Social Studies Test Topic 5

Bureaucracy

A system where officials are organized into departments to carry out government policies.

Scholar-Officials

Educated individuals who passed civil service exams to work in government; they upheld Confucian ideals.

Merit System

Hiring based on ability and performance, not family ties.

Urbanization

Growth of cities as people moved in for jobs and trade.

Money Economy

Use of currency (coins and paper) instead of bartering goods.

Farming Advances

Introduction of fast-ripening rice and improved irrigation increased food production.

Trade and Industry Expansion

Better transportation (like canals), increased agricultural surplus, and use of paper money boosted commerce.

Tang Dynasty Art

Renowned for poetry, especially by poets like Li Bai and Du Fu.

Song Dynasty Peace Efforts

Sometimes gave expensive gifts to neighboring enemies to maintain peace.

Fall of the Tang Dynasty

Caused by internal rebellions, corruption, and military defeats.

Genghis Khan

Founder of the Mongol Empire; united Mongol tribes and began vast conquests.

Empire Expansion

Achieved through superior military tactics, skilled horsemen, and disciplined armies.

Yuan Dynasty

Mongol dynasty in China established by Kublai Khan.

Social Hierarchy in Yuan China

Mongols at the top, followed by Central Asians, Northern Chinese, and Southern Chinese.

Trade Contributions

Reopened and protected the Silk Road, facilitating trade between East and West.

Hongwu's Reign

Restored Chinese rule, reestablished the civil service exam, and strengthened the agricultural economy.

Tributary System

Foreign states sent missions to China, offering tribute in exchange for trade rights and political favor.

After Yongle's Death

China became more isolationist, reducing overseas exploration.

Zheng He

Chinese admiral who led seven major voyages to expand trade and collect tribute.

Daoism

Philosophy emphasizing harmony with nature and the Dao (the Way).

Buddhism

Religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha); focuses on overcoming suffering.

Decline of Buddhism

Faced suppression during certain dynasties due to foreign origins and conflicts with Confucian ideals.

Confucianism

Philosophy stressing moral virtue, social order, and respect for hierarchy.

Spread of Chinese Inventions

Technologies like papermaking and the compass reached Europe via trade routes like the Silk Road.

Climate and Geography of Japan

Mountainous islands with limited arable land; prone to earthquakes and typhoons.

Prince Shotoku's Unification Efforts

Promoted Buddhism and adopted Chinese governmental models to centralize power.

Kami

Spirits or deities in the Shinto religion, believed to inhabit natural elements.

Cultural Borrowing

Adopted Chinese writing, architecture, and Buddhism, blending them with native traditions.

Shogun

Military leader who held actual power, while the emperor was a ceremonial figure.

Feudalism in Japan

System where land was exchanged for military service; samurai served daimyo lords.

Daimyo

Powerful landholding lords who commanded private armies.

Samurai

Warrior class known for their martial skills and adherence to the Bushido code.

Bushido

'Way of the warrior'; code emphasizing loyalty, honor, and discipline.

Mongol Threats

Mongols attempted invasions in 1274 and 1281; both failed, partly due to typhoons ('kamikaze' or divine winds).

Samurai vs. Mongols

Samurai defended Japan during Mongol invasions, showcasing their valor and combat skills.

Impact of Confucianism on Women

Reduced women's status and limited their roles in society.

Shinto Religion

Indigenous faith focusing on ritual practices and worship of kami.

The Tale of Genji

Written by Murasaki Shikibu; considered the world's first novel, depicting court life.

Kabuki Theater

Traditional Japanese drama with music and dance; popular among commoners.

Silla Empire's Advancements

Unified Korea, promoted Buddhism, and developed advanced metallurgy and astronomy.

Celadon

High-quality, green-glazed pottery developed during the Goryeo Dynasty; prized for its beauty.