Unit 1: 1.1 Development of East Asia

Song Dynasty

POLITICAL/ECONOMIC — Chinese dynasty (960–1279) known for a powerful centralized bureaucracy, Neo-Confucianism, agricultural innovation, commercialization, technological development, and expanded trade. Its prosperity made China a major economic and cultural center of East Asia.

Neo-Confucianism

CULTURAL/POLITICAL — A revival of Confucian philosophy during the Song Dynasty that incorporated some Buddhist and Daoist ideas. It strengthened Confucian social hierarchy and helped justify the authority of the Chinese state.

Civil Service Examination

POLITICAL/SOCIAL — Exams based largely on Confucian texts used to select government officials. They helped create a scholar-official class and strengthened China's centralized bureaucracy by linking education and political advancement.

Imperial Bureaucracy

POLITICAL — A centralized government administered by appointed officials. China's bureaucracy allowed the emperor to govern a large territory and helped maintain political continuity across dynasties.

Champa Rice

ECONOMIC — A fast-growing, high-yield rice variety introduced into China from Southeast Asia. It increased agricultural productivity, which contributed to population growth, urbanization, and commercialization during the Song Dynasty.

Commercialization

ECONOMIC — The expansion of production and exchange of goods for markets rather than only local consumption. In Song China, increased agricultural production and trade helped create a more prosperous and interconnected economy.

Grand Canal

ECONOMIC — A major Chinese waterway connecting northern and southern China. It allowed agricultural goods to be transported efficiently, strengthening internal trade and helping support the Song economy.

Paper Money

ECONOMIC — Currency made from paper that became increasingly used during the Song period. It facilitated long-distance commerce and reflected the growing sophistication and commercialization of the Chinese economy.

Sinicization

CULTURAL — The adoption of Chinese cultural practices, political institutions, and beliefs by neighboring societies. Chinese influence spread to Korea, Japan, and Vietnam while those societies retained distinct identities.

Song China’s Influence on East Asia

CULTURAL/POLITICAL — China spread Confucianism, Buddhism, writing systems, government practices, and other cultural traditions to neighboring societies. Korea, Japan, and Vietnam adopted aspects of Chinese culture while maintaining their own political identities.

Buddhism in East Asia

CULTURAL — Buddhism spread from India into China and then throughout East Asia through trade and cultural interaction. It influenced philosophy, art, literature, and religious practices and interacted with existing Chinese traditions.

Confucianism

CULTURAL/SOCIAL — A philosophy emphasizing education, proper behavior, filial piety, and social hierarchy. Its influence shaped Chinese government and society and spread to neighboring East Asian societies.

Filial Piety

SOCIAL/CULTURAL — The Confucian belief that children should respect and obey parents and ancestors. It reinforced family hierarchy and broader social structures based on obedience and responsibility.

Foot Binding

SOCIAL — A practice associated with elite women in Song China that physically restricted women's feet. It reflected the highly patriarchal social structure reinforced by Confucian-influenced traditions.

Yuan Dynasty

POLITICAL — The Mongol dynasty that ruled China from 1271–1368 under Kublai Khan. It represented foreign rule over China and connected China more closely to the wider Mongol Empire and Eurasian trade networks.

Mongol Rule in China

POLITICAL/SOCIAL — Mongol rulers governed China while using parts of the existing Chinese administrative system. Mongol rule connected China to larger Eurasian networks while creating a period of foreign domination.

Ming Dynasty

POLITICAL — Chinese dynasty that replaced the Yuan in 1368 and restored Han Chinese rule. The Ming strengthened centralized government and later sponsored major maritime expeditions that expanded China's diplomatic and commercial connections.

Zheng He

ECONOMIC/POLITICAL — Ming admiral who led large maritime expeditions across the Indian Ocean from 1405–1433. His voyages projected Chinese power and expanded diplomatic and trade relationships across the Indian Ocean world.

Ming Maritime Expeditions

ECONOMIC/POLITICAL — Large naval expeditions sponsored by the Ming government that traveled throughout the Indian Ocean. They demonstrated China's naval capabilities and expanded diplomatic and commercial connections, although China later reduced these voyages.

Technological Innovation in Song China

TECHNOLOGICAL/ECONOMIC — Advances in areas such as printing, shipbuilding, navigation, and iron production. These technologies supported economic growth, increased trade, and strengthened China's influence.

Economic Growth in Song China

ECONOMIC — Expansion caused by agricultural innovations, commercialization, manufacturing, transportation, and trade. Song China became one of the world's major economic centers.

China’s Tributary System

POLITICAL — A system in which neighboring states acknowledged China's regional importance and participated in relationships involving tribute and diplomacy. It reinforced China's political and cultural influence in East Asia.

Continuity in Song China

POLITICAL/CULTURAL — Despite major economic and technological changes, Song China maintained important traditions such as centralized government, bureaucracy, and Confucian political and social ideas.

Change in Song China

ECONOMIC/TECHNOLOGICAL — Song China experienced major changes in agriculture, commercialization, manufacturing, technology, transportation, and trade, contributing to population growth and economic prosperity.