Chinese Dynasties and Cultural Diffusion (Confucianism, Buddhism, Sui-Tang-Song, Korea)

Vocabulary flashcards covering Confucianism, Buddhism, major dynasties, key innovations, and Korea’s cultural diffusion from China.

Confucianism

Social religion focused on filial piety and allegiance to the government.

Buddhism

Spiritual religion emphasizing detachment to reach nirvana/peace.

Filial Piety

Extreme dedication to family and ancestors.

Mandate of Heaven

Divine Right: the king or emperor has God’s permission to rule.

Sui Dynasty (581-618)

Reunified China after civil war; built the Grand Canal to link northern and southern regions; improved communication and movement of troops.

Grand Canal

Waterway linking northern population centers with southern rice areas; boosted transport and imperial administration.

Tang Dynasty (618-907)

Golden Age with large advances in inventions, art, and science; woodblock printing, gunpowder, paper money; civil service exam reinstated.

Woodblock Printing

Printing method using carved wooden blocks to reproduce text and images.

Gunpowder

Explosive material used in weapons, contributing to military technology.

Paper Money

Currency printed on paper; used on a wider scale, especially along trade routes.

Civil Service Exam

Merit-based examination system to select government officials.

Song Dynasty

Three main features: reintegration of the civil service exam, new state structure (censorate), and Neo-Confucianism.

Neo-Confucianism

Philosophical synthesis of Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism; associated with increased patriarchy.

Censorate

Song-era government body for oversight and investigation of citizens.

Silk Road

Trade network that facilitated exchange of goods and ideas across Eurasia.

Flying Cash

Early bank-transfer/credit system allowing funds to move between banks.

Champa Rice

Fast-maturing rice from Champa that boosted agricultural yields and population growth (roughly doubled in 50 years).

Steel Plow

Advanced plowsteel tool that improved agricultural productivity.

Merchants

Rise of merchants; they gained social status and economic influence.

Joint Stock Companies

Investors pooled capital to fund ventures, sharing profits and risks.

Cultural Diffusion

Spread of culture across nations or regions over time.

Tributary System

Dominant power (China) receives tribute in exchange for goods; trade rights and protection are exchanged, goods flow both ways.

Korea Civil Service Exam

Korea inherits Chinese civil service exam (peasantry largely excluded).

Korean Porcelain (Korea Ware)

Korean copies/production of Chinese porcelain.

Movable Type Printing (Korea)

Korean adoption/ adaptation of movable-type printing technology.

Buddhism in Korea

Buddhism arrived from China and thrived in Korean culture.