World Civilizations chapters 10-11

The Appeal of Buddhism in China

- During/ after Han decline, several squabbling independent states arose throughout China - Confusion principles began to be rejected by Chinese intellectuals: (a) Thought it was just "stuffy moralism" and preferred emotional satisfaction or Daoism (b) Daoism did NOT suffice, so Buddhism became popular in China - Buddhism brought to China in 1-2 century CE through Silk Road (a) During the Han Dynasty's decline, Mahayana Buddhism appealed to both intellectuals and common people (b) Daoists + Confucianists attacked Buddhism, but were NOT successful in terminating the faith Note: 2 missionaries, Fa Xian and Xuan Zang, helped spread Buddhism throughout northern/ southern China

Shogunate System

- Emperor was the titular (official) authority with Shogun as actual power - This political system prevailed until second half of 19th century (a) Aided in fending off Mongol threats in 13th century until bad weather (Kamikaze) killed Mongol fleet during 2 attacks on Japan - Mongol attack put a strain on shogunate system and, in 1333, was overthrown by other powerful clans - New Shogunate by Ashikaga Family arose in Kyoto (a) Could not restore centralized power of previous Shogunate (b) Power of local aristocracy increased tremendously (c) Heads of great noble families were now called daimyo

Village and Family in Ming Dynasty

- Farmer's life was bounded by his village - Average citizen rarely left their village except to visit market town - Ideal family was joint with at least 3 generations under 1 roof - Eldest male, theoretically, rules as an autocrat (dictator/ absolute power) (a) Responsible for ancestral rites at altar, the legal rights of his wife, and rights of children (b) If wife did not bare a male heir, he could marry a second wife

Koguryo

- First to introduce Buddhism - In late 4th century CE, first Confucian academy established on Peninsula in capital at Pyongyang

Champa

- Founded in 192 CE on central + southern coastal region of Vietnam - Trading society on Indian cultural traditions (a) Played active role in regional trade network (b) Intermediary between China + Southeast Asia

Shinto in Early Japan

- Nature based - Animistic (a) Worshipped spirits called Kami Evolved into Shinto ("Sacred Way"): - United the Japanese people - Still practiced today - Stresses the beauty of nature - Sun goddess - No metaphysical structure + no moral code like Buddhism - Worship shrines (a) Often located in beautiful places + depict a physical feature (b) National shrine established at Ise, capital of Nara Note: Those who disfavored Shinto turned to Buddhism

How did Japan's geographic location affect the course of early Japanese history, and how did the location influence the political structures and social institutions that arose there?

1. Constant threat of invasion from north had many consequences to history: - Chinese are more sensitive to preservation of their culture from destruction by non-Chinese invaders - Culture more than race is a determinant of the Chinese sense of identity - Strong pride in unique culture - Sense of racial + cultural homogeneity enabled Japanese to import ideas from abroad without worrying that the borrowings will destroy the uniqueness of their own culture 2. Because Japan is an archipelago, it had trouble becoming a centralized empire. - Attempted to use political institutions such as confucianism/ civil service exams but failed and used shinto (religion) + aristocratic family rule instead (CBT)

Changing Social Conditions in Traditional China

A sort of Golden Age of China: - China began as a primarily rural society with small urban class of merchants, artisans, and workers that were dependent on the state but cities grew to be an important part of the population: (a) No longer administrative centers (b) Now included a broad mix of officials, merchants, artisans, peddlers, etc. - Country became more cosmopolitan - New technology emerged: (a) paddle-wheel boat (b) stirrup which allowed horseback riding (c) Better form of communication (block printing) (d) New foods (e) chopsticks, tables, and chairs (f) Tea

The Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE)

After a 43 year period of division + foreign invasions, the Song Dynasty arose: - Founding emperor was Song Taizu - Dealt with many invasions (a) Taizu was unable to reconquer the northwest from the nomadic Khitan peoples (where Chang'an was) 1. New capital on the coast, south of Yangzi River Delta, at Hangzhou - Despite invasion troubles, Song was 1 of the more successful dynasties: (a) Period of economic expansion, prosperity, and cultural achievement - Despite some prosperity, the Song was still unable to overcome external challenges from the north, so the dynasty fell (a) During its final decades, were forced to pay tribute to the Jurchen, peoples from Manchuria (Northeast China) - In 13th century, the weakened dynasty joined alliance with the Mongols from Gobi desert (a) Using catapults and gunpowder, Mongols turned on them and formed a new Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty Note: Buddhism reached its height during the Song Dynasty (probably implies that it lacked as much centralization as Tang)

Chu nom

An adaptation of written Chinese characters that provided a written system for spoken Vietnamese - Began use in early 9th century CE

The Sinification (AKA Chinese influence) of Buddhism

As Buddhism grew in China, it began to inherit Chinese characteristics: - Divided into many separate sectors: 1. [Chan (Zen in Japanese)]: - Mind training + strict regimen to seek enlightenment 2. [Pure Land]: - Stress devotion rather than monastic discipline 3. [Tantrism]: - Emphasized magical symbols + ritual 4. [White Lotus]: - Founded in 1133 - Prophesy that a "savior Buddha" will come to earth and mark a new age - Rebel movement (a) Sought political reform + the overthrow of a dynasty Note: Most believers assimilated Buddhism into their daily lives, where it joined Confucianism ideology + spirit worship

Why was Confucianism rejected during the "era of the six dynasties"?

