Korean and Japanese History

Flashcards for review of Korean and Japanese history, focusing on key figures, events, and cultural aspects.

Who was the first person to unite the Korean peninsula under one rule?

Wang Kon

Define yangban and what did members of this class study?

Yangban was the highest social class during the Yi dynasty. They studied neo-Confucian texts.

What is hangul?

Hangul is a phonetic writing system in Korea with one letter per sound, like in English.

Which two countries attacked the Yi Dynasty?

Japan and China

What was the result of the attack from Japan during the Yi Dynasty?

The Koreans, with Chinese help, halted the Japanese attack on land and developed the turtle ship to defeat the Japanese Navy.

What was the result of the attack from China during the Yi Dynasty?

The Yi dynasty was forced to surrender and pay tribute to China's Manchu rulers.

Describe the turtle ship.

It was covered in iron plates resembling a turtle shell, had a dragon's head to emit smoke, cannons on all sides, and spikes to prevent boarding.

What is a regent?

A person who rules for an emperor who is too young or too sick to govern (e.g., Prince Shotoku).

How did Prince Shotoku seek China's influence?

He sent delegates to China to learn about Confucian teachings and practices.

What document did Prince Shotoku create for Japan, and who was given power according to this document?

Prince Shotoku created a constitution that established the emperor as an all-powerful ruler.

How did the Taika Reforms influence Japan's government?

Japan was divided into districts ruled by officials reporting to the emperor. All farmland was placed under the emperor's control, creating Japan's first strong central government.

List three ways China influenced Japan during the Nara period.

Nobles lived in Chinese-styled homes, Buddhism became powerful, and Japan set up a central government and legal code (Taihō code) based on Chinese law codes.

Describe the Taihō code.

The Taihō code organized the government and included penal laws (ritsu) governing arrests and imprisonment.

Where was the capital of Japan moved to in 794 C.E., and who moved it?

The emperor of Japan moved the capital from Nara to Heian-kyo (later known as Kyoto).

Why did the government give land to nobles?

In return for their support and to make them responsible for governing the lands, also to stop them from paying taxes.

Why did nobles give land to samurai?

Nobles gave lands to warriors who agreed to fight for them.

What did farmers give nobles?

Taxes to help pay for the local government.

What is a samurai?

A warrior who served a Japanese lord and lived by a strict code of loyalty.

What is Bushido? What were the values of this code?

Bushido is the samurai code of conduct, emphasizing loyalty, bravery, and honor. Samurai would rather die in battle than betray their master.

In 1192, Japan ended up with two government leaders. What was the title of each leader?

Shogun and emperor.

In 1192, Japan ended up with two government leaders. Where was each leader's capital?

The emperor remained in Heian-kyo, and the shogun set up his government in Kamakura.

In 1192, Japan ended up with two government leaders. What did each leader rule/govern?

The emperor was Japan's official leader, and the shogun governed a shogunate.

Define kamikaze. How did this term originate?

Kamikaze means divine wind; it originated from typhoons that destroyed Mongol ships during invasions, believed to be sent by spirits.

What did Daimyo rule?

A small territory.

Who did Daimyo pledge their loyalty to?

To the emperor and the shogun.

Who pledged to serve the daimyo?

Vassals.

Who united Japan once again in 1603? How long did that Shogunate last?

Tokugawa Ieyasu’s shogunate for almost 300 years.

On a daimyo estate, what did the Farmers do?

Some farmed their own land, but most lived and worked on the estates of the daimyo, growing rice, wheat, millet, and barley.

On a daimyo estate, what did Artisans do?

Artisans made armor, weapons, and tools that were sold by merchants in town markets.

What goods did Japan trade?

Pottery, paper, textiles, and lacquered ware.

What is Lacquer ware?

A shiny red or black coating that the Japanese applied to many objects such as furniture, bowls, and some armor

Was life better for wealthy women under Prince Shotoku or the Shogun? Explain.

Prince Shotoku, because he allowed empresses to own property and wives who were abandoned could divorce and remarry. Upper class women lost freedoms in warrior society.

What two religions did many Japanese follow?

Shinto and Buddhism. Shinto was concerned with daily life, Buddhism promised spiritual rewards.

How did followers of Zen Buddhism discipline their Physical bodies?

Through martial arts.

How did followers of Zen Buddhism discipline their Minds?

They practiced meditation to clear their minds of all worldly thoughts and desires.