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
Impacts of the grand canal
Revolutionized China by linking the Yellow and Yangtze River basins, creating a vital economic artery that unified the agricultural South with the political North. It transformed regional economies, spurred urbanization, and allowed the efficient transport of grain and troops
Describe how Japan retained its independence despite Chinese influence
No formal tribute relationship, maintained imperial dynasty, selective borrowing
Describe Korea's location in proximity to China
Peninsula northeast of China
What are two examples of maritime technology China contributed to the Indian Ocean trade?
Magnetic compasses and Chinese "Junk" Boats
Primary reason for mixing members of different tribes within military units of Mongol army
Destroy old tribal loyalties and replace them with absolute loyalty to the new, unified Mongol army
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.
China's relationship to Buddhism during the post-classical period
Buddhism transformed from a foreign faith into a central pillar of Chinese culture, before facing state persecution and eventual integration with Confucianism and Daoism. Buddhism provided spiritual comfort during fragmentation, offered new philosophical, artistic, and literary avenues, and adapted to Chinese culture by incorporating filial piety
Did the Mongols conquered Japan? If yes, how? If not, what stopped themt?
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.
Describe Vietnam's location in relation to China
Southwest of China
This empire controlled the Strait of Malacca and thrived on Buddhist learning, trade, and naval power.
Srivijaya
What accounts for growing dominance of Moscow under Mongol rule
Its collaboration with the Golden Horde, acting as the primary tribute collector for the Khans. By securing the role of Grand Prince, collecting taxes, and establishing Moscow as the seat of the Orthodox Church, its princes grew wealthy and politically supreme, while benefiting from regional stability and safety
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
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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
Similarity between Pax Romana & Pax Mongolica
Political & economic stability