Early Dynasties (Xia, Shang, Zhou)
This dynasty is traditionally considered the first Chinese dynasty, though historians debate its existence.
What is the Xia Dynasty?
This emperor unified China in 221 BCE and began construction of the Great Wall
Who is Qin Shi Huang?
The Tang and Song Dynasties are known as a “Golden Age” because of advances in this area.
What are art, technology, trade, and culture?
This leader founded the Mongol Empire.
Who is Genghis Khan?
This dynasty rebuilt and strengthened the Great Wall.
What is the Ming Dynasty?
This dynasty is known for oracle bones used to predict the future.
What is the Shang Dynasty?
This philosophy, emphasized during the Qin Dynasty, promoted strict laws and harsh punishments.
What is Legalism?
This invention, improved during the Tang and Song periods, allowed books to be mass produced.
What is printing?
This grandson of Genghis Khan established the Yuan Dynasty in China.
Who is Kublai Khan?
This explorer led massive naval expeditions during the Ming Dynasty.
Who is Zheng He?
This concept, introduced during the Zhou Dynasty, justified a ruler’s power as coming from heaven.
What is the Mandate of Heaven?
The Han Dynasty adopted this philosophy as the foundation of government and society.
What is Confucianism?
This invention made sea travel more accurate and helped expand trade.
What is the compass?
Under Mongol rule, Chinese people were treated this way compared to Mongols.
What is lower in the social hierarchy?
After Zheng He’s voyages, China chose to follow this policy of limiting foreign contact.
What is isolationism?
Under the Zhou, China was ruled through this system, where nobles governed lands for the king.
What is feudalism?
This important trade route connected China to Europe during the Han Dynasty.
What is the Silk Road?
This exam system selected government officials based on merit rather than birth.
What is the civil service examination system?
This European traveler visited China during the Yuan Dynasty and wrote about it.
Who is Marco Polo?
This famous structure in Beijing was built during the Ming Dynasty.
What is the Forbidden City?
What is when a ruler failed (natural disasters, corruption), people believed heaven withdrew support, allowing rebellion?
lost the Mandate of Heaven
Name two major achievements of the Han Dynasty.
What are paper-making, expansion of trade, civil service exams, improved government organization?
Explain how trade during the Tang and Song Dynasties strengthened China.
What is increased wealth, cultural exchange, and expanded influence along trade routes?
Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of Mongol rule in China.
What is increased trade/security but discrimination against Chinese citizens?
How did isolationism impact China’s future development?
What is limited technological exchange and weakened global influence over time?