ch 7/8 APWH test

Who was Shi Huangdi?

The new emperor of China in the Qin dynasty.

What political philosophy did Shi Huangdi use to rise to power?

Legalism.

What significant project did Shi Huangdi begin during his reign?

The construction of the Great Wall of China.

What was the purpose of the Great Wall of China?

To keep away steppe nomads and act as a cultural barrier.

What were the working conditions for laborers on the Great Wall?

Horrible conditions, with forced labor under Legalist policies.

What does 'Junzi' represent in Chinese governance?

Superior individuals defined by virtue, self-control, and ethical behavior.

How do Junzi ideals contrast with Legalist officials?

Junzi rely on moral leadership, while Legalist officials rely on punishment.

What long-term impact did Junzi ideals have on Chinese civil service?

They influenced the model for ethical governance in China.

What is Sima Qian's perspective on Qin Shihuang?

He is critical of Qin's harsh Legalist policies but acknowledges his achievements.

What does Sima Qian emphasize in his writings about Qin Shihuang?

Cruelty, forced labor, suppression of education, and lack of moral leadership.

What is the purpose of Sima Qian's text about Qin Shihuang?

To record accomplishments and explain why the Qin Dynasty collapsed.

What historical context influenced Sima Qian's writing?

He wrote during the Han Dynasty, which distanced itself from Legalism.

Who was the intended audience for Sima Qian's work?

Educated elites, Confucian scholars, and future rulers of the Han Dynasty.

What does Confucius emphasize in his teachings?

Morality, education, and social harmony.

What is the main purpose of The Analects?

To teach moral principles and define good leadership.

What historical situation led to the emergence of Confucius's ideas?

Political disorder during the late Zhou dynasty.

How did Confucius's teachings influence Chinese governance after his death?

They became central to the Chinese government under the Han dynasty.

What limitations affect the reliability of Sima Qian's account?

Bias against Legalism due to Han Dynasty preferences for Confucianism.

What main idea does Sima Qian convey about Qin Shihuang's rule?

Legalism created fear rather than loyalty, leading to the dynasty's collapse.

What philosophy emphasizes control through strict laws and punishments?

Legalism

What does Confucius argue is necessary for long-term stability in governance?

Moral leadership, virtue, and education

What was the main focus of Qin policies according to Document A?

Absolute obedience and control over the population

What major project exemplified the forced labor policies of the Qin Dynasty?

The Great Wall of China

What was the consequence of the Burning of the Books under Qin Shihuang?

Destruction of non-Legalist texts, especially Confucian works

How does Confucius view the concept of filial piety?

It requires respect, not just obedience

What does the term 'junzi' represent in Confucianism?

A morally upright individual with self-discipline

What led to the collapse of the Qin Dynasty?

Rebellion due to forced labor, heavy taxation, and repression of education

What philosophy did the Han Dynasty adopt after the fall of the Qin?

Confucianism

What educational approach did Daoism advocate?

Discouragement of formal education in favor of intuitive living

How did Legalism view traditional education?

It rejected it, believing it encouraged questioning authority

What was the role of education in Confucianism?

It was essential for moral improvement and good governance

What system did the Han Dynasty implement to train officials?

Confucian schools leading to the civil service examination system

How did the Han Dynasty maintain control over its vast empire?

By granting large landholdings to nobles and loyal elites

What was the Persian administrative system that parallels the Han land policies?

The satrap system

What was a key difference between Legalism and Confucianism regarding governance?

Legalism relied on fear and punishment, while Confucianism emphasized moral leadership

What did Confucius believe about the need for harsh punishments?

They could be reduced through ethical leadership and education

What does the term 'moral leadership' imply in the context of Confucianism?

Leadership based on virtue that inspires moral behavior in the populace

What was the impact of Qin Shihuang's harsh policies on the population?

They created order but also widespread resentment

What did Confucius criticize about the rule of punishment?

It led to obedience without a sense of moral shame

What was the primary goal of the Qin Dynasty's Legalist policies?

To establish control and stability through fear

How did the Han Dynasty's approach to governance differ from that of the Qin?

It incorporated Confucian values to soften Legalist structures

What was the significance of education in the Han Dynasty?

It became a pathway to government service and stability

What does the term 'filial piety' refer to in Confucian thought?

Respect and duty towards one's parents and ancestors

What was the outcome of the Qin's suppression of scholars?

It limited intellectual discourse and promoted only practical knowledge

What three philosophies influenced Chinese rulers?

Daoism, Confucianism, and Legalism

How did Confucianism contribute to social stability?

By emphasizing clearly defined social relationships and filial piety.

What was the main assumption of Legalism regarding human nature?

That humans are naturally selfish and require strict laws to maintain order.

What is the concept of Wuwei in Daoism?

The idea that rulers should interfere as little as possible in people's lives.

