1.1 - Developments in East Asia from c. 1200 to c. 1450

Bellringer

• Describe the three main religions of the world.

• Identify which religion has had the most major impact on the world.

Developments in East Asia from c. 1200 to c. 1450

Leading up to 1200 - Culture

• Geographic Isolation of China:

  • Limited interactions with other cultures, leading to unique cultural developments.

• Harmony of Nature:

  • Chinese philosophy advocates for balance in life.

  • Concepts of dualities: Hot/Cold, Dark/Light, Male/Female.

• Religious Beliefs:

  • Focus on harmonious earthly life rather than deities.

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

  • Confucianism:

    • Most influential philosophy.

    • Emphasizes relationships and obedience to superiors, consisting of five key relationships.

Confucius Quote

• "The man who says he can, and the man who says he can't are both correct."

Leading up to 1200 - Social Structure

• Patriarchal Society:

  • Reflects Confucian principles, especially filial piety.

  • Texts: Classics of Filial Piety and Lessons for Women.

  • Status of Women: Viewed as second-class citizens.

  • Social Category:

    • Mean People: Artists, performers, merchants viewed as lacking societal value.

Leading up to 1200 - Political Structure

• Centralized Bureaucracy:

  • Established during the Qin and Han Dynasties.

  • Mandate of Heaven: Used by rulers to claim legitimacy.

  • Civil Service Exams:

    • Required for aspiring officials since the Han dynasty.

    • Based on Confucian teachings, making it favorable for governance.

    • Raises questions about the societal class of government officials.

Leading up to 1200 - Buddhism

• Origin of Buddhism:

  • Developed in India.

  • 4 Noble Truths:

    1. All life is suffering.

    2. Suffering is caused by attachment and desires.

    3. Removing attachment and desires removes suffering.

    4. This can be achieved through the Eightfold Path.

  • Eightfold Path:

    • Right views, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, concentration.

  • Importance of Buddhism in dynasties leading up to 900 CE.

The Song Dynasty (960-1279)

• Meritocracy Expansion:

  • Increased number of government workers; loyalty rewarded through compensation.

  • Civil Service exam's importance heightened.

  • Rise of Confucian Scholar-bureaucrats:

    • Persuaded emperors that Buddhism posed a threat.

  • Cultural Shift:

    • Confucian scholars replaced Buddhists as primary artists and intellectuals.

• Economic Boom:

  • Improved agricultural production resulting in economic growth.

  • Innovations: Champa Rice, Iron Plows, draft animals, fertilizer.

  • Technological Advancements:

    • Enhanced porcelain and iron production, printing, gunpowder, flying money, and navigation (compass).

Population Increase in China

• Population Growth:

  • Significant surge due to improved agricultural output and the Grand Canal.

  • Consequences of Growth:

    • Urbanization and increased patriarchy.

Song Dynasty Weaknesses

• Main Weaknesses:

  1. Size of bureaucracy straining economy.

  2. Civil service leaders lacked military leadership.

• Jurchen Conquest:

  • Forced Song dynasty to retreat to Hangzhou (Southern Song region).

Study Tips for Mock Exam on East Asian Developments from c. 1200 to c. 1450

Possible LEQ (Long Essay Questions) Topics:

1. Cultural Developments in East Asia:

   • Discuss how the geographic isolation of China led to unique cultural developments.

   • Compare the philosophies of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism in shaping society.

2. Impact of Confucianism on Society:

   • Analyze the role of Confucianism in establishing the patriarchal social structure.

   • Evaluate the significance of the five key relationships in Confucian doctrine.

3. Political Structures in Dynasties:

   • Examine the role of the centralized bureaucracy in governance and its impact on society.

   • Discuss the implications of the civil service exams on social mobility and governance.

Possible DBQ (Document-Based Question) Themes:

• Use primary sources from different dynasties to illustrate the changes in social structure, such as the status of women and social categories (e.g., 'Mean People').

• Analyze documents that reflect the economic innovations of the Song Dynasty and their effects on society and population growth.

Connections to Other Regions:

• Compare the role of religion (Buddhism) in East Asia to its influence in South Asia.

• Look at the significance of trade within the context of the Silk Road and how it affected cultural exchanges in the East and West.

General Study Tips:

• Create flashcards for key terms, quotes (like Confucius’ quotes), and important figures.

• Practice writing outlines for both LEQ and DBQs using major themes from your notes.

• Form study groups to discuss and quiz each other on major concepts like the Eightfold Path.

• Review past exam questions and practice writing responses under timed conditions to manage your time effectively during the exam.