Because Chinese intellectuals began to view Confucian principles about hard work, subordination of the individual to community interest, and belief in the essentially rational order of the universe as stuffy moralism and complacency of State Confucianism (a) Now preferred emotional satisfaction in self-indulgent pursuits or philosophical Daoism (Taoism)

What was the major southern port of the Maritime route?

Canton

(T/F) Just like the Japanese, those on Korean Peninsula highly regarded the Chinese and avoided conflict with them

False; the relationship between China + Korea was characterized by tension and conflict, Koreans resented the Chinese

Khanates

Four regional Mongol kingdoms that arose following the death of Genghis Khan: 1. (Son) Got Khanate if Chaghadai in Central Asia with capital at Samarkand 2. (Son): Ruled Persia from Baghdad 3. (Son): Khanate if Kipchak (AKA Golden Horde) 4. (Grandson): Khubilai Khan, completed the conquest of the Song + established a new Chinese dynasty called the Yuan - Moved the capital of China from Hangzhou to Khanbaliq (AKA Beijing) on the route from Great Wall to the plains of northern China

Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

Island country: - 4 main islands (1) Hokkaido in north (2) Honshu in center (3) Kyushu in southwest (4) Shikoku in southwest - East coast has a warm climate - Several natural harbors that protect from wind + waves (a) Most people live in flat plains of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto for climate + harbors (b) Farmers harvest 2 rice crops annually - Most of Japan is mountainous (volcanic) and not suitable for agriculture (a) Volcanic soil is incredibly fertile but dangerous for its proneness to earthquakes Constant threat of invasion from north had many consequences to history: - Chinese are more sensitive to preservation of their culture from destruction by non-Chinese invaders - Culture more than race is a determinant of the Chinese sense of identity - Strong pride in unique culture - Sense of racial + cultural homogeneity enabled Japanese to import ideas from abroad without worrying that the borrowings will destroy the uniqueness of their own culture

Vietnam

Land stretching from central China down to the Red River Valley: - Practiced agriculture very early - Bronze age in 2,000 BCE - Since ca. 200 BCE, vietnamese struggled with the Han Empire for control over their territory (a) Won it back temporarily but lost it again - Eventually, Chinese nobles and Vietnamese peoples intermarried/ integrated to form a Sino-Vietnamese ruling class (a) Red River Delta became a part of China

Genin

Landless laborers in feudal Japan, unable to pay grain tax, were sold as slaves

Supreme Ultimate (or Tai Ji)

Roughly equivalent to the Dao (or Way) of classical Confucian philosophy: - Set of abstract principles governed by the law of yin and yang + 5 elements (a) Human beings served as a link between 2 halves of this universe (b) Each individual in material world has an identity that is linked with the Supreme Ultimate (spiritual) (c) Goal = to transcend the material world in a Buddhist sense + achieve an identity with the Supreme Ultimate (d) Achieve transcendence through self-cultivation by the "investigation of things" - Supreme Ultimate became the core of Confucian ideology + used in civil service exams from Song to early Ming Dynasty

The School of Mind

Scholar named Want Yangming, disagreed with Zhu Xi's idea of "investigation of things" and formed "School of Mind": - Correct way to transcend was through understanding oneself (a) Knowledge was intuitive and attained through investigating oneself rather than the outside world (b) Mind + universe were a single unit (c) Similar to Aristotle + Plato dispute in Ancient Greece Note: Legacy of Buddhism was karma + rebirth, while Confucianism was known for village god that lived in a prominent tree and protected community from wandering spirits

(T/F) Chinese silk was considered superior to silk in neigbouring areas

True

(T/F) Tatami, a woven-mat floor, originated from peasants covering their dirt floors with straw/ woven mats

True

What were the main developments in Vietnamese history before 1500?

- Agriculture - Bronze age in 2,000 BCE - Expanded south after conquering Champa - Joining the regional trade network - Temporarily conquering China during Tang, Yuan, and Ming rule - Chu nom, an adapted Chinese writing system for spoken vietnamese

Silla

- Began as weakest Kingdom but grew to be dominant power on Peninsula - Accepted tributary status under Tang - Attempted to centralize state with political institutions + ideology (a) Buddhism became state religion - Capital at Kyongju (a) Where architecture + art became popular - As Silla grew, some officials prevented the adoption of civil service exams + other Chinese systems (a) Failure to adopt Chinese system was fatal (b) In 780, after the King of Silla was assassinated, a civil war erupted Note: Silla was soon replaced by Koryo

Why were the Vietnamese able to restore their national independence after a millennium of Chinese rule?

- Chinese officials intermarried and formed a Sino-Vietnamese ruling class (a) This class began to identify with the cause of Vietnamese autonomy

What were the main characteristics of economic and social life in early Korea?

