CHAPTER 8
The kowtow
was a ritual prostration
Which of the following is a reason why the Song dynasty was more restrictive toward women than its predecessor the Tang dynasty?
A revival of Confucianism, which emphasized patriarchal control over women
Which of the following contributed to China's economic revolution during the Tang and Song dynasties?
A complex network of internal waterways that allowed cheap transportation
(use to answer 21-22) Context : The Song dynasty (960-1276) saw a tremendous increase in Chinese agricultural productivity. The spread of improved strains of rice and new farming techniques made these increases possible. One way in which farming techniques were spread around the empire was through the printing and circulation of handbooks on farming. Plowing : Early and late plowing both have their advantages. For the early rice crop, as soon as the reaping is completed, immediately plow the fields and expose the stalks to glaring sunlight. Then add manure and bury the stalks to nourish the soil. Next, plant beans, wheat, and vegetables to ripen and fertilize the soil so as to minimize the next year's labor. In addition, when the harvest is good, these extra crops can add to the yearly income. Excerpts from "On Farming" 21. The clearest effect of the growth in agricultural productivity was:
A massive population increase I THINK
As the Tang Dynasty waned, Buddhism...
A. Became more popular than ever B. Became the only belief system practice by more than 80% of Chinese C. Suffered from a xenophobic fear of all things foreign in larger part because of An Lushan's Rebellion D. Suffered because of invasion by the Mongols who followed no religion & allowed no religion to be practiced I GOT IT WRONG AND I PUT A
Which of the following was a reason that the nomadic societies to the north of China were not absorbed into Chinese civilization?
A. Nomadic peoples had no interest in interacting with China. B. Most steppe nomads lived in regions where Chinese-style agriculture was impossible C. When nomads conquered parts of northern China, they consciously rejected the culture of their Chinese subjects. D. Nomadic societies had largely disappeared by 1000 c.e., before China was in a position to absorb them. I GOT IT WRONG AND I PUT D
What do the Xiongnu, the Uighurs, the Khitan, and the Jurchen have in common?
All four were able to gain large amounts of valuable goods from China, often as thinly disguised "protection money" that kept them from attacking China
The poem provides evidence of which of the following as a major cause of later Tang decline?
Discontent among the peasantry due to oppressive taxation
Questions 26-27 refer to the passage below. The second factor that lessened the impact of the economic revolution under the Song was China's geographical position, at the edge of the Afro-Eurasian network of exchanges. Though the amount of goods being exchanged in China was large, Chinese exchange networks neither reached as far nor carried as diverse information and goods as the exchange networks of hub regions such as the Islamic heartland in Mesopotamia typically did; thus, their influence on other parts of the Afro-Eurasian world was limited. Maps of Time: An Introduction to Big History 26. Which of the following pieces of evidence would best support the author's main assertion in this paragraph?
Confucianism barely diffused outside of East Asia
The integration of natural bodies of water and waterways in the plans for the palace most likely shows the influence of which of the following?
Daoism
The variety of temples shown on the map of Chang'an was most likely the result of which of these broader processes from 600 to 1450 C.E.?
Diffusion of cultural traditions along the Silk Roads
20. What practice developed during the Song dynasty corroborates the status of women reflected in the passage?
Footbinding
. The layout of the city as shown in the map most clearly reflects which of the following developments of the time period?
Governments building infrastructure to promote economic activity
Which of the following was a factor in the growth of Buddhism in China after 300 c.e.?
Increased disorder following the collapse of the Han dynasty, which discredited Confucianism
Which of the following is among the reasons why Tang and Song dynasty China is regarded as a "golden age"?
Major artistic, literary, and scholarly advances, including the creation of Neo-Confucianism
Use the passage below to answer all parts of the question that follows. "In the past, none failed to hear Confucius' teachings, but few understood them. Thereafter came the vulgar Confucian scholarship of later times, which stressed memorization and literary composition, but was of no real use. Then came the deviant doctrines of Buddhism and Daoism, which had loftier goals but lacked solid substance. These teachings were mixed together in great confusion, so that rulers could no longer hear the essential teachings of Confucius, and lesser men could no longer enjoy the benefits of good government. Everything decayed until disorder and destruction reached its extreme in the Five Dynasties period*. Yet Heaven's cycle continues. The virtuous power of the Song dynasty rose up, and both government and education shone with great luster. With that, the method whereby the ancients taught men was once again made brilliantly clear to the world." *an era of political chaos in China during the tenth century Zhu Xi, Chinese scholar and philosopher, preface to a commentary on The Great Learning, written in 1190. The Great Learning was a text of Confucian teachings that became a foundational text of examination for the Chinese civil service. A) Identify ONE claim made in the passage.
