Unit 1 Lecture Notes - Song Dynasty & Imperial Bureaucracy

Flashcards covering key aspects of the Song Dynasty, including governance, philosophy, and social changes.

What is a State?

A territory politically organized under a government.

Which dynasty was in charge during this period?

The Song Dynasty.

What philosophy did Song leaders use to justify their rule and maintain social order?

Neo-Confucianism, which incorporated Buddhist ideas.

What is the practice of honoring one's ancestors and parents called?

Filial Piety.

The Imperial Bureaucracy was maintained in Song China. What is it?

A government entity meant to carry out the will of the emperor.

Name two ways women were impacted in Song China.

Stripped of legal rights and endured social restrictions.

Describe foot binding and its purpose.

A painful practice where girls' feet were tightly bound to prevent growth, seen as a status symbol indicating a wife who didn't need to work.

How did one become elligible for a job in the Imperial Bureaucracy?

Eligible men took the civil service exam.

Were bureaucratic jobs earned on merit or family?

Merit, rather than family connections.

How did the rich benefit from the civil service exam?

They had the resources to dedicate time to study, limiting opportunities for others.

Which countries were influenced by Chinese traditions during the Song Dynasty?

Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.