Ming Dynasty Overview and Centralization

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Questions and Answers

What was a primary characteristic of the Inca civilization's approach to agriculture?

Private land ownership was common

Agriculture was controlled by the state (correct)

Utilization of advanced irrigation techniques

Decentralized farming methods

Which of the following statements accurately distinguishes the Inca from the Aztecs?

The Inca developed a complex writing system.

The Inca focused on military conquest through superior technology.

The Aztecs had a separate merchant class, while the Inca did not. (correct)

The Aztecs incorporated other ethnic groups into their empire peacefully.

What key factor contributed to the decline of the Aztec Empire in the 1520s?

The arrival of the Spanish and their superior technology (correct)

Inability to adapt to new agricultural techniques

A unified resistance from all native tribes

Increased trade with neighboring civilizations

Which statement best describes the social structure of the Inca civilization?

They transformed from clans into a strict hierarchy. Signup and view all the answers

How did Cahokia’s societal organization differ from that of the Aztecs and Incas?

Cahokia was a confederation of independent chiefdoms. Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the Spanish conquests for the indigenous populations of the Americas?

A significant decline in population due to disease Signup and view all the answers

Which factor primarily contributed to the impressive agricultural output of the Incas?

State-controlled agricultural practices and innovations Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable feature of the political and trade dynamics in Cahokia?

It had a network of trade that supported its large population. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key factor in the growth of the trafficking commercial center by the 14th century?

Establishment of large mosques Signup and view all the answers

How did wind patterns affect trade in East Africa?

They facilitated ships reaching the east coast. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant aspect of the slave trade in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Slaves were seen as valuable commodities, like gold. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the Chimor Empire's economy?

Heavy engagement in trade and agriculture. Signup and view all the answers

Which method did the Incas use to consolidate their empire?

Establishing a tribute system for labor. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Zanj slave rebellion in the 9th century CE?

It highlighted the harsh conditions of slavery. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary agricultural technique used by the Andean civilizations to support their economy?

Use of complex irrigation systems. Signup and view all the answers

What major city was associated with the Chimor Empire?

Chan Chan Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a characteristic of the Inca imperial rule?

Use of written language for administration. Signup and view all the answers

What was a distinguishing feature of the economic systems in the Americas before European contact?

Complete isolation from global trade. Signup and view all the answers

What was Viracocha known as in Inca culture?

Creator/Sun God Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary agricultural product cultivated by the Inca Empire?

Potatoes Signup and view all the answers

Which event significantly aided the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire?

The civil war among Incas Signup and view all the answers

What form of tribute system did the Toltecs use?

Labor-based tribute system Signup and view all the answers

The Aztecs established their capital, Tenochtitlan, on which geographic feature?

An island in a lake Signup and view all the answers

What was one manner in which Aztec society maintained social order?

Having distinct social classes Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary role of women in Inca society?

Household caregivers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characterizes the belief system of the Aztecs?

Polytheism with various deities Signup and view all the answers

What system did the Incas use to manage their conquered subjects?

The Mita system Signup and view all the answers

What notable aspect did the Toltecs contribute to later Mesoamerican civilizations?

Military dominance Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the diseases introduced by Europeans to the Inca population?

Dramatic population decline Signup and view all the answers

What motivated Aztec warfare and conquests primarily?

Religious devotion and the need for sacrifices Signup and view all the answers

How did the Inca Empire manage its vast bureaucracy?

Via a professional army and organized peasants Signup and view all the answers

What was an important architectural achievement of the Incas?

Monumental Architecture using Steep Slopes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ming Dynasty

Mongols and the Black Death led to the Ming Dynasty's emergence.
The Mongol Yuan rulers faced chaos and dissent.
White Lotus Society and Red Turban movements opposed Mongol rule.
Zhu Yuanzhang established the Ming Dynasty in 1368 (14th century).
He aimed for a unified China, integrating diverse groups.
Emperor Hongwu (Zhu Yuanzhang) ruled.

Centralization

Strong central government was a challenge to rebuild.
Restoration of respect for rulers was a priority.
Reconstruction of the bureaucracy, damaged by Mongol rule, took time.
Emperor Hongwu's marriages to a Red Turban rival (Empress Ma) aimed to unify groups.
Empress Ma became a more conciliatory figure, but the regime was still authoritarian.
Emperor Yongle (Hongwu's son) built a grand capital in Beijing, arguably driven by enforced labor.

Bureaucracy

Favoritism (appointing kinsmen) was initially practiced, but later shifted to merit-based civil service exams.
Imperial Bureaucrats oversaw administrative tasks, manufacturing, and Confucian ideology.
The Confucian civil service exam system was reestablished.
Reforestation and irrigation projects promoted local village networks.
Bureaucratic hierarchy ensured accountability to the emperor.
The Ming government relied on local leaders in cities and rural areas for agriculture and control.
Ruthless tactics (massacre) were used to enforce obedience and maintain control.

Ming Rulership

Ming stability contrasted with frequent warfare in Europe.
Building relationships with village chiefs facilitated empire management.
The Ming had significant influence (10,000-15,000 officials governing 200 million).
Mongol violence/brutality contributed to Hongwu's actions.

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Description

Explore the emergence and centralization of the Ming Dynasty, established by Zhu Yuanzhang after the fall of the Mongols. This quiz delves into the efforts to rebuild a strong central government, the challenges faced in restoring respect for rulers, and the evolution of bureaucracy during a pivotal era in Chinese history.