- Chonmin class - Frequent wars (between 3 states) (a) Koguryo, Silla, and Paekche (b) Silla became strongest of the 3 - Absorbed aspects of neighboring cultures (a) Art + political structures shaped by Chinese influence (b) Buddhism + Confucian influence on art/ architecture (c) Korea hated Chinese - Insufficient farming because of only 20% airable land (a) Mountainous Koryu: Civil service exam, aristocracy, model after China - Choson/ Yi land reform

Society and Family Life in Vietnam

- Confucianism + civil service exams undermined aristocrats and was replaced by scholar-gentry class (a) Exams open to most males - Most Viets studied Vietnamese history to reinforce that Vietnam was a distinct culture similar to, but separate form China - Most people were peasants (a) Large estates were rare because of Viet efforts to prevent powerful landed elites - Family life was similar to China (a) Filial piety + gender inequality (b) Vietnamese women possessed more rights than Chinese (could own property + initiate divorce)

Resisting the Mongols

- Due to political issues, the Koryo Dynasty was weakened which allowed the Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty to conquer its northern region - Koryo became a tributary to the great Khan in Khanbaliq - In 1392, after Mongol decline, Yi Song-gye, a Korean military commander overthrew the Koryo kingdom and established a new Choson (AKA Yi) Dynasty Note: Conscious of invaders, Koreans kept tabs on neighboring regions which aided in a lot of their technology advancements such as Kangnido, the 2nd oldest map drawn in Asia

The Three Kingdoms

- From 4th-7th century CE, the 3 kingdoms were rivals

Ancient Chinese Art

- Inspired by Buddhism + Daoism - Buddhist wall paintings in Dunhuang caves in Central Asia (a) Style from India + Persia - Tang scroll paintings - Chinese painters retreated to mountains to find Dao in nature - Ceramics + Porcelain (a) Introduced right after Han and popular in Tang

Buddhism in Early Japan

- Introduced by China in 6th century CE - Japanese Buddhists worshipped both Buddha + local nature gods (Kami) - 2 Most infuential Buddhist sects (denomination): (1) Pure Land (Jodo): - Devotion alone led to enlightenment - Similar to Mahayana (2) Zen: - Enlightenment through Satori or Zazen (studying scriptures + self-discipline) - Practiced "seated Zen" (lengthy meditation) - Popular among aristocracy - Austerity, self-discipline, and communion with nature - Became an important part of Samurai warrior code - Similar to Theravada

Mongol Rule in China

- Mongols conquered Vietnam - Lost several battles against Japan, Java, and Sumatra - Chinese rulers adapted to Chinese political system 1. Tripartite with civilian, military, and censorate 2. Six ministries 3. Confucian-based civil service exams - Encouraged long distance trade on Silk Road - Grand Canal (Sui dynasty) was extended 1. Adjacent to canal, paved highway was constructed - In middle 14th century, Yuan (Mongol) Empire eventually collapsed 1. Standard reasons as other fallen empires (corruption, natural disasters, etc.) 2. Also, had difficulty transitioning from nomadic life to sedentary (more proper, seated) life + their unwieldy (heavy/ vast) system of royal succession was unstable Note: Immediately after Mongol Empire fell, Zhu Yuanzhang established the Ming Empire

The Role of Women

- Patriarchal with a touch of Egalitarian (a) Polygamy was common with male nobles, women had to divorce/ be widowed (b) Aristocratic women existed in court (c) Murasaki Shikibu was renowned for artistic + literary talents (d) Women prohibited from entering Buddhism monasteries + attaining enlightenment

Zhu Xi

- Philosopher - Raised during southern Song era - Accepted the division of the world into material and transcendent - Formed the idea of Supreme Ultimate

Heian Period

- Powerful Buddhist monasteries grew oppressive: (a) Therefore, in 794, emperor moved the capital to Heian (present-day Kyoto) (b) Buddhist influence was restricted by forbidding monasteries in the new capital - Emperor's rule was still hereditary (a) However, actual power was in Fujiwara clan because they intermarried which linked fortunes close to imperial family (b) Senior member of Fujiawara clan began to serve as regent (chief executive) - Japan began to decentralize again (a) Rural areas fell under control of powerful families who owned tax-exempted farmland (b) To avoid paying taxes, peasants would surrender their farm land to aristocrats who allowed them to cultivate on land in exchange for rent (c) Local aristocrats used military force (samurai) to protect their power

Wang Anshi (1021-1086CE)

- Reformist official - Tried to limit the size of landholdings through progressive land taxes + access to cheap credit for poor famers to help them avoid bankruptcy

The Role of Women

- Returned to a patriarchal society (a) Woman could NOT take civil service exams (b) Girls often sold as concubines or killed in poor families (c) Foot Binding became popular during + after the Song Dynasty (most common among elites)

Poetry

- Some celebrated the beauty of nature, changes of seasons, and joys of friendship - Others expressed sadness, old age, and parting [Li Bo]: Free spirit whose writing centered on nature + shifted between revelry and melancholy [Du Fu]: Sober Confucian whose poems dealt with historical or ethical issues

Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE)

1 of the greatest Chinese dynasties for its internal renewal and external expansion: - Li Yuan ruled for a short bit but was nudged out by his son, Tang Taizong - Northwest was renamed Xinjiang, "new region" (a) Where an increasing interest in trade began that spread to Central Asia - Taizong gained control of Tibet Plateau + South of Yangzi (a) Established relations with the Southeast Asian states - China claimed title of the foremost power in East Asia (a) Ruler demanded fealty from other rulers beyond the frontier such as Japan and Korea Note: Taizong died in 649 CE

In what ways did social conditions in China evolve during the period from the Tang to the Ming Dynasties? Do you see any parallel with similar events elsewhere in the world?

