Chapter 8: China and the World: East Asian Connections

What were the consequences of the collapse of the Han dynasty around 220 C.E.?

It led to 300 years of political fragmentation, nomadic incursions, and discredited Confucianism.

What was the significance of the Sui dynasty (589-618) in Chinese history?

The Sui dynasty reunified China and extended the canal system, although it was overthrown due to its failures.

What achievements are associated with the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties?

They established patterns of Chinese life that lasted into the twentieth century and are regarded as a golden age of arts and literature.

What economic changes occurred during the Song dynasty?

There was great prosperity, rapid population growth, improvements in agricultural and industrial production, and widespread market production.

What was the impact of the tribute system on China's relations with non-Chinese peoples?

It established a hierarchy where non-Chinese authorities acknowledged Chinese superiority in exchange for trading privileges.

How did the northern nomads interact with China historically?

They lived in kinship-based groups, sought grain and goods from China, and sometimes created powerful states.

What was the role of women during the Song dynasty?

Women faced tightening patriarchal restrictions, with practices like foot binding becoming common, although property rights expanded.

What was the significance of the Great Wall in relation to northern nomads?

The Great Wall was a military response to protect against nomadic incursions and to control trade access.

What was the economic impact of the Song dynasty's demand for cash taxes?

It led to the growing use of paper money and financial instruments, changing the economic landscape.

What was the cultural influence of nomads on China?

Nomads who ruled parts of China often adopted Chinese ways, but Chinese culture had limited impact on steppe nomads.

How did the relationship between China and Korea begin?

It started with the temporary Chinese conquest of northern Korea during the Han dynasty.

What were the characteristics of the emerging states in Korea during the first century?

Korean states emerged as rivals and resisted Chinese political control, reaching power and sophistication by the fourth to seventh centuries.

What was a major consequence of the political fragmentation following the Han dynasty?

It allowed for the migration of Chinese populations southward to the Yangzi River valley.

What technological innovations were prominent during the Song dynasty?

Inventions included print technology (woodblock and movable type), gunpowder, and advancements in navigational and shipbuilding technology.

How did the Song dynasty's economic revolution affect urbanization?

China became the most urbanized region in the world, with significant growth in cities and trade.

What was the role of the examination system during the Tang and Song dynasties?

It was revived to staff the bureaucracy and allowed for some social mobility, although elite families dominated official positions.

What was the impact of textile production on women's roles during the Song dynasty?

Larger-scale textile production displaced women from traditional roles, although some found new opportunities in cities.

What was the significance of the Xiongnu Confederacy in relation to China?

It was an example of a nomadic empire that could engage with China on equal terms, established around 200 B.C.E.

What characterized the cultural exchange between China and steppe nomads?

Interaction included trade, military conflict, negotiations, and some cultural influence, but pastoral societies retained their own cultural patterns.

What was the effect of the Song dynasty's prosperity on women's education?

More women were educated to better raise their sons, reflecting a shift in societal roles despite overall restrictions.

What was the nature of the tribute system in practice?

While it worked for centuries, it masked the reality that some nomadic empires could negotiate on equal terms with China.

What was the political status of Korea under the Unified Silla, Koryo, and Joseon dynasties?

Korea generally maintained political independence but was influenced by Chinese legitimacy and culture.

How did the Silla kingdom achieve political unity in the seventh century?

By allying with the Tang dynasty of China.

What was the capital city of Korea modeled after?

Kumsong was modeled on the Chinese capital, Chang'an.

What negative impact did Confucianism have on Korean women after 1300?

It restricted their roles and freedoms within society.

What phonetic alphabet did Korea develop in the 1400s?

Hangul.

How did Vietnam's experience with Chinese culture differ from Korea's?

Vietnam was part of the Chinese state for a longer period, from 111 B.C.E. to 939 C.E., leading to more direct cultural assimilation.

What significant cultural elements did Vietnam retain despite Chinese influence?

Distinct language, cockfighting, betel nuts, and greater roles for women.

What was the main period of cultural borrowing from China in Japan?

The seventh to ninth centuries C.E.

Who was responsible for the creation of a Japanese bureaucratic state modeled on China?

Shotoku Taishi (572-622).

What was the Japanese writing system that mixed Chinese characters with phonetic symbols called?

Kana.

What was the primary way Buddhism was introduced to China?

Through the Silk Roads in the first to second centuries C.E.

What factors contributed to the growth of Buddhism in China during 300-800 C.E.?

Collapse of the Han dynasty, favor from nomadic rulers, and the comfort it provided during chaos.

What was the response of the Chinese state to the growth of Buddhism in the 9th century?

Direct action against foreign religions, including the confiscation of monasteries and the return of monks to secular life.

What technological innovations did China contribute to the Eurasian world?

Papermaking, printing, and gunpowder, among others.

How did China benefit economically from its interactions with other cultures?

By learning cotton and sugar cultivation from India and adopting new rice strains from Vietnam.

What was the impact of foreign merchant settlements in southern Chinese ports during the Tang era?

They stimulated commercial life but also led to violence, such as the massacre of foreigners in Canton.

What was the primary form of Buddhism that became popular in China?

Mahayana Buddhism.

What was the significance of the Seventeen Article Constitution in Japan?

It was an early attempt to establish a centralized bureaucratic state modeled on Chinese governance.

What role did elite women play in Japanese society compared to their Korean counterparts?

Elite women in Japan escaped much of the Confucian oppression faced by women in Korea.

What was the impact of Chinese cultural influence on Korea's serf-like peasants?

Chinese cultural influence had little effect on their status or conditions.

What was the main reason for the resistance against Buddhism in China?

Resentment towards the wealth of the Buddhist establishment and its foreign origins.

What was the effect of the An Lushan rebellion on Chinese Buddhism?

It sparked new xenophobia and increased resistance against foreign religions.

What was the nature of Japan's borrowing from Chinese culture?

It was selective and voluntary, as Japan was never invaded by China.

What cultural practices did Vietnam maintain that were distinct from Chinese culture?

Nature goddesses and a female Buddha in popular belief.

What was the significance of the examination system in Vietnam?

It helped undermine established aristocrats and promoted a commitment to Chinese culture among the elite.