China flash cards set

Why did Chinese culture spread to nearby regions?

Through trade, conquest, migration, and cultural influence.

What is cultural diffusion?

The spread of ideas, technology, and beliefs from one culture to another.

Which two dynasties are considered China's 'Golden Ages'?

The Tang Dynasty and the Song Dynasty.

Why is the Tang Dynasty considered a golden age?

Strong government, expansion, flourishing art, literature, and trade.

Why is the Song Dynasty considered a golden age?

Advances in technology, agriculture, science, and commerce.

Name important inventions from China's golden ages.

Gunpowder, compass, paper, printing.

How did the civil service exam help China during its golden ages?

It created a skilled bureaucracy based on merit, not birth.

Who were the Mongols?

Nomadic warriors from Central Asia.

Who united the Mongols?

Genghis Khan.

What made the Mongol army so successful?

Skilled horseback riding, archery, speed, and military organization.

What areas did the Mongol Empire conquer?

China, Central Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe.

How did Mongol rule affect trade?

It made trade safer and expanded the Silk Road.

What was the Yuan Dynasty?

The Mongol dynasty that ruled China.

How did the Mongols rule China differently from Chinese dynasties?

They kept Mongols in power and treated Chinese as second-class citizens.

Which dynasty replaced the Mongol Yuan Dynasty?

The Ming Dynasty.

What were major achievements of the Ming Dynasty?

Strong central government, rebuilding the Great Wall, restoring Chinese culture.

What was Zheng He known for?

Leading massive naval expeditions to show China's power.

Why did China stop overseas exploration under the Ming?

Leaders felt China was self-sufficient and didn't need foreign contact.

How did China influence Korea?

Language, writing system, Confucian ideas, and government structure.

What religion and philosophy strongly influenced Korea?

Confucianism and Buddhism.

How was Korea able to keep its own identity despite Chinese influence?

By adapting Chinese ideas while keeping Korean traditions.

What technological or cultural achievements is Korea known for?

Advanced ceramics and early movable metal type.

How is Japan's geography different from China's?

Japan is an island nation with limited farmland.

How did geography affect Japanese society?

Encouraged isolation and strong local rule.

What ideas did Japan adopt from China?

Writing system, Buddhism, Confucianism, art, and government ideas.

How did Japan adapt Chinese ideas?

They modified them to fit Japanese traditions.

What is feudalism?

A system where land is exchanged for loyalty and military service.

Who was the emperor during Japan's feudal age?

A symbolic ruler with little real power.

Who actually held power in feudal Japan?

The shogun.

Who were the daimyo?

Powerful landowning nobles.

Who were the samurai?

Warrior class that served daimyo.

What code did samurai live by?

Bushido (the way of the warrior).

What values did Bushido emphasize?

Loyalty, honor, bravery, discipline.

How were China and Japan similar?

Both valued Confucian ideas, hierarchy, and tradition.

How were China and Japan different politically?

China had a strong central government; Japan had feudal rule.

How did Mongol rule differ from Ming rule in China?

Mongols were foreign rulers; Ming restored Chinese traditions.

Why is Chapter 18 called 'The Spread of Civilizations in East Asia'?

Because Chinese ideas, technology, and systems influenced Korea, Japan, and beyond.

What is the biggest long-term impact of China on East Asia?

Cultural influence through writing, beliefs, government, and technology.

What is the significance of gunpowder in Chinese history?

It revolutionized warfare and was a major invention during the golden ages.

What role did the Silk Road play in cultural exchange?

It facilitated trade and the spread of ideas between East and West.

What was the impact of Confucianism on East Asian societies?

It shaped social structures, government policies, and educational systems.

What were the main features of the Tang Dynasty's government?

Merit-based civil service, centralized authority, and expansionist policies.

How did the Song Dynasty contribute to economic growth?

Through innovations in agriculture, trade, and technology.

What was the significance of Zheng He's voyages?

They demonstrated China's naval power and expanded trade networks.

What were the effects of the Ming Dynasty's isolationist policies?

Reduced foreign influence and limited trade opportunities.

How did Korea's geography influence its development?

Mountains and seas provided natural defense but limited agricultural land.

What is the importance of movable type in Korean history?

