Developments in EAST ASIA (c. 1200-1450)

Flashcards covering key aspects of the Song Dynasty in East Asia, including its political system, cultural influences, and economic developments.

What dynasty preceded the Song dynasty?

The Tang Dynasty.

What was Neo-Confucianism?

A revival of Confucianism that included Buddhist and Taoist philosophical ideas during the Tang and Song Dynasties.

How did Song rulers use Confucianism to maintain power?

By emphasizing a hierarchical society, with rulers at the top, and promoting filial piety to encourage obedience.

What was foot binding in Song China and what did it represent?

The practice of breaking and binding the feet of young girls to make them smaller, symbolizing the subordination of women and the wealth of elite men.

What is a bureaucracy?

A governmental entity that carries out the will of the emperor.

How did the civil service examination help Song rulers maintain power?

By staffing the bureaucracy with qualified men based on merit, increasing the competency and efficiency of bureaucratic tasks.

What was the tributary Korea had with China?

Acknowledgement of China's power and maintain friendly political and economic relationships.

What aspects of Chinese culture did Korea adopt?

Civil service examination, Confucian principles.

What aspects of Chinese culture did Japan adopt?

Imperial bureaucracy, Chinese Buddhism, Chinese writing system.

What aspects of Chinese culture did Vietnam adopt?

Confucianism, Buddhism, Chinese literary techniques, and the civil service examination system.

What are the four noble truths of Buddhism?

Life is suffering, suffering comes from craving, suffering ceases when craving ceases, the eightfold path leads to cessation of suffering.

What are some similar beliefs between Buddhism and Hinduism?

Karma and rebirth

What is the difference between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism?

Theravada Buddhism is restricted to monks, and Mahayana Buddhism is emphasized to all.

What is Chan Buddhism?

The distinct version of Buddhism developed by the Chinese.

What does the commercialization of the economy mean?

China produced more goods than they needed to survive and then sold the excess on the world market.

What agricultural innovation led to a population explosion in China?

The introduction of Champa rice, which was drought resistant and could be harvested twice a year.

What transportation innovation was perfected during the Song Dynasty?

Magnetic compass

What shipbuilding techniques were improved during the Song Dynasty?

Improved the design of the massive trade ships called junks by creating water type bulkheads and stern mounted rudders.