One claim made in the passage is, "In the past, none failed to hear Confucius' teachings, but few understood them." This claim is saying that everyone heard Confucius' teachings, but not many of them actually understood their meaning. DO NOT QUOTE DOCUMENT
B) Identify ONE way in which the ideas expressed in the passage illustrate the social or political development of China under the Song dynasty.
One way the ideas expressed in the passage illustrate the social or political development of China under the Song dynasty is by explaining the significance of education in China. The teachings and values of Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism were all combined into one. This resulted in the chaos of the Five dynasties period. However, the Song Dynasty's power took control and they started thriving. Education was of great importance during this time period. The civil service system was at its highest punt during the Song dynasty. It made way for social mobility in China since it gave people the equal opportunity to advance in the class systems of China. Even a peasant could make their way to the top, if they could pass the exam. This greatly benefitted China because the people who were responsible for advancing China economically, politically, and culturally were all of the highest intelligence. This was a fair system to ensure that the people were the best in their field, regardless of their class. All in all, the access to education for all Chinese citizens, allowed China to develop socially and politically.
Along with new farming techniques, another factor that led to increased agricultural productivity was:
The diffusion of fast-ripening rice from Vietnam
Use the passage below to answer question 18 "On the twentieth day of the year, I promoted one of my ladies-in-waiting to the position of Director of the Department of Buddhist Poetry.* In response she composed the following verse: 'Never has this flower been one to lead the way, nor has it bloomed from so high a branch.' Some weeks later, it was suggested to me that the lady-in-waiting whom I had previously appointed Director of the Department of Romantic Literature* might also serve jointly in the Department of Buddhist Poetry. Upon hearing that, she modestly wrote: 'I find it so hard to go on like this, referring to myself with all those high titles. I am rather undeserving of the honor.' In response, the lady-in-waiting whom I had appointed Director of the Department of Buddhist Poetry wrote this: 'Although it is true that we are not currently colleagues in the same Department, it would be hurtful to me if you were to refuse this appointment.' Then I commanded that they work together to make fresh copies of more Buddhist classics and distribute them among the ladies of the court for our discussions." Senshi, Japanese princess, Collected Poems, an account in verse of life in the Japanese court, circa 980 C.E. *The Department of Buddhist Poetry and the Department of Romantic Literature were not real departments of the Japanese government. Their directorships were imaginary positions invented by the princess for her female courtiers. 18. The presence in Japan of the religious tradition referred to in the passage best illustrates which of the following historical processes?
Regional cross-cultural contacts often resulted in the diffusion of both religious and literary tradition
The native religion of Japan is...
Shintoism
In Japan we see the position of emperor become largely ceremonial (much like today) & the true political power was held by military governors known as...
Shogun
Image 1 best illustrates which of the following features of the Chinese economy in the period 1200 to 1450 ?
Technological innovations increased agricultural yields
EC1. Explain how, in theory, the Chinese tribute system worked. Be sure to include ALL elements & processes!
The Chinese Tribute System allowed control over China's trade and diplomacy with their neighboring countries. Diplomats from foreign countries would travel to China and present gifts to the Emperor. They would acknowledge the Emperor's superiority by bowing down to them. This process was a Chinese custom known as "kowtow." In return, the Emperor would give them gifts as well. These gifts were usually very expensive and grand compared to the ones received by the emperor. After this process, a relationship was formed between the two countries. Now, the countries could trade items, technology, culture, religion, literature, and so much more. Every now and then the same process of gift-giving would occur to maintain the relationship.
Which of the following statements about the Chinese "tribute system" is true?
The Chinese government often gave other states gifts that were, in fact, worth more than the tribute that those states paid to China
Which of the following statements best describes Korea's relationship with China in the pre-modern period?
