Name: Arnav Jha 
Period: 7 

Chapter 17: Nomadic Empires and Eurasian Integration 
(or in other words . . . .wait for it . . . THE MONGOLS!!!!!) 

Turkish Migrations and Imperial Expansion 

1. What is it about the environment of Central Asia that lends itself to nomadic herding rather than agriculture?  Also, what’s an example of how much they lived off of their animals? 

1. Environment has many vast steppes, desert-like land and rugged terrain 

2. The nomadic lifestyle allows herders to move their livestock to search for fresh pastures and water sources 

3. Nomadic herding is generally more resilient to environmental fluctuations such as droughts 

2. What were the two social classes that made-up nomadic society?  What situation gave a noble absolute power?  What could cause a noble to lose status and a commoner to raise status? 

1. The Noble class and the commoners 

2. Absolute power among the nobility was usually during some conflict for example warfare or upon the death of a tribal leader 

3. Nobles could lose status from failure in leadership especially during times of crisis, as well as defeat in battle which can diminish a noble’s prestige, also engaging in actions perceived as betraying the interests of the tribe 

4. Commoners could rise in status through exceptional skill in warfare, hunting, or other valuable skills, large accumulation of wealth through successfully trade or herding activities, also marrying into a noble family could elevate a commoner’s status 

3. What’s an example of how nomadic women enjoyed much higher status than women living in agricultural based societies (take a peek at the “Sources from the Past” on page 356 to get even more detail)?  

1. One example of how nomadic women had a much higher status then their counterparts in agricultural societies was the way they undertook various tasks such as riding horses, housework, training and raising children, as well as crafting 

2. They also held status in managing domestic issues which included selling or buying the family’s livestock 

4. Why did the people in Turkey adopt Islam as their religion? 

1. This was mainly caused by cultural interactions trade, and political alliances. 

2. As the Seljuk Turks migrated into Anatolia, they encountered existing Muslim communities and gradually converted to Islam 

3. The adoption of Islam provided a unifying religious identity and facilitated integration with other Muslim societies in the region 

5. What was a “khan” and how were these nomads able to wield such enormous military power? 

1. A khan was used by Central Asian and Mongol leaders. Khans were tribal chiefs or rulers who wielded significant military power 

2. Usually led nomadic people into organized military campaigns and controlled vvast territories 

3. Success attributed to their ability to mobilize and lead their warriors effectively, usually possessed skills such as effective leadership, horsemanship, archery skills, and the ability to make good strategies 

6. Briefly describe how the Saljuq Turks managed to impose their will on both Persia and Byzantium. 

1. The Saljuq Turks, a Central Asian nomadic group, managed to impose their will on both Persia and the Byzantine Empire through military conquest 

2. The established the Great Seljuk Empire and used their skilled cavalry forces to defeat existing powers and gain control over key trade routes and establish a stable administration 

The Mongol Empires 

7. Considering how humble his beginnings were, how did Temujin manage to put himself into the position where could become the “Genghis/Chinggis Khan,” the Universal Ruler? 

1. Genghis Khan rose from humble beginnings to become the Universal Ruler 

2. His leadership qualities, military success, and his ability to unite Mongolian tribes were the main reason he rose to power 

3. Through alliances, military campaigns, and strategic marriages, Genghis Khan consolidated power and established the Mongol Empire 

8. Since Genghis Khan didn’t trust the tribal organization, how did he reorder it to his liking? 

1. Genghis Khan promoted a merit-based system where individuals were rewarded based on their abilities, loyalty, and contributions rather than their tribal lineage 

2. He established a unified military command under his direct control 

3. Genghis Khan allowed local leaders to govern their territories autonomously 

4. He established an efficient communication network using relay stations and messengers 

5. Genghis Khan was religiously tolerant, and allowed freedom of worship and respected various faiths and it helped maintain stability and fostered cooperation among diverse communities 

9. From a military standpoint, what did the Mongols do so successfully?  Also, how did they treat you after the fight was over? 

1. They were highly successful militarily due to their skilled cavalry and innovative tactics as well as adaptability 

2. After battles, they treated defeated enemies well if they surrendered, however, resistance could result in severe consequences including destruction of cities and slaughter 

10. While he was conquering China, Genghis Khan set his sights on Persia.  What did the Persians do that made him so mad and what did he do to Persia once he got there? 

