China
What system involved surrounding states giving gifts to the Chinese emperor in exchange for trade privileges?
Tribute System
What is Shinto?
A Japanese religion that focuses on kami, or spirits found in nature
Which country was most directly ruled by China for over 1,000 years and often resisted Chinese culture?
Vietnam
Syncretism
Did the Mongols have high or low taxes & tolls on the Silk Road?
Low tolls & tax rates
What dynasty was affiliated with Mongol rule?
Yuan Dynasty
Describe one way in which Japan retained its independence despite Chinese influence.
No formal tribute relationship, maintained imperial dynasty, selective borrowing
Which Korean kingdom closely modeled its government and culture on Tang China’s?
What are two examples of maritime technology China contributed to the Indian Ocean trade?
Magnetic compasses and Chinese "Junk" Boats
What was the relationship between the Mongols and Japan?
Mongols tried to conquer Japan a few times, but was unsuccessful due to the Monsoons
What dynasty expelled the Mongols, reinstated Confucian exams, and sought to reassert Han Chinese dominance?
Ming Dynasty
What was life like for samurai?
Followed the bushido code, which emphasized honor, courage, and loyalty to one's lord. They trained in martial arts, archery, and swordsmanship, but were also expected to be educated in literature and philosophy. Samurai could gain land and social status through military service, but they were also expected to commit seppuku (ritual suicide) if they failed in their duty. They were paid in rice.
How was China's influence different in North Vietnam vs. South Vietnam and how does Vietnam's geography contribute to this?
North Vietnam (closer to China) was more open to Chinese influence and South Vietnam was less impacted; Vietnam's dense forests, mountainous terrain & monsoons created logistical challenges for China's enforcement of policies especially in Southern Vietnam
What Southeast Asian empire is known for building Angkor Wat and combining Hinduism and Buddhism?
Khmer Empire
What was the Mongol postal system and what were its characteristics?
The Yam System- a network of relay stations, typically 20-40 miles apart, where messengers could transfer documents and rest while spare horses were available.
What dynasty is known for its Golden Age of poetry, painting, and expansion of the imperial exam system?
Tang
Did the Mongols conquered Japan? If yes, how? If not, what stopped them and what was the result?
Under Kublai Khan, the Mongols twice attempted to invade Japan:
1274: A Mongol fleet of 900 ships and 30,000 soldiers landed in Kyushu, but a typhoon destroyed much of their navy, forcing them to retreat.
1281: A second invasion with 140,000 soldiers took place, but another massive typhoon, called the “divine wind” (kamikaze), wrecked their fleet.
Though the Mongols failed, the war bankrupted the Kamakura shogunate.
Compare and contrast the role of women in Korean & Vietnamese society.
Vietnam: Women had more power & freedom (ex: Women held prominent economic roles, especially in village-based society; Local customs allowed women to choose their own husbands)
Korea: Women lost power and freedom as Confucianism gained influence (Ended practice of women singing & dancing together late at night; ended free choice marriages)
This empire controlled the Strait of Malacca and thrived on Buddhist learning, trade, and naval power.
Srivijaya
How did Mongol rule strengthen the Orthodox Church’s role in Russian society?
The Church was exempt from taxes and became a unifying cultural force
What dynasty is known for early industrialization, paper money, and foot binding?
Song
What was the order of the Japanese social hierarchy?
Shogun – The supreme military leader who ruled in the emperor’s name.
Daimyō – Powerful landowning lords who controlled samurai armies.
Samurai – Warriors who served the daimyō and lived by Bushidō.
Peasants – Farmers who produced rice and paid heavy taxes.
Artisans – Craftsmen who made goods, such as weapons and pottery.
6. Merchants – Traders who transported goods but were seen as unproductive
What portion of Korea's population were slaves or serfs?
1/3
Which Chinese Emperor sponsored the Ming Dynasty age of exploration and which eunuch was known for his maritime travels, especially through the Indian Ocean
Emperor: Yongle
Eunuch Traveler: Zheng HE
What's the story of Temujin's life, including his childhood?
Born as Temujin around 1162, he survived a harsh childhood marked by his father's murder and his family's exile. Through bravery, alliances, and military skill, he united the Mongol tribes and became Genghis Khan, founding a vast empire.