1. (a) China became more intermixed with aristocrats and common people rather than a rigid, biased, hierarchy (b) Country became more cosmopolitan (multiracial) 2. Similar to the Greeks' invention of Democracy + embrace of other cultures and ideas

What roles did Buddhism, Daoism, and Neo-Confucianism play in Chinese intellectual life in the period between the Sui and Ming Dynasties?

1. All Buddhism, Confucianism, + Daoism became a vital part of Chinese society until the early Ming Dynasty where it was replaced with a fusion called "Neo-Confucianism" (a) Was included in Civil Service Exams

What were two of the gov. positions in medieval China, and what were their duties? (CBT)

1. At the base, were the districts ruled by Magistrates: - Maintained law + order - Collected taxes within their district 2. Below the district were the villages: - Basic unit of Chinese gov. - Allowed to administer themselves through a council of elders - Maintained the local irrigation + transportation network - Judged disputes - Organized a militia - Assisted in collecting taxes

What led to the Tang decline?

1. Court scheming/ corruption 2. Prolonged drought 3. Internal rebellions 4. Northern nomadic "allies", called the Kirghiz, turned on Tang gov. and overthrew it

Why did the imperial court order the famous voyages of Zheng He, and why were they discontinued?

1. Debatable, however, some speculate it was out of the Emperor's simple curiosity and/ or desire for economic profit 2. Also debatable but speculated that discontinued by: (a) Yongle's decision to move the imperial capital from Nanjing in central China (where ships were built + voyages launched) back to Beijing where sea trade was NOT prominent but nomadic attacks were threatening the Empire (b) Conservatives wanted to recenter China's priorities toward agriculture and schooling (c) Tributary rulers with China along the South Seas no longer needed China's help and ended the "younger brother" relationship

What aspects of Tang dynasty led to its 8th century "golden age"

1. Empress Wu's ruthlessness toward rivals laid the groundwork for the "golden age" 2. Buddhism's cultural influence affected art, literature, religion, politics, and philosophy

Who was Marco Polo and what were his observations of modern-day Beijing?

1. He was an Italian merchant who traveled to Beijing, China, the capital of Yuan dynasty, in the 13th century and wrote about his voyage. Also served as an official at the court of Khubilai Khan 2. Was highly impressed by the developed architecture in Beijing

What were the chief initiatives taken by the early rulers of the Ming Dynasty to enhance the role of China in the world?

1. Implementing Confucian practices 2. Expanding Empire 3. Dividing vast Empire into provinces, districts, and counties 4. Strengthened Great Wall of China 5. Made peace with neighboring nomadic tribes 6. Formed tributary with Choson (Korean) Dynasty 7. Increased production of factories + workshops

Literature in Japan

1. Japanese had no writing system: - Initially adopted Chinese written language for writing (a) Later formed a hybrid with Chinese phonetic symbols to record the Japanese language 2. Poetry was common in Japan: - Based on traditional Japanese aesthetics (a) Zen Buddhism (b) Japanese language - Poet tried to convey a mood/ feeling (a) Usually melancholy (b) Often involves nature 3. In 14th century, Haiku was invented 4. During Heian period (794-1185), poetry was the initial means of communication between lovers - Aristocratic women were isolated behind screens from men outside family and communicated through poetry

Why were the Mongols able to amass an empire, and what were the main characteristics of their rule in China?

1. Led by powerful Genghis Khan who devoted his chieftain rule of Mongols to military pursuits: - First defeated peoples in the West and then the North - Mastered military tactics - Were strong, barbaric, tribal peoples who united many neighboring tribes under the Mongol Empire and killed anyone who refused to submit - Drought + overpopulation may have depleted the available pasture on the steppes - Khan's reliance on the organizational unit called "ordos" to create disciplined + highly effective military units 2. - Nomadic - Tribal - Pastoral peoples - Laws are based on various lineage + kinship (clans) - Live in yurts - Migrate wherever animals migrate (hunters/ gatherers) 1. Eat lots of meat - Live in steppes of Asia (grassy planes) 1. Vast, wide-open spaces - Live in extreme conditions 1. Freezing winters 2. Super-hot summers - Where fur - Keep the same Confucian system as other dynasties 1. Civil service exams

Why did China revert back to Confucianism in the early years of Tang Dynasty?

