China and Islamic World: Dynasties, Culture, and Religion

What was the official way of thinking in China during this period?

Confucianism, which taught respect for authority, following rules, and loyalty to family and government.

What were the civil service exams in China designed for?

To select scholar-officials who worked for the government.

What was the tributary system in China?

A system where weaker states gave tributes (money/goods) to China for access to trade and protection.

How did China manage relations with northern tribes?

China paid in silk, grain, copper, and silver to keep peace with difficult-to-control northern tribes.

What economic changes occurred during the Song Dynasty?

Increased productive capacity, expanded trade networks, and innovations in agriculture and manufacturing.

What was the role of peasants in early dynasties?

Peasants worked on free land and paid taxes for their labor.

What new social class emerged during the Song Dynasty?

Merchants and artisans, who joined the gentry and landowners in cultural dominance.

What were some trade and currency innovations in Song China?

Trade on credit and the introduction of paper money, which helped with trade.

What was the significance of family in Confucian China?

Family was a key social unit, with respect for elders and authority held by the oldest man in the household.

What were the main duties expected of women in Confucian society?

Cooking, cleaning, sewing, and having children.

What were some achievements of the Song Dynasty?

Innovations in printing, pottery, paper money, painting, poetry, astronomy, and footbinding.

What was Neo-Confucianism?

A rebranding of Confucianism that adapted to local beliefs and challenged Buddhism.

What are the Five Pillars of Islam?

Belief in Allah, charity, fasting during Ramadan, praying five times a day, and pilgrimage to Mecca.

What event marked the beginning of the Islamic state?

Muhammad's migration to Medina to escape persecution, leading to the establishment of a caliphate.

Who were the Sunnis and Shiites in early Islam?

Sunnis, who make up 90% of Muslims, followed Abu Bakr as the first successor, while Shiites, 10%, believed Ali should be the successor.

What was the Umayyad Caliphate known for?

It was the first Islamic empire, known for its expansion under leadership.

What characterized the Abbasid Caliphate?

It was marked by increased literacy, the influence of non-Arab converts, and the spread of the Arabic language.

What was the Golden Age of Islam?

A period from the 7th to 13th century marked by advancements in literature, science, mathematics, and art.

What innovations in art were made during the Islamic Golden Age?

Manuscript illumination, calligraphy, portrait miniatures, and arabesque designs.

What was the role of women in Islam during this period?

Women were expected to stay covered, had limited interaction with men, but had some inheritance and divorce rights.

What was the significance of the jizya tax in the Abbasid Caliphate?

It was a tax imposed on non-Muslims, allowing them to practice their religion.

How did the Abbasid Caliphate fragment?

It split into new Islamic political entities, including the Seljuk Turks and Mamluks.

What was the impact of Confucianism on family structure in China?

It emphasized loyalty, obedience, respect, honor, and good conduct within both family and state.

What was footbinding and its cultural significance?

A practice among upper-class girls to bind their feet, signifying status and honor.