APWH Chapter 14: Tradition and Change in East Asia

Qing Dynasty

The dynasty built after the Ming dynasty, based on a powerful imperial state, reviving civil service and promoting Confucian thought.

Ming Dynasty

A conservative dynasty from 1368-1644 that aimed to rebuild the Han Chinese rule and the Chinese empire after Mongol rule.

Hongwu

The founder and ruler of the Ming dynasty who drove out the Mongols and rebuilt a centralized state.

Eunuchs

Individuals trusted by Hongwu for their inability to start families and thus not posing a rebellion threat.

Yongle

An emperor of the Ming dynasty known for leading expeditions that expanded Chinese trade.

Great Wall

A significant architectural feat by the Ming dynasty, known for years of construction and many workers.

Manchu

A force that invaded from the north intending to expand into China.

Nurachi

A chieftain who unified the Manchu states into a centralized state and established laws and military forces.

Kangxi

An emperor who helped consolidate Manchu control over China, known for being a Confucian scholar and enlightened ruler.

Qianlong

An emperor noted for his conquests in East Asia and contributions to the prosperity of the Qing dynasty.

Son of Heaven

A mandate designating a human chosen by heavenly powers to maintain order on earth.

Analects of Confucius

A collection of Confucius's teachings used in schools to educate children impacted by Mongol influence.

Civil service examinations

A rigorous test for students to further their education, including prolonged written portions.

Filial Piety

The principle of loyalty of children to their parents and subjects to their emperor.

Foot binding

A practice involving wrapping a girl's foot to create a smaller shape, aimed at promoting a petite appearance.

Zheng He

An admiral who conducted extensive maritime voyages for the Ming dynasty during the early fifteenth century.

Zhu Xi

A Confucian scholar who reformed Confucian beliefs during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Yongle Encyclopedia

A vast collection of Chinese philosophical and literary texts, compiled under Emperor Yongle.

Collection of Books

A compilation of texts by the Qing emperors Kangxi and Qianlong, more accessible than the Yongle Encyclopedia.

Complete Library of the Four Treasuries

Qianlong's extensive collection of manuscripts that was too large to publish, containing 93,556 items.

The Romance of the Three Dreams

A popular novel exploring the political decline of the Han dynasty.

The Dream of the Red Chamber

A novel addressing the conflict of marriage within familial constraints.

Journey to the West

A narrative detailing a Buddhist monk's travels to India, notable for its magical monkey character.

Jesuits

Roman Catholic missionaries aiming to enhance the church's influence in Europe and abroad.

The True Meaning of the Lord of Heaven

A book by Ricci attempting to convert Chinese to Christianity through European knowledge.

Sengoku

A period of constant warfare in Japan fueled by the ambitions of shoguns and retainers.

Tokugawa Ieyasu

A chieftain who ruled Japan from 1600-1616, establishing military structures to stabilize the shogunate.

Shogun

A military leader in Japan who governed through retainers granted political rights and land.

Tokugawa

The faction aiming to stabilize Japan and restore Neo-Confucian culture.

Bakufu

A temporary governance structure employed by the Tokugawa to maintain peace.

Daimyo

Powerful lords in Japan who ruled over territories through hereditary landownership.

Neo-Confucianism

A philosophical system combining Confucianism and Buddhism that justified Japan's governance.

Ukiyo

An entertainment district providing individuals with enjoyment and escapism from daily life.

The Life of a Man who Lived for Love

A book by Ihara Saikaku chronicling a young man's pursuit of love in ukiyo.

Kabuki

A traditional Japanese theatrical art form characterized by drama, dance, and music.

Bunraku

A form of Japanese puppetry that dramatizes events through synchronized puppet performances.

Francis Xavier

A Jesuit missionary who arrived in Japan in 1549 with the goal of converting the population to Christianity.

Christovao Ferreira

A Portuguese Jesuit who faced torture in Japan for his faith during the 17th century.

Dutch learning

The acquisition of knowledge by the Japanese about Dutch culture and, by extension, European culture.