1. Genghis Khan invaded Persia after a diplomatic dispute 

2. The Persians’ actions, including killing Mongol envoys angered him. As a result, the Mongols devastated Persia, leading to its decline 

11. What kind of leader was Kublai Khan?  How did he expand his grandfather’s empire? 

1. Kublai Khan was a pragmatic leader and expanded the Mongol Empire by conquering China, establishing the Yuan Dynasty and promoting cultural exchange 

2. His reign caused advancements in art, trade, and governance 

12. Briefly the describe what happened in each of these encounters: 
    “Golden Horde” and Russia- Ruled over parts of Russia, they imposed tribute and controlled trade routes 
    Mongols in Persia- The Mongols conquered Persia. Persian culture influenced the Mongols and they adopted administrative practices. 
    Mongols in China- Kublai Khan completed the conquest of China founding the Yuan Dynasty. Chinese culture flourished under Mongol rule 
    Mongols and Buddhism-The Mongols facilitated trade, diplomacy, missionary efforts, and resettlement, promoting Eurasian integration 

Mongols and Eurasian Integration 

13. How did Mongol rule benefit/expand Eurasian integration through each of the following: 

Trade-Mongol rule significantly benefited trade in Afro-Eurasia. The Mongols secured trade routes across their vast empire, facilitating the movement of goods, ideas, and people 
Diplomatic Missions-The Mongols actively engaged in diplomatic missions. They sent envoys to neighboring states, fostering communication, alliances, and cultural exchanges. 

Missionary Efforts-The Mongols practiced religious tolerance and supported various faiths. Their empire became a hub for missionary efforts, allowing religious ideas to spread across regions 
Resettlement-The Mongols implemented a policy of resettlement, moving people from one region to another. This practice encouraged Eurasian integration by mixing diverse populations, sharing knowledge, and promoting economic activities 

14. How would describe the relationship between economics and the fall of the Mongols in both Persia and China? 

1. The vastness of the Mongol Empire strained resources and administration. Maintaining control over distant territiories became challenging 

2. Corruption among officials weakened governance and hindered efficient tax collections 

3. As the Mongol Empire fragmented, trade routes faced distruptions. The decline in trade affected economic prosperity 

4. Economic disparities and discontent among the population led to social unrest. 

15. Why did the Mongols have a hand in helping to spread the Bubonic Plague in the early 1300’s? 

1. The Mongols inadvertently contributed to the spread of the Bubonic Plague mainly due to their extensive trade networks facilitated the movement of infected fleas on rats, which carried the plague 

2. As the Mongols conquered new territiories, they unintentionally accelerated the transmission of the disease across Eurasia 

3. This had devastating consequences, leading to widespread mortality and societal upheaval 

After the Mongols 

16. How did Tamerlane attempt to copy the actions of his hero, Genghis Khan?  Was he successful? 

1. Tamerlane admired Genghis Khan and sought to emulate his actions 

2. Like Genghis Khan, Tamerlane aimed to create a vast empire through military conquests 

3. However, Tamelane’s success was limited compared to Genghis Khan’s enduring legacy. While he conquered significant territories, his empire did not have the same lasting impact 

17. What did the Ottomans do to Constantinople in 1453?  What was the fate of Byzantium at the hands of these nomadic people? 

1. In 1453, the Ottoman Empire under Sultan Mehmed II captured Constantinople ebing the capital of the Byzantine Empire. The fall of Constantinople marked the end of Byzantium which had survived for over a thousand years. The Ottomans transformed the city into Istanbul, making it their new capital and a center of Islamic culture and trade. 

Name: Arnav Jha 
Period: 

Chapter 14: The Resurgence of Empire in East Asia 

The Restoration of Centralized Imperial Rule in China 

1. How were the emperors of the Sui Dynasty similar to the rulers of the Qin? 

1. Both the Sui emperors and the Qin rulers were known for their centralized imperial rule. They wielded significant authority over their vast territories emphasizing strong central control. 

2. The Qin Dynasty established a unified China through legalist policies, standardized writing, and the construction of the Great Wall 

2. What was the purpose of the Grand Canal and how did it “pay dividends for more than a thousand years”? 

1. The Grand Canal was a massive waterway connecting the Yellow and Yangtze River going North-South in order to provide north-south travel since most of the rivers in china were east-west. It was like the I-35 connecting I-90, I-80, I-70, I-40, I-30, I-20, and I-10 

2. Its purpose was to facilitate transportation, trade, and communication between north and south china 

3. Allowed for effective movement of goods and had great impacts lasted for over 1000 years 

3. How did the reign of Tang Taizong provide China with a period of unusual prosperity and stability? 

1. His policies emphasized merit-based bureaucracy, efficient governance, and cultural flourishing 

2. His patronage of scholars, artists, and poets contributed to the Golden Age of Chinese civilization 

4. Provide an example of how the Tang Dynasty impacted each of these: 
   Transportation & communication: The Tang expanded the Grand Canal, improving connectivity across regions.  
   Equal Field System: Introduced by Emperor Taizong, it redistributed land to ensure equitable distribution among peasants. 
   Bureaucracy of Merit: Officials were selected based on competence rather than birth. 
   Military Expansion: Tang armies expanded into Central Asia and Korea 
   Foreign Relations: Tang China engaged in diplomatic exchanges with neighboring states along the Silk Road. 

