1.1 - Developments in East Asia

Tang Dynasty

Dynasty before the Song, overthrown by the Kirghiz people

Song Dynasty

Dynasty following the Tang, known for strong bureaucracy, economic growth, and Neo-Confucian revival

Yuan Dynasty

The dynasty established by the Mongols after they conquered China

Ming Dynasty

A Chinese dynasty that restored Han rule and strengthened imperial power after the Yuan

Imperial bureaucracy

A vast organization in which appointed officials carried out the empire’s policies

Civil Service Exams

Tests based on Confucian learning used to choose government officials

Meritocracy

Bureaucratic system when officials obtained their positions by demonstrating their merit on government-given exams

Scholar-Gentry

The educated elite who won office through study and exam success

Confucianism

A belief system that stressed hierarchy, moral leadership, education, and proper social relationships.

Filial Piety

The duty of family members to subordinate their desires to those of the male head of the family and to the ruler, and to respect, obey, and care for parents and ancestors.

Neo-Confucianism

A revival of Confucian thought that blended in Buddhist and Daoist influences

Theravada Buddhism

A branch of Buddhism that emphasizes individual enlightenment and strict monastic practice

Mahayana Buddhism

A branch of Buddhism that stresses compassion and helping others reach enlightenment

Tibetan Buddhism

A form of Buddhism that combines Mahayana beliefs with local Tibetan traditions, emphasizing mystical practices

Chan/Zen Buddhism

A Chinese school of Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and direct insight, syncretizing with Daoist beliefs

Grand Canal

An inexpensive and efficient internal waterway transportation system that extended over 30,000

miles, connecting the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers

Champa Rice

A fast-ripening and drought-resistent strain of rice from the Champa Kingdom in present-day Vietnam

Proto-Industrialization

A set of economic changes in which people in rural areas made more goods than they could sell

Heian Period

A period of Japanese history known for court culture and strong Chinese influence

Jin

A northern state that invaded the Song and forced it to move south