Shang/Zhou
Why was the Shang dynasty considered the first dynasty?
Xia dynasty was a "mythical" period. If they were real, they did not write down their history.
*Shang were the first to write down their history
What political belief did the Qin dynasty follow?
Legalism
What was the period right before the Sui dynasty and after the Han dynasty called? The time of political chaos.
Period of Disunion
Which dynasty was smaller and had economic growth in the South, but fell to invasions/lost money to outsiders (to not attack them)?
Song dynasty
What philosophy became the official doctrine during the Ming dynasty?
Confucianism
Which dynasty claimed the mandate of heaven?
Zhou
The Qin emperor (Shi Huangdi) buried ___ with him.
Terra-cotta army
The Sui dynasty is important for finishing the ____. Which connected which parts of China?
Grand Canal; north and south
What crop did they discover/borrow during the Song dynasty that made the South prosperous? What country was it from?
Fast rice from Vietnam
Who is Zheng He?
Chinese Muslim explorer (Africa, India, Middle East)
7 voyages to impress the world, show Ming's power, and expand tribute system
What is a dynasty?
Areas controlled by a continuous family for a period of time. An emperor rules and is passed down in the family.
China divided into periods called dynasties.
What are two things the Qin dynasty standardized?
Language and currency
Which dynasty had the first woman empress?
Tang dynasty
The Yuan dynasty was an example of the first time that ____.
First time foreigners ruled all of China
How were the Manchus from the Qing dynasty similar to the Mongols from the Yuan dynasty?
Kept strict control over the Chinese people
Restricted high positions in the civil service and army to members of their group
What are 2 Shang achievements?
-Agricultural methods
-Bronze
-Writing system
-Medical treatments
Why was the emperor, Liu Bang, of the Han dynasty special?
He was a commoner
What is the civil service exam?
An exam that any qualified man could take to get a position in government. It opened government jobs to common people, not just hereditary now.
Why did the Yuan dynasty collapse?
Not content with land, so they tried to invade Japan. But because of storms and Japanese defenders, their military grew weak. Their economy was already weak because of expensive building projects, so rebellion ensued.
What is the tribute system? Why is it important?
The tribute system = paying regular tribute (money, gold, gifts) by vassel states (such as Korea) to China. They expected Europeans to do the same.
It is important because it showed China's power and dominance during this period.
What are the major beliefs in Confucianism and Daoism?
Confucianism: Restoring family order and social harmony, respect in relationships, moral conduct and behavior (lead by example - emperor)
Daoism: Rejected formal structures, no government involved, go with the flow/emphasized nature
Buddhism was brought to China during which dynasty? and how?
Han dynasty; Silk Road
Why were the Tang and Song dynasties considered the Golden Age?
For 4 inventions that significantly impacted Chinese life, surrounding civilizations, and the world today:
Porcelain, gunpowder, magnetic compass, moveable type printing
How did the Mongols rule the Yuan dynasty? Their methods...
Different language, clothing, religion, and customs BUT they did not force Chinese to accept their way of life.
Heavy taxes to pay for vast public works projects. Used labor of Chinese people.
Isolation began in the Ming dynasty and continued into the Qing dynasty. How exactly did they withdraw into isolation and how did this affect China?
-Only the government could conduct trade through 3 ports; if foreign states wished to trade with China, they had to follow Chinese rules (tribute, special ports)
-China did not become highly industrialized like the rest of the world because commerce was against Confucian belief & economic policies favored agriculture