Unit 3: Asian Empires Part II (3.4-3.5)

Ming Dynasty

A major Chinese dynasty that ruled from 1368 to 1644, known for its trade expansion, cultural achievements, and expansion of the Great Wall.

Civil Service Examination

An imperial examination system in China that determined the qualifications of candidates for positions in the government, emphasizing Confucian ideals and merit-based selection.

The Forbidden City

The imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, located in Beijing. It served as the political center of Chinese emperors and is known for its vast size, architectural beauty, and historical significance.

Zheng He

A Chinese explorer and admiral of the early Ming Dynasty, known for his seven voyages to Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, and East Africa, promoting trade and cultural exchange.

Manchus

A northeastern Asian people who invaded China in the 17th century, founding the Qing Dynasty. They ruled as emperors and expanded China's territory significantly.

Qing Dynasty

The last imperial dynasty of China, which ruled from 1644 to 1912. Founded by the Manchus, it is known for its territorial expansion, cultural achievements, and complex interactions with Western powers.

Queue

A hairstyle worn by Manchu men that involved shaving the front of the head and wearing a long braid at the back, symbolizing loyalty to the Qing Dynasty.

Kangxi

The fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty, ruling from 1661 to 1722, known for his long reign, cultural patronage, and military conquests that expanded Chinese territory.

Treaty of Nerchinsk

An agreement signed in 1689 between the Qing Dynasty and Russia, marking the first treaty between China and a European power, establishing borders and promoting trade relations.

The Golden Lotus

A classic Chinese novel that depicts the corrupt life of a wealthy landlord who manipulates those around him.

Daimyo

Heads of noble families in Japan who controlled vast landed estates and relied on samurai for protection

Oda Nobunaga

A powerful Japanese daimyo who played a key role in unifying Japan during the late 16th century, known for his military innovations and ruthless tactics.

Toyotomi Hideoyoshi

A prominent Japanese daimyo who succeeded Oda Nobunaga and completed the unification of Japan in the late 16th century, known for his administrative reforms and land surveys.

Tokugawa Ieyashu

The founder of the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan, he established a stable, centralized government that ruled from 1603 to 1868, known for enforcing strict social order and isolationist policies.

The Great Peace

A period of peace and stability in Japan during the Tokugawa shogunate, characterized by the absence of large-scale warfare and the enforcement of strict social hierarchies.

Francis Xavier

A Spanish missionary and co-founder of the Jesuit order, he played a significant role in spreading Christianity in Japan and other parts of Asia during the 16th century.

Feudalism

A social and economic system in Japan during the Tokugawa period, characterized by a hierarchy of lords (daimyos) and vassals (samurai) where land ownership and loyalty were central to governance and social structure.

Shi

A warrior class in feudal Japan, known for their military nobility and adherence to bushido, the code of conduct emphasizing honor, loyalty, and martial skills.

Shogun

The 2nd most powerful ruler in Japan, who held military authority and governed on behalf of the emperor during the feudal period.