Edo Japan and the Aztec Empire

Practice vocabulary flashcards covering the Edo Japan and Aztec Empire lecture notes, including social structures, political changes, and key historical events.

Archipelago

A cluster of islands scattered in seas or lakes.

Shinto

Indigenous Japanese religion based on the Kami (spirits) that inhabit natural elements.

Kami

Spirits in the Shinto religion that inhabit natural elements and require rituals to maintain balance.

Kamikaze

Translated as divine wind; refers to two records of Mongol invasion where wind knocked down the invaders.

Ukiyo

Known as the floating world; a pleasure-seeking way of enjoying life because it is temporary, flourishing in art, tea houses, and festivals.

Ukiyo-e

Wood block prints that demonstrate the floating world.

Confucianism

A philosophy from Confucius based on respect, strict roles, education, loyalty, and strong family relationships.

Homogeneous Society

A society sharing the same language, culture, and ethnicity, leading to a strong identity.

Ainu

The indigenous people of Japan who faced assimilation.

Edo Period

A long and peaceful period following the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Shogun

The military leader and ruler of Japan during the Edo period.

Daimyo

Feudal lords under the Shogun who oversaw various hans (domains).

Sakoku

The policy of a Locked Country where no foreigners were allowed in or out of Japan.

Deima

The specific location where trade with the Dutch was permitted during Japan's period of isolation.

Shi-No-to-Shu System

A social hierarchy system where everyone was designated a purpose or caste with limited to no social mobility.

Hinin

Considered non-human outcasts within the social hierarchy, consisting of beggars, geishas, and prostitutes.

Eta

People in the social hierarchy who worked with dead things/commercial death.

Gonin Gumi

A household group of $5$ that were collectively responsible for each other's behavior/conduct.

Meiji Restoration

A period of quick modernization and Westernization in Japan.

Commodore Matthew Perry

The American who arrived in Edo Bay with black steam ships demanding an end to Japan's isolation policy.

Treaty of Kanagawa

One of the unequal treaties that forced Japan to open ports to American ships.

Manifest Destiny

The motivation/belief behind the American expansion and external influence on Japan.

Boshin War

The conflict that led to the collapse of the Shogunate.

Five Charter Oath

A decree by Emperor Meiji with the purpose of becoming more Western and unifying Japan.

Conscription

Mandatory military service for all Japanese men regardless of age.

Satsuma Rebellion

The last attempt by the Samurais to resist the changes of the Meiji government.

Sino-Japanese War

A conflict where Japan fought against China.

Russo-Japanese War

A conflict where Japan fought against Russia.

Huey Tlatoani

The Head of State in Aztec society who served as commander of the army and religious leader observing omens from birds.

Warrior Society

A culture where all boys began training at age $15$ to become warriors.

Triple Alliance

The alliance between Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan used to conquer and exploit central Mexico.

Tributary Empire

A system of empire where conquered regions provide resources/tribute to the ruling power.

Chinampa

A method of farming using wetlands and swamps filled with fertile soil to create floating gardens.

Tlatelolco

The market district of Tenochtitlan that could hold thousands of people.

Calpulli

City units/districts where multiple families or workers lived and elected their own council to manage taxes.

Spanish Inquisition

A state-run court system in Spain used to investigate and persecute non-Christians.

Hidalgos

Lower nobles in Spain who looked to the New World for opportunities and wealth.

Conquistadors

Colonizers who sought opportunities to become governors of colonies under the Spanish Empire.

Malinche

A translator used by the Spanish to help navigate and conquer the Aztec territory.

Alvarado Massacre

An event where Spanish leader Alvarado killed Aztecs during a festival, leading to a revolt in Tenochland.

La Noche Triste

The Night of Terror or Sorrow when Cortes tried to sneak out of Tenochland and many Spanish soldiers were killed or drowned.

Smallpox

A deadly epidemic that significantly reduced the Aztec population during the Spanish conquest.

80 day siege

The duration of the final siege when Cortes returned to destroy the aqueducts and the Aztecs surrendered.

Encomienda

A system where Spanish settlers were given land and Aztec slaves to extract resources.

Mestizo

People of mixed ancestry and culture resulting from the fusion of Aztec and Spanish backgrounds.

Franciscan Priests

Religious figures who arrived for forced conversion of the Aztecs and destroyed Aztec codices.