The Korean elite adopted some elements of Chinese culture importing many Chinese goods and customs
Questions 28-29 refer to the poem below I walk alongside the column, ask what's going on. A soldier says simply : "They call more up every day. Some of us were sent north to the Yellow River at age fifteen, And now at forty we're heading off to the garrison in the west. On our first tour, the village headman had to tie our bandannas for us. When we came back, our hair was white, but still there's unrest. The frontier garrisons run with blood, enough to fill an ocean, But the martial Emperor's territorial ambitions have yet to crest. In the hundred districts east of the mountains, throughout the land of Han, There must be ten thousand villages that brambles now infest. Even if the wives are strong enough to handle a hoe & a plow, The crops grow every which way, the fields are all a mess. It's hardest for the Shanxi men, with their reputations as fighters: They're rounded up like dogs & every male impressed. (drafted/conscripted) "But sir, though it's good of you to ask, Complaining isn't part of the soldier's task. We can only shake our heads. Take this winter: The Shanxi troops were never sent home. The District Officers are demanding the land tax, But where will it come from? You can't get blood from a stone! I honestly think it's bad luck to bear a son now, It's better to have a daughter: at least she can marry And live with the neighbors next door. But a son will end up lying on some distant prairie." Du Fu, "Ballad of the Army Carts," ca. 750 C.E. 28. Which of the following does the poem provide direct evidence for in its discussion of taxation in the third paragraph?
The Tang Dynasty's strong bureaucracy at the local level
Which of the following was a key development behind the doubling of the Chinese population during the Tang and Song dynasties?
The adoption of a fast-ripening strain of rice from Vietnam
EC2. Describe (NOT LIST) the chief technological & economic accomplishments of the Tang and Song dynasty periods?
The chief technological & economic accomplishments of the Tang and Song dynasty periods were solar evaporation, papermaking and printing, gunpowder, and the magnetic compass. These inventions also spread to the rest of Eurasia where they heavily impacted the people there. To start with, the Islam world and Cristian Europe started using China's method of producing salt by using solar evaporation. Solar evaporation is when salt water is collected in a shallow pond. This water is then evaporated by the sun. This was important because salt was a huge trading item and played a great role in China's economic development. Moreover, papermaking was a Chinese invention that was invented in the Han Dynasty. It spread to Korea, Vietnam, Japan, India, Islam. Muslim Spain, France, Germany, and England. Printing was another Chinese invention and it was widely used in Korea and Japan. Movable typing was another technique related to printing that was also used in Korea and Japan. Movable type was basically a type of printing that had individual letters which allowed the user to easily move the letters around. Chinese technology was continuously passed on to different areas all over the world. Furthermore, certain Chinese innovations formed the foundation for creating more inventions. An example of this is gunpowder. The formula that could be used to create gunpowder, was invented in the 1000s. As it became well-known in Europe, cannons and firearms were created in the early fourteenth century. Another example of Chinese technology is the magnetic compass which allowed for a much more efficient ocean-navigation system. This propelled maritime trade since it was easier to use the directions to reach far-away lands. All in all, these Chinese inventions and technology allowed for China to prosper economically during the Tang and Song dynasty periods.
The author's comparison to the Islamic is most likely intended to prove:
The geographic centrality of Mesopotamia to the Afro-Eurasian continent increased Arab influence
The activity depicted in Image 2 best illustrates which of the following characteristics of China's economy before 1450 ?
The reliance on systems of peasant labor
Use the passage below & your knowledge of this period to answer questions 19-20 Women do not take part in extramarital affairs. The reason that worthy husbands and sons take care of everything for them, while unworthy ones can always find ways to hide their deeds from the women. Many men today indulge in pleasure and gambling; some end up mortgaging their lands, and even go so far as to mortgage their houses without their wives' knowledge. Therefore, when husbands are bad, even if wives try to handle outside matters, it is of no use. Sons must have their mothers' signatures to mortgage their family properties, but there are sons who falsify papers and forge signatures, sometimes borrowing money at high interest from people who would not hesitate to bring their claim to court. Therefore, when sons are bad, it is useless for the mothers to try and handle matters relating to the outside world. Yuan Cai (c. 1140-1195), The Problems of Women, Song dynasty official and scholar 19. The author's view of the relationship between a wife and husband as well as between a mother and her son are most clearly affected by
The resurgence of Confucianism in the Tang and Song dynasties within China
The Silla dynasty in Korea copied China in many ways but never
established a bureaucracy based on merit
Letters of credit came into common use during the early Tang period. These letters were known as
flying cash
In an effort to avoid the Tang problems with regional military governors the Song emperors did which of the following...
put the military under the control of the bureaucracy
During the Tang and Song period the imperial civil service examinations
were expanded and allowed posts to be filled with officials of genuine intellectual ability
