Geography of China
What two deserts helped keep Ancient China isolated from foreign invaders?
The Taklimakan Desert and the Gobi Desert.
What is the longest river in China?
The Yangtze River (Chang Jiang).
What major invention was created during the Han Dynasty?
Paper.
What is the time period of the Xia Dynasty?
The Xia Dynasty lasted from approximately 2070 – 1600 BC.
What doctrine emerged during the early Zhou Dynasty that justified the emperor's rule?
The Mandate of Heaven.
Name one major mountain range that forms a barrier for Ancient China's geography.
The Greater Khingan Range, the Tian Shan Range, or the Himalayas.
Why is the Huang He River also known as "China's Sorrow"?
The Huang He River is known as "China's Sorrow" due to its unpredictable and deadly flooding.
How did the Han Dynasty impact trade with the west?
The Han Dynasty boosted trade by opening and securing routes and encouraging commerce with the west.
What is the Xia Dynasty credited with establishing in Ancient China?
The Xia Dynasty is credited with establishing China's first government.
How long did the Zhou Dynasty last?
The Zhou Dynasty lasted approximately 800 years (from 1046 BC to 256 BC).
How did China's geography affect the size of its early dynasties?
China's rugged geography meant early dynasties were small and restricted in size due to mountains, rivers, and deserts.
What major river is known as "Mother River" in China?
Because it is crucial for agriculture and has historically supported early civilizations.
What is the Silk Road, and why was it important during the Han Dynasty?
The Silk Road was a trade network that connected China with the West, facilitating cultural and economic exchange.
What major metal did the Shang Dynasty help to advance the use of?
The Shang Dynasty advanced the use of bronze.
How did the Qin Dynasty unify China?
The Qin Dynasty unified China through military conquest and standardization of laws and systems.
What is the significance of the Yellow River in Ancient China?
The Huang He River is significant because it provided life-giving water but also caused deadly floods.
Describe the navigability of the Xi River and its importance.
The Xi River is navigable along its entire length, making it important for trade in southern China.
Describe the peak of the Han Dynasty under Emperor Wu Ti.
The Han Dynasty peaked under Emperor Wu Ti due to military expansion and cultural achievements.
What were oracle bones used for in the Shang Dynasty?
Oracle bones were used for divination and to communicate with ancestors or deities.
What event led to the decline of the Zhou Dynasty's power?
The decline was caused by invasions and the loss of central authority in 771 BC.
Explain how the geography of China shaped its history.
The geography shaped Chinese history by isolating it, limiting communication and trade with other civilizations.
How did rivers impact trade in Ancient China?
Rivers facilitated trade by providing transportation routes for goods
How did the Han Dynasty contribute to the cultural development of China?
The Han Dynasty contributed to cultural development through advancements in arts, education, and technology.
Describe the accomplishments of the Shang Dynasty in terms of agriculture and technology.
The Shang accomplished advancements in agriculture through irrigation and developed early metallurgy.
Discuss the concept of the Mandate of Heaven in relation to the Zhou Dynasty.
The Mandate of Heaven justified the emperor's right to rule and allowed for rebellion if the emperor was deemed unfit.