How did Daoism influence Chinese political thought?

By promoting the idea that excessive laws and ambition could disrupt balance.

What was the role of local elites in the management of empires?

They helped balance central authority with regional control to maintain stability.

What was the significance of Cyrus the Great's decree for the Jews?

It justified Persian rule and aimed to stabilize control by rebuilding the Jewish temple.

What was the historical context of Cyrus's decree?

Issued after the Persians took control of Babylon in 539 BCE.

Who was the intended audience of Cyrus's decree?

Religious leaders, local elites, and displaced groups like the Jewish population.

What perspective does Herodotus provide in his account of Persian society?

A Greek observer's analysis of Persian governance and culture.

What was the purpose of Herodotus's writings about the Persians?

To describe Persian social and political practices to Greek readers.

What limitation exists in Herodotus's account of Persian customs?

It may exaggerate or misinterpret Persian practices due to a Greek cultural viewpoint.

What was the Achaemenid dynasty known for?

Rapid expansion during the 6th century BCE and control over diverse populations.

What regions did the Persian Empire control at its height?

The Indus River Valley, the Nile in Egypt, and Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates.

What was a key strategy for Persian expansion?

Military success combined with effective governance and strategy.

What did Confucianism emphasize for long-term dynastic rule?

The acceptance of social roles and harmony within defined relationships.

How did Legalism appeal to rulers during times of warfare?

It provided a method for immediate control through fear and strict punishment.

What does the tension between Daoism, Confucianism, and Legalism illustrate?

The complexity of Chinese political thought and the need for a balanced approach.

What was the significance of Cyrus allowing conquered peoples to practice their religion?

It helped legitimize his rule and fostered trust among diverse populations.

What did the Persian Empire's size create for governance?

New challenges in managing a vast and diverse territory.

What was the main idea of Doc A regarding Cyrus's rule?

Cyrus aimed to present himself as a stable and constructive ruler after conquest.

What was the impact of Persian expansion on regional governance?

It connected regions with different political traditions and cultures.

How did the decline of Assyrian and Babylonian empires affect the Persians?

It created opportunities for the Persians to expand their territory.

What was the role of military success in Persian expansion?

It was crucial for maintaining control over key regions during early victories.

What was Cyrus's intention for the inhabitants of Babylon?

To allow them to live in peace and stabilize the newly conquered city.

How did Cyrus link his legitimacy to the cosmic order?

By stating that all kingdoms were delivered into his hands by divine favor.

What does Cyrus's decree reveal about his rule?

It shows respect for local traditions through the rebuilding of temples and sacred sites.

According to Herodotus, how were Persians trained to maintain order?

Every Persian is trained to obey the king and maintain order.

What cultural values did Persians hold regarding authority?

They considered it shameful to disobey or fail to honor their superiors.

What public practices did Herodotus describe that instilled obedience?

Rituals that emphasize respect for the law and ruler.

How did the Persian government ensure accountability?

Satraps were watched carefully to prevent rebellion.

What role did cultural expectations play in Persian stability?

They shaped long-term stability by teaching loyalty to the king from youth.

What is the main idea of Document A regarding Cyrus's authority?

Cyrus consolidates his authority through policy and public works after conquering Babylon.

What is the main idea of Document B regarding Persian customs?

Persian customs reinforced obedience and stability across the empire.

How did Zoroastrianism influence Persian governance?

It linked morality with authority, reinforcing obedience and social order.

What was a significant problem faced by the Persian Empire?

Multiple succession problems leading to instability after strong rulers' deaths.

How did the Persian political culture emphasize stability?

By promoting hierarchy, obedience, and loyalty to authority figures.

What economic system did the Achaemenid Persian Empire use?

Standardized currency to facilitate trade across the territory.

How did the Persian currency system compare to Mesopotamia's trade system?

Persia's currency system was more efficient for long-distance transactions than Mesopotamia's barter system.

What was the significance of the Royal Road in Persia?

It allowed efficient movement for traders and officials, promoting commerce and administrative control.

How did the Indus Valley Civilization's infrastructure compare to Persia's?

Both emphasized transportation networks, but Persia's roads integrated distant regions more effectively.

What was the role of satraps in the Persian Empire?

They governed provinces and reported to the king, allowing efficient control of the empire.

How did Persian rulers practice religious tolerance?

By allowing conquered people to continue their traditions and rebuild temples.

What moral framework influenced Persian rulers and subjects?

Zoroastrianism emphasized truth, moral responsibility, and cosmic order.

How did Zoroastrianism influence later religions?

It contributed concepts like a single god and good moral judgment to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

What combination of strategies helped maintain order in the Persian Empire?

Local control through satraps and religious tolerance to foster loyalty.

What does the Persian Empire's governance demonstrate about effective rule?

It required strong organization and respect for local culture to survive for centuries.