Social Studies Test Topic 5

Tang and Song China

• Bureaucracy: A system where officials are organized into departments to carry out government policies.
  

• Scholar-Officials: Educated individuals who passed civil service exams to work in government; they upheld Confucian ideals.
  
  

• Merit System: Hiring based on ability and performance, not family ties.
  
  

• Urbanization: Growth of cities as people moved in for jobs and trade.
  
  

• Money Economy: Use of currency (coins and paper) instead of bartering goods.
  
  

• Farming Advances: Introduction of fast-ripening rice and improved irrigation increased food production.
  
  

• Trade and Industry Expansion: Better transportation (like canals), increased agricultural surplus, and use of paper money boosted commerce.
  
  

• Tang Dynasty Art: Renowned for poetry, especially by poets like Li Bai and Du Fu.
  
  

• Song Dynasty Peace Efforts: Sometimes gave expensive gifts to neighboring enemies to maintain peace.
  
  

• Fall of the Tang Dynasty: Caused by internal rebellions, corruption, and military defeats.
  
  

The Mongol Empire

• Genghis Khan: Founder of the Mongol Empire; united Mongol tribes and began vast conquests.
  
  

• Empire Expansion: Achieved through superior military tactics, skilled horsemen, and disciplined armies.
  
  

• Yuan Dynasty: Mongol dynasty in China established by Kublai Khan.
  
  

• Social Hierarchy in Yuan China: Mongols at the top, followed by Central Asians, Northern Chinese, and Southern Chinese.
  
  

• Trade Contributions: Reopened and protected the Silk Road, facilitating trade between East and West.
  
  

The Ming Dynasty

• Hongwu's Reign: Restored Chinese rule, reestablished the civil service exam, and strengthened the agricultural economy.
  
  

• Tributary System: Foreign states sent missions to China, offering tribute in exchange for trade rights and political favor.
  
  

• After Yongle's Death: China became more isolationist, reducing overseas exploration.
  
  

• Zheng He: Chinese admiral who led seven major voyages to expand trade and collect tribute.
  
  

Chinese Society and Beliefs

• Daoism: Philosophy emphasizing harmony with nature and the Dao (the Way).
  
  

• Buddhism: Religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha); focuses on overcoming suffering.
  
  

• Decline of Buddhism: Faced suppression during certain dynasties due to foreign origins and conflicts with Confucian ideals.
  
  

• Confucianism: Philosophy stressing moral virtue, social order, and respect for hierarchy.
  
  

• Spread of Chinese Inventions: Technologies like papermaking and the compass reached Europe via trade routes like the Silk Road.
  
  

Emergence of Japan

• Climate and Geography: Mountainous islands with limited arable land; prone to earthquakes and typhoons.
  
  

• Prince Shotoku's Unification Efforts: Promoted Buddhism and adopted Chinese governmental models to centralize power.
  
  

• Kami: Spirits or deities in the Shinto religion, believed to inhabit natural elements.
  
  

• Cultural Borrowing: Adopted Chinese writing, architecture, and Buddhism, blending them with native traditions.
  
  

• Shogun: Military leader who held actual power, while the emperor was a ceremonial figure.
  
  

• Feudalism in Japan: System where land was exchanged for military service; samurai served daimyo lords.
  
  

• Daimyo: Powerful landholding lords who commanded private armies.
  
  

• Samurai: Warrior class known for their martial skills and adherence to the Bushido code.
  
  

• Bushido: "Way of the warrior"; code emphasizing loyalty, honor, and discipline.
  
  

• Mongol Threats: Mongols attempted invasions in 1274 and 1281; both failed, partly due to typhoons ("kamikaze" or divine winds).
  
  

• Samurai vs. Mongols: Samurai defended Japan during Mongol invasions, showcasing their valor and combat skills.
  
  

Japanese Culture and Society

• Impact of Confucianism on Women: Reduced women's status and limited their roles in society.
  
  

• Shinto Religion: Indigenous faith focusing on ritual practices and worship of kami.
  
  

• Kami: Spirits revered in Shinto, associated with natural phenomena and ancestors.
  
  

• The Tale of Genji: Written by Murasaki Shikibu; considered the world's first novel, depicting court life.
  
  

• Kabuki Theater: Traditional Japanese drama with music and dance; popular among commoners.
  
  

Korea

• Silla Empire's Advancements: Unified Korea, promoted Buddhism, and developed advanced metallurgy and astronomy.
  
  

Celadon: High-quality, green-glazed pottery developed during the Goryeo Dynasty; prized for its beauty.