Vocabulary
National policy of avoiding political or economic entanglements with other countries
What is isolationism?
One of the world's major religions; began in India in the 5th century with beliefs in reincarnation, karma, and whose ultimate goal is to reach nirvana
What is Buddhism?
Supreme military and political commander title in feudal Japan
What is a Shogun?
Samurai had no religious reason to avoid death and would commit suicide in the face of defeat in order to maintain their honor, in a ritual known as this
What was seppuku?
China kept the technology for making this a secret so merchants would be forced to trade with them in order to get this good?
What was porcelain (or silk)?
A type of female entertainer in Japan who incorporates dance, fashion, and singing into their performance
What is a geisha?
Chinese philosophy that emphasizes a harmonious relationship with nature and the balance of opposing forces in the universe
What is Daoism?
China's only female emperor; considered by many to be one of the greatest rulers in the history of China
Who is Empress Wu Zetian?
Samurai were strictly forbidden to participate in these two activities
What were theater (entertainment) and trade (money-making activities)?
This technology allowed written communication to be mass produced
What is printing?
Imperial palace complex in the center of Beijing; the residence of Ming and Qing dynasty emperors; center of political power in China from 1420 to 1924
What is the Forbidden City?
A system of thought that centers around living a virtuous and moral life
What is Confucianism?
A traveler who lived in the 16th century who came to Japan as a servant from Africa and grew into a mighty samurai warrior
Who is Yasuke?
This material made up the chest/breast plate of a samurai's armor
What were ceramic discs?
This invention was first used for fireworks, and was later modified to be used for weapons
What is gunpowder?
A system of testing, designed to select the most studious and learned candidates for appointment as bureaucrats in the Chinese government
What is the civil service exam?
The indigenous faith of the Japanese people which focuses on spirits and a connection to nature
What is Shinto?
U.S Naval officer who ended Japanese isolationism; P.S. He did NOT play the character of Chandler on the tv show Friends
Who is Matthew C. Perry?
This Japanese legend in which a band of leaderless samurai avenge the death of their master by killing a powerful imperial court official was a tale of loyalty
What is The 47 Ronin?
This invention issued by the Song Dynasty made it easier to trade and manage wealth
What is paper money?
Government rule by land ownership in Japan
What is the feudal system?
Shinto spirits which can influence humans and answer prayers
What are kami?
Chinese admiral and explorer; commanded the largest and most advanced fleet in recorded human history
Who is Zheng He?
The samurai would keep this code - three actions which dominate Japanese culture to this day
What are courage, honor, and loyalty?
This invention enabled China to become a global sea power by enabling sailors to more easily navigate the oceans
What is the magnetic compass?