1. Many criticized Buddhism + Daoism as nothing but "silly relics" 2. Thousands of acres worth of monasteries that housed Buddhists were exempt from paying taxes: (a) Many monasteries + temples were destroyed (b) Many monks lost their homes 3. Spiritual Buddhist teachings contradicted the Confucian ideology of the state (a) Specifically, filial piety and hard work (b) incompatible with traditional Chinese family unit + work ethic

Art and Architecture in Japan

1. Nature themed: - Meant to invoke an emotional response from viewer - Suggested the frail beauty of nature - Faces rarely shown 2. Popular Art Forms: - Narrative hand scrolls - Screens - Sliding door panels - Fans - Lacquer decoration 3. Kamakura Period (1185-1333): - Hand scrolls that portrayed realism (a) Worry lines, stubble, crooked teeth, etc. (b) Depicted warrior class - Wooden statues of generals, nobles, and saints 4. Zen Influence: - Stress on simplicity/ self-discipline expressed through Japanese garden, the tea ceremony, flower arranging, pottery, miniature plant display, and ceramics

What 2 reasons were credited to have initiated technological advancements in antiquity?

1. Need: - People with irrigation issues, tended to make more advancements in irrigation - Seafarers knew more about navigation, etc. 2. Opportunity: - Chinese princess discovered silk when silkworm cocoon dropped into her tea - New tech is introduced from neighboring region through trade/ migration Note: Trade routes were significant aids in advancements, specifically, the Silk Road

What were the main achievements in Chinese literature and art in the period between the Tang and Ming Dynasties, and what technological innovations and intellectual developments contributed to these achievements?

1. Painting + sculpture influenced by India + Central Asia flourished Literature: - 2 major technological innovations: (1) Paper during Han Dynasty (2) Woodblock printing during Tang Dynasty - 2 Poets: Li Bo and Du Fu (Tang) Novels: - Popular theater and the novel: - Famous novel = "Tale of the Marshes" (a) Similar storyline to Robin Hood Poetry: - Some celebrated the beauty of nature, changes of seasons, and joys of friendship - Others expressed sadness, old age, and parting [Li Bo]: Free spirit whose writing centered on nature + shifted between revelry and melancholy [Du Fu]: Sober Confucian whose poems dealt with historical or ethical issues Art: - Inspired by Buddhism + Daoism - Buddhist wall paintings in Dunhuang caves in Central Asia (a) Style from India + Persia - Tang scroll paintings - Chinese painters retreated to mountains to find Dao in nature - Ceramics + Porcelain (a) Introduced right after Han and popular in Tang

What major changes in political structures and social and economic life occurred during the Sui, Tang, and Song Dynasties? To what degree do these changes compare with contemporary events in India and the Middle East?

1. Political changes, social, + economic changes: [Sui Dynasty]: Ditched Confucianism and adopted Daoism + Buddhism (a) Construction of the Grand Canal [Tang Dynasty]: Revived aspects of Confucianism: (a) Reunited China (b) Massive expansion (c) Silk road passed through Xinjiang (d) Fealty demanded by ruler [Song Dynasty]: (a) Period of economic expansion, prosperity, and cultural achievement (b) Due to inability to reconquer Chang'an after Tang fell, the new capital was established on the coast, south of Yangzi River Delta, at Hangzhou 2. (a) Shifted between philosophies + religions such as Confucianism and Daoism/ Buddhism more frequently than India + Middle East (b) Strong ruling (especially with Mongols) + philosophies unified tribes rather than religion (Ex: Islam) (c) More unstable than India + Middle East, considering there were 6 different dynasties in 1,000 years

Literature

2 major technological innovations: (1) Paper during Han Dynasty - Earliest book printed was Buddhist text in 868CE (2) Woodblock printing during Tang Dynasty

Daily Life

3rd century CE description: - Lords + peasants - Agricultural society on wet rice - Most lived in small villages - Laws that punished offenders - Local trade in markets - Gov. granaries stored grain that was paid as taxes - Peasants worked on aristocratic owned land - Peasants unable to pay grain tax, sunk to genin, a landless laborer who was virtually a slave (worked alongside the eta)

Tribute System

A Chinese hierarchy related to the Maritime Route: - Rulers of smaller countries were "younger brothers" to the Chinese emperor + owed fealty to him - For Foreign rulers to obtain legitimacy + access to Chinese market, they had to pay tribute and promise NOT to harbor enemies of Chinese Empire

Eta

A class of hereditary slaves: - Worked degrading jobs such as curing leather and burying the dead

Feudalism in Japan

A decentralized political order in which local lords (aristocrats) owed loyalty and provided military service to a king or more powerful lord

Wu Zhao (ca. 624-705 CE)

AKA Wu Zetian or "Empress Wu": - Was a concubine to Tang Taizong (a) Became chief consort to Emperor Gaozong after Tang's death in 649 CE (b) Long after Gaozong's death in 660, she won the role of Empress in 690 [Achievements]: - Cited a Buddhist sutra (collection of rules) to instill her legitimacy - Worked to reform the agricultural system - Undercut the power of aristocrats - Strengthened civil service system by selecting examination graduates for senior positions in gov. - Some scholars believe that her ruthlessness toward rivals laid the groundwork for the "golden age" of Tang China in 8th century (a) Under Empress Wu, Tang Dynasty achieved a "flowering of culture" - Tang Dynasty declined in early 10th century CE and for a short time, China returned to a divided state

