1.1 AMSCO AP world

Song Dynasty

The ruling dynasty in China from 960 to 1279, known for its economic prosperity, advances in technology, and cultural achievements.

Bureaucracy

A system of government in which appointed officials implement the policies and laws of an empire, characterized by meritocracy in China.

Meritocracy

A system where officials gain their positions based on ability and knowledge assessed through civil service exams.

Champa rice

A fast-ripening, drought-resistant strain of rice from present-day Vietnam that increased agricultural productivity in China.

Proto-industrialization

An economic phase characterized by increased production of goods in rural areas before the rise of large-scale industrial factories.

Tributary system

An arrangement where neighboring states acknowledge China's superiority and pay tributes to the emperor, enhancing China’s political power.

Foot binding

A traditional Chinese practice of tightly binding young girls' feet to restrict growth and signify social status, prevalent during the Song Dynasty.

Neo-Confucianism

A syncretic philosophy that combines Confucian ethics, Buddhist cosmology, and Daoist metaphysics, prominent during the Song Dynasty.

Gunpowder

An explosive invented in China, transformed into weaponry during the Song Dynasty leading to advancements in military technology.

Merit-based bureaucracy

A system of government in which positions are filled based on the merit demonstrated through examinations, allowing more social mobility.