5. What brought about the decline of the Tang Dynasty? 

1. Some factors included rebellions, financial strain, and military defeats 

2. The An Lushan Rebellion weakened the dynasty significantly 

6. What are two examples of how Song Taizu organized China so it would work more effectively? 

1. Song Taizu established the successful Song Dynasty which helped overall benefit China 

2. His reforms focused on civil service exams, education, and bureaucratic efficiency 

7. What were two problems that weakened the Song Dynasty and helped to bring about its fall? 

1. The Jurchens captured northern China, leading to the establishment of the Southern Song Dynasty 

2. The Song faced difficulties funding military campaigns 

The Economic Development of Tang & Song China 

8. What’s an example of an agricultural development during this time period and what was the impact on the population? 

1. The Champa rice variety allowed for multiple harvests per year, improving food security and population growth 

9. In a sentence or two, what was life like cities – like Hangzhou – during this time period? 

1. Hangzhou, the Southern Song capital was a bustling center of commerce, culture, and innovation.  

2. It boasted markets, canals, and scholarly academies 

10. How were women being treated in China during this time period?  How did the reign of Empress Wu (Wu Zhao) contradict these views? 

1. Women’s status varied, but some enjoyed greater freedom in urban areas 

2. Empress Wu defied traditional gender roles ruling as an assertive and influential leader. 

11. Provide a brief description of the following technologies developing in China during the Tang & Song periods: 

Porcelain: The Song perfected porcelain production, creating exquisite ceramics 

Metallurgy: Advances in iron and steel production fueled economic growth 

Gunpowder: Developed for military and fireworks purposes 
Printing: Movable type printing revolutionized book production 

Naval Technology: Innovations in shipbuilding and navigation 

12. Why did China have to develop paper money and why did it become problematic? 

1. The main reason China introduced paper currency as due to the need for a more efficient medium of exchange (quoted from textbook) 

2. Excessive printing sometimes led to inflation and economic challenges. 

13. As China was becoming more cosmopolitan during this time period, what were some of the items that Chinese wanted from foreign lands?  What did the Chinese trade to get them? 

1. Chinese sought luxury goods from foreign lands, including spices, gems, and textiles. 

2. In exchange, China exported silk, porcelain, and tea 

Cultural Change in Tang and Song China 

14.  From pages 294-297, the textbook describes how Buddhism came into China (Silk Road, duh!), impacted it, and then faced persecution.  In about 3-4 sentences, describe the appeal of Buddhism to the Chinese, how it came to conflict with the traditional religions like Confucianism/Daoism, and how the Tang dynasty turned against it. 

1. Buddhism appealed to the Chinese due to its promise of salvation, compassion, and escape from suffering. 

2. It conflicted with Confucianism and Daoism due to differing views on rituals, family, and authority. 

3. While the religion was often persecuted, Buddhism left an indelible (word used from textbook, like what is the synonym for this?) mark on Chinese culture. 

15. What was “neo-Confucianism” and what are two reasons as to why it “ranks as an important cultural development”? 

1. Neo-Confucianism emerged during the Northern Song Dynasty. It was a revision of Confucian though combined with elements of Daoism and Buddhism 

2. Importance: 

1. Emphasized moral cultivation, ethics, and self-improvement 

2. Provided a framework for maintaining social harmony and order 

3. Neo-Confucian scholars became influential moral teachers and advisors within communites 

16. Regarding Korea & Vietnam, how was China influencing them? 

1. Korea: 

1. Influenced through trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. Korean scholars studied Chinese classics, adopted Confucianism, and emulated Chinese court rituals. 

2. Vietnam: 

1. Absorbed Chinese elements such as Confucian bureaucracy, legal codes, and administrative systems. Chinese culture shaped Vietnamese art, architecture, and governance. 

17. What’s an example of how China was influencing Japan?  What’s an example of how Japan was maintaining a distinctive culture? 

1. The traditional Japanese traces back to the 7^th century when the Imperial Court adopted garments adapted from Chinese clothing styles. 

2. Despite Chinese influence, Japan maintained its unique cultural identity. For instance, the Japanese developed their own forms 

18. What was Japan like during the medieval period and what role did the samurai play in it? 

1. The samurai class emerged as powerful warriors, replacing aristocracies. They served lords and played a crucial role 

2. The Kamajura Shogunate marked the dominance of military rulers. Samurai-led governments persisted until the 19^th century 

3. Adhered to the Bushido code, emphasizing loyalty, courage and honor. They defended their lords’ territories and contributed to Japan’s stability.