unit 1.1

Page 1: Bellringer

• Three Main Religions of the World:

  • Christianity: Largest religion, focused on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

  • Islam: Based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing submission to Allah.

  • Hinduism: One of the oldest religions, with diverse practices and beliefs centered around karma and dharma.

• Major Impact: Christianity has had the most significant global impact, influencing various aspects of culture, society, and governance.

Page 2: Developments in East Asia from c. 1200 to c. 1450

• Overview of significant cultural, economic, and political developments within East Asia during this period.

Page 3: Leading up to 1200 - Culture

• Geographic Isolation of China:

  • Cultural implications include a strong sense of identity and unique philosophical developments.

• Basic Harmony in Philosophy:

  • Emphasis on balance in nature (e.g., hot/cold, dark/light).

• Religious Beliefs:

  • Less focus on deities; emphasis on earthly harmony.

  • Major philosophies: Buddhism, Taoism, Legalism, and Confucianism.

  • Confucianism's Influence:

    • Centers around relationships and obedience.

    • Five key relationships guide societal interactions.

    • Video Explanation

Page 4: Quote from Confucius

• “The man who says he can, and the man who says he can't are both correct.” - Confucius

Page 5: Leading up to 1200 - Social Structure

• Patriarchal Society:

  • Reflected Confucian principles and values.

  • Classics of Filial Piety and Lessons for Women reinforce these values.

  • Women viewed as second-class citizens.

  • Mean People:

    • Artists, performers, and merchants considered to lack social value.

Page 6: Leading up to 1200 - Political Structure

• Centralized Bureaucracy:

  • Established during the Qin and Han Dynasties.

  • Mandate of Heaven: Grants legitimacy to rulers.

• Civil Service Exams:

  • Utilized by nearly every dynasty since the Han for selecting officials.

  • Confucian curriculum as the basis, making Confucianism advantageous for government roles.

Page 7: Leading up to 1200 - Buddhism

• Origin: Started in India.

• Core Teachings:

  • Four Noble Truths:

    • Life is suffering.

    • Suffering originates from attachment and desires.

    • Removing desires alleviates suffering.

    • Achieve this through the Eightfold Path: right views, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, concentration.

• Cultural Significance: Important in East Asian dynasties up to 900 CE.

Page 9: The Song Dynasty (960-1279)

• Meritocracy Expansion:

  • Increased number of government workers; civil servants rewarded for loyalty.

  • Importance of civil service exams elevated.

• Cultural Shift:

  • Confucian scholar-bureaucrats replaced Buddhist influences in art and literature.

• Economic Innovations:

  • Advancements in agriculture (e.g., Champa rice) leading to a booming economy.

  • Technological innovations include better porcelain, iron production, printing, gunpowder, flying money, and navigational advancements (compass).

Page 10: Chinese Population Surge

• Factors Contributing to Population Growth:

  • Increased agricultural output.

  • Development of the Grand Canal.

• Consequences:

  • Urbanization and heightened patriarchy.

Page 11: Foot Binding

• Cultural Practice: Historically significant practice tied to notions of beauty and social status.

• Foot Binding Video

Page 12: Collapse of the Song Dynasty

• Weaknesses:

  • Overly large bureaucracy strained the economy.

  • Military led by civil service, leading to vulnerabilities.

• Conquest by Jurchen: Forced relocation to Hangzhou, leading to the establishment of the Southern Song.