UNIT I: The Global Tapestry (c. 1200 to c. 1450)

Quiz-style flashcards covering major concepts from Unit I: The Global Tapestry (c. 1200–c. 1450), including empires, trade, technology, social structure, and East Asian developments.

What contextual factor shaped empires between 1200 and 1450?

Growing regional trade that expanded since around 600 CE.

Which dynasty was the wealthiest and most innovative in Afro-Eurasia during the 13th century?

The Song Dynasty of China.

What was the role of the Mongols from 1200 to 1450?

They forged the largest land empire and revived long-distance trade across Eurasia.

What is Champa rice and why is it important?

Fast-ripening, drought-resistant rice from Champa that expanded agricultural land and allowed double cropping.

What does proto-industrialization refer to?

An early phase where rural artisans produced more goods than they could sell, before factories.

What was the Grand Canal's significance to Song China?

A vast internal waterway network that boosted trade and urban growth.

What was the Song imperial bureaucracy?

A large administration of officials carrying out policies, expanded under Song and based on exams.

What is a civil service meritocracy?

Officials earned their positions by merit on Confucian-based exams.

What was the social role and outcome of foot binding?

Signified status, restricted women's mobility; banned in 1912.

Name the three major forms of Buddhism in China during this period and a key feature.

Theravada, Mahayana, Tibetan; Chan/Zen Buddhism fused with Daoism and became widespread.

What is Neo-Confucianism?

A syncretic system combining Confucian ethics with Daoist and Buddhist ideas, popular in East Asia.

How did Japan differ in governance and feudal structure from China?

Japan developed feudalism with powerful daimyo and samurai; the shogun ruled in practice while the emperor was largely ceremonial; centralized unification occurred later (17th c.).

How did Korea's relationship with China differ from Vietnam's?

Korea had a Chinese-style centralized state with Confucian and Buddhist culture; aristocracy held power and peasants had limited access to civil service.

How did Vietnam interact with China?

Traded with China, adopted Chinese writing and architecture, but maintained distinct social norms and resistance to full domination.

What was the tributary system and kowtow?

States paid tribute or provided goods to the Chinese emperor and performed kowtow as a sign of respect.

Who was Zheng He and what did he do?

Ming dynasty admiral who led vast fleets to display power and collect tribute.

What were China's chief exports and how did printing affect society?

Porcelain, textiles, and tea; woodblock printing spread knowledge and Buddhist scriptures widely.

What is the significance of gunpowder in Song China?

Gunpowder and early firearms originated in China and spread across Eurasia via trade routes.