Geography
What natural barrier helped isolate China from other civilizations?
Himalayan Mountains
What belief system was used to justify the rule of Chinese emperors?
Mandate of Heaven
Why was the Great Wall of China built?
To protect China from northern invaders
What system where dynasties rise into power and then fall over and over?
The dynastic cycle
Who was at the top of ancient China’s social hierarchy?
The emperor.
Why did early Chinese civilizations settle near the Yellow River?
It provided fertile soil for agriculture
How did Confucianism influence Chinese society?
It emphasized respect for elders, education, and moral leadership.
What was the purpose of the Terracotta Army?
To guard Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife
How did a single currency benefit China’s economy?
It simplified trade and strengthened the economy
How were farmers/peasants viewed in Chinese society compared to merchants?
Farmers/peasants were respected for their labor, while merchants were often looked down upon.
What was one disadvantage of the Yellow River?
It often caused deadly floods
What philosophy did the Qin Dynasty follow, and how did it affect its rule?
Legalism; it led to strict laws and harsh punishments.
What advancement helped improve trade and economic growth in China?
Standardized currency and measurements.
What was one effect of the Silk Road on China?
Increased exchange of goods and ideas
What is an example of a custom is Chinese society?
Foot binding, long hair, long finger nails...
How did China’s geography influence its trade and interactions with others?
Mountains and deserts isolated China, but the Silk Road allowed some trade
How does Daoism differ from Confucianism?
Daoism emphasizes harmony with nature, while Confucianism focuses on social order
How did early Chinese writing develop?
It began with pictographs and evolved into characters on Oracle Bones
Why did dynasties sometimes lose power?
Corruption, peasant revolts, natural disasters, and loss of the Mandate of Heaven
What was the role of women in ancient Chinese society?
Women were expected to obey male family members, had to stay in the home, took care of the children and the elderly
What geographic feature made the Silk Road both important and dangerous?
The vast deserts and mountains made travel difficult but allowed trade
How did Buddhism spread to China?
Through the Silk Road
What major invention helped improve communication and record-keeping in China?
Paper.
How did Qin Shi Huang strengthen China’s political system?
He centralized government, standardized laws, and eliminated regional divisions.
How did the civil service exam impact Chinese society?
It allowed officials to be chosen based on merit rather than birth