1.1 Reading: Developments in East Asia

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, people, and concepts from East Asian developments during the Song Dynasty and related periods.

Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE)

Chinese dynasty known for wealth, political stability, cultural achievements, and expansion of a Confucian-based bureaucracy.

Bureaucracy

A vast system of appointed officials carrying out imperial policies; expanded under the Song Dynasty.

Meritocracy

System where government positions are awarded based on merit demonstrated in exams rather than birth.

Civil service examinations

Tests that qualified individuals for government posts; central to the Song’s merit-based bureaucracy.

Grand Canal

Internal waterway over 30,000 miles that connected north and south China, boosting trade and population growth.

Champa rice

Fast-ripening, drought-resistant rice from Champa (Vietnam) enabling double cropping and agricultural expansion.

Proto-industrialization

Early phase of industrialization with rural, home- or village-based production rather than factories.

Cast iron and steel production

Use of coal to make cast iron and later remove carbon to produce steel for infrastructure and tools.

Woodblock printing

Printing method allowing multiple copies of texts; aided dissemination of Buddhist scriptures and literature.

Gunpowder

Chinese invention; Song innovators produced the first firearms, with technology spreading along the Silk Roads.

Compass

navigational instrument developed in China, improving maritime navigation and trade.

Kowtow

Ritual bowing to the Chinese emperor by representatives of tributary states.

Tributary system

Arrangement where other states paid tribute or provided goods to honor the Chinese emperor; supported regional stability and trade.

Scholar-gentry

Educated Confucian scholars who formed a powerful social class, surpassing traditional aristocracy.

Foot binding

Practice of binding young girls’ feet to show status; limited mobility; banned in 1912.

Neo-Confucianism

A revival blending Confucian ethics with elements of Daoism and Buddhism, popular in China and surrounding regions.

Chan Buddhism (Zen)

Chinese form of Buddhism emphasizing meditation and direct experience; syncretic with Daoism.

Sinification

Process by which non-Chinese societies adopt Chinese culture and practices while preserving distinct identities.

Tale of Genji

World’s first novel, written in the 11th century by Murasaki Shikibu, set in Heian-period Japan.

Heian Period

Japanese era (794–1185) of cultural flowering modeled on Chinese traditions, later giving way to feudal rule.

Shogun

Military ruler who governed Japan in the emperor’s name; first established by the Minamoto in 1192.

Zheng He

Ming dynasty admiral who led enormous treasure voyages to display power and collect tribute.

Porcelain

Fine Chinese ceramic ware; a major export and hallmark of Chinese craftsmanship.