Ming Dynasty Overview and Zheng He

The Song Dynasty was a Chinese dynasty that followed the Tang Dynasty. It had its capital at Kaifeng, located in the Huange He valley. The Song Dynasty joined forces with the Jin Dynasty to fight off nomadic invaders, but were ultimately betrayed and forced to move south. They subsequently established their new capital at Hangzhou.

The Song Dynasty was known for its emphasis on commerce and culture, rather than territorial expansion. It experienced a significant economic boom due to factors such as increased silk production, iron and steel foundries, and the introduction of a new strain of high-yield rice. This economic prosperity was further enhanced by the use of paper money.

A period of peace and stability during the Song Dynasty that resulted in economic prosperity. This period was characterized by the Song Dynasty's focus on trade and cultural development rather than military expansion. It allowed for the flourishing of Chinese commerce, leading to a boom in trade and economic activity.

A revival of Confucianism that emphasized ethics and moral values. It arose in response to the influence of Buddhism and Daoism during the Song Dynasty. This philosophical movement focused on self-cultivation, ethical behavior, and social harmony, promoting the importance of family, education, and service to the state. It played a significant role in shaping Chinese society and intellectual life during this period.

The Mongols are famous for their military conquests under the leadership of Genghis Khan. They formed Khanates, or independent, self-governing regions, each ruled by one of his sons. The Mongols were led by a

The Yuan Dynasty was established by Kublai Khan, the grandson of Ghengis Khan. Under Mongol rule, Chinese society was structured into rigid social classes. The Mongols held the highest position, followed by the Semu, who were non-Chinese people, followed by native northern Chinese, and lastly those from southern China.

A period of peace and relative stability throughout Eurasia during the Mongol Empire, which facilitated trade and cultural exchange between different regions. Traveling became safer due to the enforcement of laws and the suppression of banditry along trade routes. This resulted in increased trade and cultural exchange throughout the expanse of the Mongol Empire, allowing for the spread of ideas and goods along the Silk Road.

The Ming Dynasty was established after the overthrow of the Mongols by the Red Turban Army, led by the peasant Hongwu Emperor. They overthrew the Yuan Dynasty in 1368, Hongwu Emperor, known for his authoritarian rule, strongly promoted agriculture and fought corruption. He significantly reduced the role of officials and eunuchs, established a secret police force to eliminate opposition, and moved the capital back to Nanjing.

A period in Japanese history (1603-1868) when the Tokugawa Shogunate ruled, known for its isolationist policies and rigid social structure.

The military government of Japan led by the Tokugawa family, which ruled from 1603 to 1868. It unified Japan, established strict social hierarchy, and implemented isolationist policies.

A system of rule in Japan during the Tokugawa Shogunate, where the Emperor was a figurehead, the Shogun held real power, and Daimyo were local lords.

Powerful local lords in Japan, similar to European medieval lords, who were responsible for their own territories and supported samurai warriors.

Warriors in Japan who served Daimyo, similar to European knights, and were known for their skills in swordsmanship and warfare.

The policy of the Tokugawa Shogunate to limit contact with foreign countries, banning most trade and cultural exchange to protect Japanese traditions and culture.

The spread and acceptance of Christianity in Japan during the 16th century, which faced opposition from the shogunate and was ultimately outlawed.

The Tokugawa Shogunate's deliberate ban on Christianity in Japan, which involved persecution and martyrdom of believers.

The Tokugawa shogunate, led by the Tokugawa family, gained power through a series of battles and political maneuvering, eventually unifying Japan under their rule.

The Tokugawa shoguns implemented a system where powerful local lords, called Daimyo, were required to spend alternate years at Edo (present-day Tokyo), keeping them occupied and preventing them from mobilizing against the shogun.

The Ming Dynasty emperors, like Hongwu, projected Chinese power through grand expeditions led by Zheng He, who explored and established trade relations with other countries.

The shoguns limited relations with the outside world to protect Japanese culture and prevent foreign influence. They banned most foreign trade and contact, except for limited interactions with the Dutch through the port of Dejima.

Neo-Confucianism emerged during the Ming Dynasty, emphasizing ethical behavior and social harmony. It became dominant, influencing Chinese society and intellectual thought, and played a vital role in shaping Chinese values and societal structure.

The Forbidden City, located in Beijing, was the imperial palace complex of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It served as the home of emperors and their families, and housed government offices and royal buildings. It represented the power and grandeur of the Chinese imperial court.

Zheng-He, a Chinese Muslim admiral, led seven massive treasure voyages during the early Ming dynasty. These expeditions explored regions in Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East, showcasing Chinese power and establishing trade relations with other countries.

Scholar-bureaucrats were highly educated civil servants who held key positions in government during the Ming and Qing dynasties. They were chosen through rigorous exams based on Confucian teachings, emphasizing knowledge and ethical values.

The Bakufu System, during the Tokugawa Shogunate in Japan, created a hierarchical structure, with the Emperor as a figurehead, the Shogun holding true power, and the Daimyo as powerful local lords.

Tokugawa Ieyasu, a powerful warlord, unified Japan and established the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603. His rule marked a period of peace and stability, known as the Edo Period, during which Japan pursued isolationist policies.