Sui Dynasty (581-618 CE)

After 400 years of internal division, the Sui Dynasty arose in 581 CE: - Started by Yang Jian, AKA Sui Wendi, a member of a respected aristocratic family in northern China (a) Capital at Chang'an - Worked on administration, public works, and fended off invaders - Jian adopted Daoism and Buddhism as a state unifier: (a) Founded monasteries for both doctrines (b) Appointed Buddhist monks as political advisers - Jian constructed a new canal from Chang'an that joined the Wei and Yellow Rivers almost 100 miles east

Koryo Dynasty

After Silla collapsed, the Koryo arose in the north: - Introduced civil service exams in 958 CE - Still remained a bureaucracy dominated by aristocrats - Koryo stayed in power for 400 years - Noble families used similar system to that of European serfdom - Period of high achievement, especially in regards to Buddhism - At bottom of society class system were Chonmin (a) Slaves, artisans, + other special workers Note: Buddhist influence started out strong in Koryo dynasty, specifically in art, but soon Confucian themes began to dominate

The Maritime Route

After Tang declined, the Silk Road because dangerous, so traders preferred to ship goods by sea: - Compass + tech improvements in shipbuilding such as sternpost rudder aided in the success of sea trade 1. Chinese Junks (seaship) developed to have multiple sails and up to 2,000 tons in size

The Nara Period

After death of Shōtoku, power fell to Fujiwara clan: - Yamato ruler was still emperor but was influenced by Fujiwara (a) Established new capital at Nara in 710 (b) Used the title of "Son of Heaven" - Tang started referring to the islands as Japan ("Sun's origin"), instead of Wa ("dwarf country") - Japan's central government could not overcome the power of the aristocrats who were able to keep taxes from the lands for themselves (a) Government lost power and influence for not being able to gain tax revenues (b) Restricted civil service exams aided in preservation of aristocratic rule

Prehistoric Japan

Ancient historical legend written in 8th century CE explains the formation of Japanese Islands: - Marriage of the god Izangi and the goddess Izanami (a) First, gave birth to Japan (b) Second, birthed sun goddess, Amaterasu (c) Amaterasu's descendant later came down to Earth and founded the Japanese nation - In modern day, this legend still acts as an explanation for the divinity of the Japanese emperor who is supposedly a descendent to Amaterasu Archaeological explanation of formation: - Japan occupied by humans for 100,000 years (a) Earliest known neolithic humans were called Jomon from 8,000 BCE (b) Lived by hunting, fishing, and food gathering Agriculture: - Some archaeologists think that Jomon people practiced agriculture, however, more popular believe is that it was introduced by immigrants through Korean Peninsula around 800 CE Yayoi Culture: - A product of Jomon people and immigrants near Tokyo (a) Ancestors of vast majority of modern-day Japanese - First lived on southern island of Kyushu - Migrated north to the mainland of Honshu - Finally settled in Yamato Plain (a) Legend about Jimmu confirms this - Established uji - Population divided between aristocrats + common people - Highly decentralized (a) Man who claimed to be descendant of Amaterasu formed a titular primacy but nothing compared to Shang + Zhou Dynasties

Onin War (1467-1477)

Civil conflict that led to destruction of Kyoto and Shogunate system: - Japan fell into a decentralized era of warring states (similar to Zhou Dynasty)

Trade and Manufacturing in Japan

During Kamakura period, foreign trade + manufacturing became popular as paper, iron casting, and porcelain emerged: - Japan traded with China + Korea (a) Japanese were aggressive with their trade so China/ Korea had to limit the # of Japanese trading visits - Manufacturing + commerce flourished during decentralized period of Ashikaga Shogunate when states were warring (a) Trade + manufacturing were under Daimyo control during warring period

The Expansion of Commerce

During Song Dynasty: - Guilds (type of merchant) + new money economy began to appear - Beginning in 8th-9th century, paper currency was used (a) Banking + credit developed - Abacus, an early form of calculator, was invented

The Growing Economy of Medieval China

During the long period between the Sui + Song, the Chinese economy grew a lot in size + complexity: - Commerce + manufacturing began to occupy a larger % of country's national product - New social classes arose - Urban sector increased in importance - Empire's economic focus shifted from Yellow River Valley in north to Yangzi River Valley in center (a) Encouraged by expansion of cultivation in the Yangzi Delta + increased control over north by nomadic peoples during Song

Land Reform

Economic revival began shortly after the rise of the Tang: - Empress Wu established well-field system but aristocrats learned how to cheat the system and gain copious amounts of land - Gov. returned to privately owned land system to prevent inequality (a) Land issue was NOT resolved, which aided in the fall of the Tang Dynasty Song Land Reforms: - Returned back to successful programs of early Tang that reduced aristocratic power - Opened new lands in Yangzi River Valley - Technological improvements such as chain pump - Introduced a quick-growing rice from Southeast Asia that allowed 2 crops to be harvested each year - Wang Anshi, a reformist, established several reforms that partially improved land issues Note: Rice became the main food crop of China during Song Dynasty

