

It promoted harmony with nature, simplicity, and balance, influencing medicine, art, and spiritual beliefs.

What impact did Buddhism have in China?

It offered comfort and moral teachings, mixing with Chinese traditions to become uniquely Chinese.

What factors contributed to China's continuity despite other civilizations collapsing?

A unified written language, a merit-based bureaucracy, philosophies linking morality to governance, and strong agriculture.

What were the Mongols known for in terms of military strategy?

Superior military skills, organization, use of engineers and siege weapons, and intelligence with psychological warfare.

Steppes

Treeless plains, especially the high, flat expanses-- usually have little rain and are covered with coarse grass

Good lands for nomads and their herds

Good for breeding horses (essential to Mongol military)

How did the Mongols maintain control over their empire?

By dividing the empire into khanates, allowing local rulers to stay, and enforcing efficient laws while encouraging trade.

Khanates

Mongol kingdoms, in particular the subdivisions of Genghis Khan's empire ruled by his heirs

What was the Pax Mongolica?

A period of peace that allowed for a massive trade boom and safer Silk Roads.

How did the Mongols use terror as a strategy?

They intentionally inflicted terror to ensure quick conquests and reduce resistance, often leading cities to surrender without a fight.

What was the impact of the Mongol Empire on cultural exchange?

They encouraged movement of skilled workers and travelers, leading to an explosion of cultural exchange across Eurasia.

Quriltai

a kind of Mongol summit meeting

Yuan

Mongol dynasty founded by Kublai Khan; united China (still under Mongol control)