China's History

Dynasty

Family or clan that ruled in China; rulership was typically passed to the eldest son.

Mandate of Heaven

Legitimacy for the emperor's rule based on the belief that there can only be one ruler with the blessing of the gods.

Qin Dynasty

The dynasty from 221-206 BCE established by Ying Zheng, known as China’s 'first emperor'.

Daoism

Religion and philosophy focusing on harmony and the natural order through the 'Way' or 'Dao'.

Zheng He

Ming Dynasty admiral known for making seven major voyages to Southeast Asia, India, and the east coast of Africa.

Forbidden City

Imperial palace built during the Ming Dynasty, home to 14 Ming and 10 Qing emperors.

Qing Dynasty

Dynasty from 1644-1912 characterized by the rule of the Manchus over China.

Opium

Addictive drug used in China, given to workers to numb pain and reduce hunger.

Extraterritoriality

Legal exemption for foreigners from local jurisdiction in China.

Sun Yat-sen

Revolutionary leader who founded the Nationalist Party and was the first provisional president of the Republic of China.

May Fourth Movement

1919 movement led by students critical of traditional values and western imperialism in China.

Cultural Revolution

Mao Zedong's campaign from 1966 to 1976 aimed at purging capitalist elements and traditional culture.

Deng Xiaoping

Paramount leader who initiated market reforms and opened China to foreign investment.

Great Leap Forward

Mao Zedong's economic campaign (1958-60) intended to rapidly industrialize China, leading to widespread famine.

Nanjing Massacre

Massacre of 100,000-200,000 Chinese by the Japanese army in 1937, part of the Second Sino-Japanese War.

People's Republic of China

Officially established on October 1, 1949, with Mao Zedong as its leader.

Socialism with Chinese Characteristics

Economic strategy combining market and state-run enterprises introduced by Deng Xiaoping.

Hukou

Residence permit in China required to access education, housing, and social services.

Gender Asset Gap

Disparities between men and women in terms of wealth and property ownership.

'Leftover Women'

Women over 27 who are unmarried and face societal pressure regarding marriage and children.

Xi Jinping Thought

Ideological doctrine promoting national rejuvenation and socialism with Chinese characteristics.

National People's Congress (NPC)

China's unicameral legislative body, generally serving the CCP's directives.

Iron Rice Bowl

Policy providing lifelong employment and welfare in urban areas until the mid-1980s.

Zero-COVID policy

China's strict public health measures involving mass testing and lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

GONGOs

Government-operated non-governmental organizations that assist in poverty alleviation.