Sinosphere and Chinese Dynasties: Culture, Politics, and Trade

What does the root word 'Sino-' refer to?

It comes from the Latin 'Sinae' and Greek 'Σῖναι', both meaning China or Chinese.

What is the Sinosphere?

The Sinosphere refers to the cultural and geographical region influenced by Chinese civilization.

Which modern-day countries are considered core Sino countries?

Core Sino countries include China and its neighboring regions influenced by Chinese culture.

What are the geographic features significant to China?

The Gobi Desert, Tibetan Plateau, Yellow River, Yangtze River, and Himalayan Mountains.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers?

They provided arable land and resources but also had unpredictable flooding patterns that caused casualties.

What was the primary goal of Neolithic Chinese state building?

To create a stable society that could unite the fertile land surrounding the Yellow and Yangtze rivers.

What philosophies were developed in Neolithic China for societal stability?

Confucianism, Filial Piety, and the Mandate of Heaven.

What is Confucianism?

An ethical guideline and lifestyle designed to maintain and legitimize authority, emphasizing respect for leaders.

How does Confucianism justify authority figures?

Authority figures must follow Confucian principles to be deemed competent, and followers are morally bound to obey them.

What is Filial Piety?

A Chinese ethical concept emphasizing respect and obligation to one's ancestors and parents.

How did Confucius view the obligation of children towards their parents?

He considered it an unconditional obligation to care for one's parents and repay the debt of being in their care.

What is the relationship between Filial Piety and Confucianism?

Filial Piety complements Confucianism, as both stress the importance of honoring parents and ancestors.

How has patriarchy manifested in Chinese society?

China has strict guidelines for male behavior, with women morally obligated to follow and serve men, especially in marriage.

Who was Wu Zetian?

The only female Emperor of China, originally a concubine who led reforms during the Tang Dynasty.

What reforms did Wu Zetian implement?

She reformed the Civil Service Exam, protected the Silk Roads, and formed alliances with Korea.

What was the significance of the Mandate of Heaven in Chinese governance?

It was a philosophical concept used to justify the rule of the emperor as divinely ordained.

What challenges did Neolithic Chinese face that influenced their philosophies?

They faced nomadic raids and divided kingdoms, necessitating a stable and unified society.

What role did the peasant workforce play in Neolithic China?

A stable peasant workforce was essential for societal survival and protection against external threats.

How did Confucianism influence social hierarchy in China?

It established a moral framework for authority and obedience, reinforcing social hierarchies.

What is the significance of the term 'Afro-Eurasia' in the context of the Sinosphere?

Afro-Eurasia refers to the vast geographical area that includes the Sinosphere and is the focus of the study.

Why is the study of the Sinosphere important in understanding global history?

It highlights the cultural and historical influences of China on neighboring regions and the world.

What does the phrase 'the world is a very big place' imply in the context of the Sinosphere?

It suggests that while the Sinosphere is significant, it is part of a larger global context that includes diverse cultures.

What are the themes explored in Western movies related to Chinese culture?

Filial Piety and Chinese gender relations.

How did the conditions for women in China change during the 1950s?

Conditions changed significantly during the Communist era.

What is the Mandate of Heaven?

It is the belief that competent Emperors have divine authority over all of China, acting as instruments of the heavens.

What happens if an Emperor is incompetent according to the Mandate of Heaven?

They can lose the Mandate of Heaven, justifying rebellion against them.

What are some historical examples of the Mandate of Heaven being lost?

Qin (206 BCE) faced harshness & extravagance, Han (220 CE) experienced the Yellow Turban Rebellion & floods, Song (1279 CE) dealt with the Mongol invasion, and Ming (1644 CE) suffered famine, rebellion, and Manchu invasion.

What is the significance of the Grand Canal in maintaining the Mandate of Heaven?

It is an infrastructure network that helps control flooding and promotes safe travel, essential for maintaining the Emperor's legitimacy.

What natural disasters did peasants associate with a Dynasty losing the Mandate of Heaven?

Floods and earthquakes.

What is the game 'Emperor Says' designed to illustrate?

The dynamics of power and rebellion in a Dynasty.

What happens in the game if at least half the students raise their fists?

A rebellion occurs, and the first student to touch the door becomes the new Emperor.

List the six dynasties mentioned that will be studied.

Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing.

What was the role of the Civil Service Exam in Chinese history?

It was a system used to select candidates for the state bureaucracy.

What are some key cultural aspects associated with the dynasties in Chinese history?

Gunpowder, foot binding, and trade along the Silk Roads.

What characterized the last Han Dynasty?

Isolationist policies and silver taxes.

What was the final Dynasty of China?

The Qing Dynasty.

How did Chinese history fluctuate over time?

It fluctuated between periods of unification and civil war.

What was the significance of the Silk Roads in Chinese history?

They facilitated trade and cultural exchange between China and other regions.

What was the impact of the Tang Dynasty on Chinese culture?

It was known for its cultural flourishing and expansion of trade.

What is the importance of the Grand Canal's length?

It currently spans over 1000 miles, showcasing the investment in infrastructure.

What was a common reason for rebellion against an Emperor according to Confucius?

Corruption, weakness, embezzlement, and greed.

What is the significance of the term 'Sinosphere'?

It refers to the cultural sphere influenced by Chinese civilization.

What were the characteristics of the Yuan Dynasty?

It was known for its militaristic and mercantile culture.

What does the term 'Isolationist' refer to in the context of Chinese dynasties?

Policies that limit foreign influence and trade.

What were the periods of Chinese history categorized into?

Classical, Early Medieval, High Medieval, Late Medieval, Early Modern, and Late Modern.

What military technology did the Han Dynasty use to conquer China Proper?

Crossbows and highly organized infantry formations.

What significant construction did the Han Dynasty extend?

The Great Wall, making it one of the most impressive military fortifications in history.

How long does the Great Wall span today?

Over 13,000 miles long.

What was the primary cultural influence of the Han Dynasty in China?

Han Chinese culture became the primary type of Chinese culture.

What was the process by which the Han Dynasty encouraged cultural assimilation?

They encouraged Han settlers to move into non-Han towns and enforced Han language and customs through state-instituted Confucianism.

What percentage of the current Chinese population is ethnically Han?

Over 90%.

Which countries were sometimes tributaries of China during the Han Dynasty?

Vietnam, Korea, and Japan.

What is Sinification?

The process of Chinese culture dominating other societies, leading to the adoption of Chinese customs and practices.

What was the attitude towards merchants in Neolithic and Classical China?

Merchants were considered parasites who refused to follow Confucian structure.

What significant change regarding merchants occurred during the Tang Dynasty?

The Tang Dynasty uplifted merchants, respecting and protecting the Silk Roads.

What were the Silk Roads?

A network of trade routes that extended Westward, connecting China to the rest of the world.

What was the Civil Service Exam?

A test institutionalized in the Tang Dynasty to prove knowledge of Confucian principles for administrative positions.

Who could take the Civil Service Exam?

It was open to anybody, including peasants.

What was a notable outcome for some peasants regarding the Civil Service Exam?

A few peasants managed to beat the odds and rise to the top of society.

What cultural achievements characterized the Tang Dynasty?

A golden age of art and poetry, with over 10,000 surviving copies of Tang Dynasty poems.

What is the endonym for China?

Zhongguo (中华), meaning 'The Middle Kingdom'.

How did the Han Dynasty view their place in the world?

They considered themselves to be the middle of the world and civilization itself.