The Mongol Empire

Emerged in 13th century: - In late 12th century, Mongols were obscure pastoral peoples in modern Outer Mongolia - Organized loosely into clans/ tribes + lacked a common name 1. Rivalry between clans/tribes was intense and prominent in 12th century as population grew - Capital city at Karakorum in Outer-Mongolia - In early 12th century, Temuchin (AKA Genghis Khan) became the great Mongol chieftain by unifying the Mongol tribes through his prowess + powerful personality 1. In 1206, elected Genghis Khan ("universal ruler") at tribal meeting in Gobi desert 2. Khan later devoted himself to military pursuits Progression of Mongol Empire: 1. First, conquered the majority of West Asia 2. Semi-nomadic Chinese kingdoms in northern China 3. Genghis Khan died in 1227 4. In 1258, attacked Persia + defeated the Abbasids at Baghdad 5. In 1279, defeated the Song Navy in the West 6. After Khan's death, the Empire was distributed into several Khanates among his heirs (see next flashcard) Note: After Khan's death, Mongols people's behavior adapted from pastoral, nomadic peoples to more like their conquered areas - Mongol aristocrats entered administrative positions

The Ming Dynasty (1369-1644)

Empire that succeeded Mongol Empire: - Highly successful - Lasted 275 years - Extended its rule into Mongolia + Central Asia - Emperor Yongle strengthened the Great Wall + made peace with the nomadic tribespeople who had troubled China in the past - Formed tributary relationship with Choson Dynasty (Korea) - Used Confucian institutions to rule vast empire: (a) 6 ministries in bureaucracy (b) Civil service exams (c) Division of Empire into districts, provinces, + counties - Factories + workshops increased production of manufactured goods - Population x2 - New crops introduced + expanded Empire's crop output

Zhu Yuanzhang

Established the Ming Empire (1369-1644) right after the Mongol Empire fell: - Son of a poor peasant in the lower Yangzhi Valley - Became an orphan after famine killed his family - Started a band of bandits - Finished off Yuan Empire and established Ming

Zheng He

Eunuch admiral: - In 1405, Emperor Yongle sent an impressive fleet of Chinese trading ships, led by Zheng, through the Strait of Malacca and out into the Indian Ocean (a) Was successful - After six similar voyages were launched, China became a direct participant in the vast trade network spread as far as the Atlantic Ocean

Daimyo

Heads of great noble families: - Controlled vast land estates that owed no taxes in Kyoto - Relied on Samurai for protection

The Rise of Great Viet

In 939, after the Tang Dynasty collapsed, the Vietnamese overthrew Chinese rule and established Dai Viet (Great Viet): - Became a dynamic force in Southeast Asia (a) Grew active in commercial expansion in the region - Vietnam + Champa were in constant conflict until the 15th century CE when Champa was defeated (a) Vietnam expanded its rule south - Vietnamese were in frequent battle with Chinese empires (Yuan + Ming) and finally evicted Chinese rule in 1428

What aspect of Buddhism + Daoism appealed to those who rejected Confucianism?

Its more emotional and spiritual satisfaction

Korea: Bridge to the East

Korean Peninsula: - First settled were Altaic-speaking, fishing/ hunting peoples from neighboring Manchuria - Only 1/5 of Peninsula is adaptable to cultivation (a) Farming not practiced until 2000 BCE - First organized kingdom was Koguryo (37BCE-668CE) - Speculated that in 3,000 BCE, another kingdom, Gojeseon, had formed on Peninsula by Chieftain called Dangun - Korean Peninsula fell under Han Dynasty rule for a period - When the Dynasty fell in 3rd century CE, the power shifted to local tribal leaders (a) Korea continued to absorb Chinese influence (b) 3 new kingdoms arose, Koguryo (north), Paekche (southwest), and Silla (southeast)

The Chinese Novel

Popular theater and the novel - Famous novel = "Tale of the Marshes" (a) Similar storyline to Robin Hood

Kamakura Shogunate and After

Powerful noble from a warrior clan called Minamoto Yoritomo began centralizing government after wars between noble families: - Defeated several rivals + based power on the Kamakura Peninsula, south of Tokyo - Created a centralized gov., Bakufu, (AKA "Tent government") - Bakufu led by a powerful military general called Shogun (a) Shogun tried to increase power of central gov. + reduce power of rival aristocratic clans

What was a scholar-gentry?

Primary upholders of Confucianism: - They prized education - Trained people to take the public service exam to take leadership roles

Neo-Confucianism

Revised form of Confucianism: - Combined the metaphysical speculations of Buddhism/ Daoism with practical Confucian outlook on society (a) Preached that the world is real, not an illusion, and fulfillment comes from participation, not withdrawal (b) Primary contributor was Zhu Xi

Taika Reforms

Taika means "great change": - Began in mid 7th century CE - Established Grand Council of State to preside over cabinet of 8 ministries (a) Added central secretariat + imperial household to China's 6 ministries - Divided Japanese islands into administrative districts - Rural village = basic unit of government (a) Each village mostly responsible for themselves - Law code + new tax system introduced (a) Land taxes paid directly to gov. rather than through nobility - Buddhism began to infiltrate Japan in 7th century - Civil service exams were restricted to noble birth

Shoen

Tax exempted farmland in Japan

An Increase in Manufacturing

Technological advancements in Tang + Song dynasties significantly increased trade + manufacturing: 1. Tang advancements: - Mixed cast iron and wrought iron - Blast furnaces heated to a high temp. by burning coal (a) To create swords, sickles, and armor - Introduction of cotton from southern Asia - Invention of gunpowder in late 9th century

What aspect of the Tang Dynasty reunited China after the internal division?

