East Asia and Southeast Asia

Flashcards for civilizations of East Asia and Southeast Asia

Bureaucracy

A large, complex organizational system characterized by a hierarchy of officials, a clear division of labor, and a set of established procedures and rules that govern operations

Scholar-officials

The backbone of the bureaucracy, responsible for administering the state, maintaining social order, and promoting Confucian ideals in traditional China

Merit system in government

A personnel management system where hiring, promotion, and compensation are determined by an individual's qualifications and performance, rather than political connections or favoritism

Urbanization

The process of making an area more urban.

Money economy

An economic system where money serves as the primary medium of exchange, replacing barter systems

Agricultural advancements during the Tang and Song dynasties

New farming techniques, like the use of iron plows and improved irrigation systems, as well as the introduction of faster-ripening rice varieties.

Reasons for trade and industry expansion during the Tang and Song dynasties

Technological advancements, increased population, and a flourishing market-based economy.

Tang Dynasty

Considered the golden age for Chinese poetry

How the rulers of China’s Song dynasty sometimes tried to keep peace with neighboring enemies

A combination of diplomacy and military strength, particularly focusing on appeasement and expensive treaties.

Fall of the Tang Dynasty

A multifaceted process resulting from a combination of internal and external pressures, including the An Lushan Rebellion, economic strain, political corruption, and a series of rebellions and uprisings that weakened the empire's control.

Genghis Khan

Founder and first khan of the Mongol Empire

Mongols

Built their empire through superior military tactics, horseback warfare, and effective administration of conquered territories

Yuan Dynasty

The Mongol dynasty that ruled China (1271-1368)

Yuan social hierarchy

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

Pax Mongolica

Facilitated safe trade along the Silk Road

Hongwu Emperor

Reformed government, strengthened agriculture, and removed Mongol influences

Tributary system

Required other nations to acknowledge Chinese superiority and pay tribute in exchange for trade

Zheng He

Led massive naval expeditions throughout Asia and Africa, demonstrating Ming power

Daoism

Emphasizes living in harmony with the Dao (the Way) and nature

Buddhism

Teaches the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to end suffering

Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)

Founded Buddhism in India around 500 BCE

Confucianism

Emphasizes proper relationships, moral behavior, and social harmony

Japan's mountainous island geography

Led to relative isolation and unique cultural development

Prince Shotoku

Promoted Buddhism and Chinese-style government reforms

Kami

Spirits in Shinto religion

Shoguns

Military rulers who held real power while emperors were ceremonial figures

Japanese feudalism

Based on loyalty relationships between daimyo (lords) and samurai warriors

Samurai

Warriors who followed Bushido, the code emphasizing loyalty, honor, and combat skills

Mongol invasions of Japan (1274 and 1281)

Were defeated by samurai resistance and typhoons (kamikaze)

Confucianism in Japan

Restricted women's roles and rights in Japanese society

Shinto

Japan's native religion focusing on nature worship and ritual purity

Murasaki Shikibu

Wrote The Tale of Genji, the world's first novel

Kabuki theater

Featured male actors performing dramatic plays, attended by common people

Silla Dynasty

Unified Korea, promoted Buddhism, and advanced arts and education

Celadon

A distinctive green-glazed Korean pottery that was highly prized