It allowed for the mass production of written materials and increased literacy.

What was the role of the samurai in feudal Japan?

They served as warriors and protectors of the daimyo's land.

What is the concept of loyalty in Bushido?

Samurai were expected to be fiercely loyal to their lord and comrades.

How did the Mongol Empire facilitate trade across Asia?

By providing protection and stability along trade routes.

What were the cultural exchanges between China and Japan?

Japan adopted Chinese writing, Buddhism, and governmental practices.

What was the impact of the Great Wall during the Ming Dynasty?

It served as a defense against invasions and a symbol of strength.

How did the Ming Dynasty restore Chinese culture?

By promoting Confucian values and traditional practices.

What was the significance of the compass in navigation?

It improved maritime navigation and exploration.

What were the main characteristics of Japanese feudal society?

A hierarchical structure with the emperor, shogun, daimyo, and samurai.

What led to the decline of the Ming Dynasty?

Corruption, economic troubles, and external invasions.

How did the Mongols impact the cultures they conquered?

They often adopted and adapted local customs and practices.

What is the legacy of Confucianism in modern East Asia?

It continues to influence social norms, education, and governance.

What does 'civilization' mean?

A complex society with cities, government, religion, social classes, and culture.

What does 'cultural diffusion' mean?

The spread of ideas, beliefs, technology, and customs from one culture to another.

Why was China a major source of cultural diffusion in East Asia?

China was advanced, powerful, and influenced neighbors through trade and conquest.

What is East Asia?

A region including China, Mongolia, Korea, and Japan.

What is Confucianism?

A philosophy that emphasizes respect, order, loyalty, and proper behavior.

Who was Confucius?

A Chinese philosopher whose ideas shaped Chinese society and government.

How did Confucianism affect government?

It stressed educated officials, obedience, and social harmony.

What is a bureaucracy?

A system of government run by appointed officials.

What is the civil service exam?

A test used to select government officials based on merit.

What is a 'golden age'?

A period of peace, prosperity, and cultural achievement.

When was the Tang Dynasty?

618-907 CE.

What achievements happened during the Tang Dynasty?

Poetry, painting, trade expansion, strong government.

When was the Song Dynasty?

960-1279 CE.

What major advancements occurred during the Song Dynasty?

Printing, paper money, improved farming, technology.

Why were new farming methods important in the Song Dynasty?

They increased food supply and population growth.

What is gunpowder?

An explosive invented in China, later used in weapons.

Why was the compass important?

It improved navigation and trade.

How did printing change society?

It spread knowledge and education more widely.

Why is paper considered a major invention?

It made record-keeping and learning easier.

What does 'nomadic' mean?

Moving from place to place instead of settling permanently.

Who was Genghis Khan?

The leader who united the Mongols and created a vast empire.

Why were Mongol warriors so effective?

They used horses, bows, speed, and discipline.

What is the Silk Road?

A network of trade routes connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa.

How did Mongol rule affect the Silk Road?

It made trade safer and more active.

What does 'dynasty' mean?

A line of rulers from the same family.

How did the Ming Dynasty change China after Mongol rule?

It restored Chinese traditions and strengthened government.

Why was the Great Wall rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty?

To protect China from invaders.

Who was Zheng He?

A Ming admiral who led large sea voyages.

Why did Ming China stop overseas exploration?

Leaders believed China didn't need foreign influence.

How did Confucianism influence Korean society?

It shaped family roles, education, and government.

What writing system did Korea originally use?

Chinese characters.

How did Korea show independence from China?

By adapting Chinese ideas rather than copying them exactly.

What is Korea especially known for culturally?

Advanced pottery and printing.

Why did Japan develop differently than China?

Japan's island geography caused isolation.

How did isolation affect Japan?

It limited foreign invasion and encouraged local control.

What religions influenced Japan?

Buddhism and Shinto.

What is Shinto?

Japan's traditional religion focused on nature and spirits.

What was the role of the shogun?

Military ruler with real power.

Who were daimyo?

Powerful land-owning nobles.

Who were samurai?

Trained warriors who served daimyo.

What is Bushido?

The samurai code of honor.

What values did Bushido promote?

Loyalty, honor, bravery, self-discipline.