AP World History: Topic 1.1- Development of East Asia

Neo-Confucianism

The revival of Confucian philosophy and political culture that began in the 9th century and flourished in the 11th century during the Northern Song Dynasty.

Sinification

The assimilation or spread of Chinese culture to other regions.

Shogunate

The hereditary military dictatorship that governed Japan.

Champa Rice

A quick-maturing, drought-resistant rice variety that allowed farming to expand into previously unsuitable lands.

Song Dynasty

A Chinese imperial dynasty recognized for its cultural achievements and technological innovations.

Filial Piety

An attitude of respect for parents and ancestors, particularly in Confucian-influenced societies.

Shintoism

Japan’s native belief system that coexists with Buddhism and Confucianism, influencing its spiritual, cultural, and political life.

Goryeo

A Korean state founded in 918 that unified the Korean Peninsula until 1392, known for advancements in architecture, ceramics, and printing.

Imperial Bureaucracy

A vast organization of appointed officials who implemented the empire’s policies, characterized by merit-based selection through civil service exams.

Mandate of Heaven

The divine right to rule, which justified the emperor's authority in China.

Proto-Industrialization

Economic changes where rural areas produced more goods than they could sell, leading to increased production and trade.

Grand Canal

A major waterway in China that connected the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers, facilitating trade and transportation.

Gunpowder

A significant invention that led to the creation of the first firearms during the Song Dynasty.

Foot Binding

A practice that restricted women's mobility and signified social status, prevalent during the Song Dynasty.

Chan Buddhism

A syncretic form of Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and direct experience, popular in China.

Tribute System

An arrangement where other states paid tribute to the Chinese emperor, reinforcing China's economic and political dominance.

Scholar-Gentry

An influential social class in China, educated in Confucian philosophy and responsible for governance.

Civil Service Exam

A competitive examination system in China that selected government officials based on merit rather than birth or wealth.

Maritime Navigation

The use of navigational tools like the compass, which advanced maritime trade and exploration.

Vietnamese Independence

Despite Sinification, Vietnam maintained a degree of cultural independence and resisted Chinese influence through rebellions.