The revival of many Confucian principles/ practices: (a) Centralized power at court (b) Weakened the power of the aristocrats

Sui Yangdi

The son of Yang Jian, who was successor after his father: - Completed his father's work on the Grand Canal: (a) The 1,400 mile Canal now linked the Yellow + Yangzi Rivers (b) Facilitated the shipment of grain from the rice-rich southern provinces to the densely populated north (c) Served as an imperial highway for dispatching troops to troubled provinces - Sui was a tyrannical leader and spent a lot of money on military (a) In 618, angry citizens murdered him in his palace (b) Dynasty fell immediately after Sui's death Note: Li Yuan, 1 of Sui's generals, founded the Tang dynasty soon after

What was the purpose of samurai's in Japan?

To protect the security and property of the aristocrats: - Expected to remain loyal to their lord - Fought on horseback - Lived by Bushido, a strict warrior code - Became a major force + almost a surrogate gov. in Japanese countryside - Similar to European knights

(T/F) After the Han Dynasty collapsed in 3rd century CE, China fell into an extended period of division + war and was deemed the "era of the six dynasties"

True

(T/F) Japanese were skilled at borrowing selective aspects of neighboring cultures without destroying their own native cultural elements

True

(T/F) Nepotism (bias) was a particular problem in medieval China because many Chinese believed that filial duty (respect towards family) transcended loyalty to the community

True

(T/F) Since Yayoi, Japan has been an agrarian society based on the cultivation of wet rice

True

(T/F) Japanese tea ceremonies represent the fusion of Zen and aesthetics

True; According a Japanese adage, "Tea and Zen have the same flavor"

The Silk Road in Medieval China

Under Tang Dynasty: - Long distance trade dramatically expanded - Silk Road declined when Han + Roman Empires fell (a) With help from Arab unification, Tang revived trade routes - Silk Road was at its peak during Tang (a) Chinese military forts along the edge of Taklimakan Desert to the border of Central Asia - Most trade was carried by Turkic-speaking Uighurs or Iranian-speaking Sogdians from Central Asia - Highly demanded silk became currency - Chang'an (capital of Sui Dynasty) considered to be the wealthiest city in the world during the Tang era Note: Silk Road had several routes that died out and were replaced (pg.248)

The Chinese Legacy in Vietnam

Vietnamese adopted many Chinese practices to govern state: - Mandate of heaven - Confucian model - Formed an empire but the emperor called himself "king" - Civil Service Exams - Merit system - Six Ministries, censorate, + various levels of provincial and local administration - Spread of Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucianist ideas (a) All 3 flourished in Vietnam (b) Upper-class used Confucian classics (c) Daoism + Buddhism was practiced by everyone and encouraged animistic beliefs - Adopted Chinese art (a) Poetry, architecture, porcelain, and sculpture

The Rise of Japanese State

When Tang Dynasty threatened Japan, Japanese reacted 2 ways: (1) Japan sought alliance with Korean states (2) Attempted to centralize their authority - Shotoku Taishi (572-622), a leading aristocrat in Yamato region sent missions to Tang capital of Chang'an to learn about already centralized political tactics (a) Japan established a centralized gov. under supreme ruler + merit system

Civil Service Examination in China

[Grand Council]: At the apex of the gov. hierarchy - Was assisted by a secretariat and a chancellery - Included representatives from all 3 authorities (civil, military, and censorate) [Department of State Affairs]: Beneath the Grand Council on hierarchy - Composed of ministries responsible for justice, military affairs, personnel, public works, revenue, and rites Tang Dynasty elected officials using civil service examinations: - System was sort of effective, however, limited - Dominated by aristocrats, so it remained in place for a while (a) To reduce the power of noble families, relatives of individuals in imperial court could NOT take the exams Revised Exams: - Under the Song, the exams evolved into the form of later centuries - Impressive achievement that provided a more efficient gov. + cultural uniformity that was lacking - 3 levels of exams - Exams initially consisted of Daoist/ Buddhist questions but shifted to entirely Confucian principles (a) Because of extensive memorization, only those with access to family-run schools could pass exams (Exam 1): Annual qualifying exams given at the provincial capital (Exam 2): Given at capital every 3 years and for candidates who desired a higher position than the local level (Exam 3): Those who passed exam 2 could apply for an official position after taking a 3rd test administered every 3 years

Uji

a clan in early Japanese tribal society: - Each uji ruled by hereditary chieftain who provided protection to the local population in return for proportional annual harvest