Song and Tang Dynasties Quiz

Indian Subcontinent Key Terms

• Subcontinent: A large landmass smaller than a continent
• Mount Everest: Highest mountain in the world, located in India and Nepal
• Ganges River: Major river in northern India
• Delta: Landform at the mouth of a river, formed by sediment deposits
• Indus River: Major river in Pakistan
• Monsoons: Seasonal winds, bringing either dry or moist air
• Delhi: Capital city of the Mughal Empire in northern India
• Colony: Territory controlled by a foreign power
• Partition: Division
• Hinduism: Main religion of India, teaching everything is part of a universal spirit (Brahmin)
• Buddhism: Religion based on Buddha's teachings, originating in India
• Jainism: Indian religion based on Mahavira's teachings, stressing all life is sacred
• Sikhism: Indian religion emphasizing equality, belief in one God, service to humanity, and honest labor

Indian Subcontinent Assessment

• Hindu Kush Mountains: Affected Indian history by slowing/making expensive movement of people and goods, and creating barriers for invaders. Allowing entry for thousands of years.
• Winter Monsoons: Affect India by bringing dry air, cold air, heavy rains, or heavy snowfall.
• Gupta Empire Decline: A series of destructive floods potentially contributed to the Gupta Empire's decline but other factors could also be present.
• East India Company Control: The East India Company controlled India through various methods that included: forcing farmers to provide crops, allowing local leaders to govern, forcing labor in factories, or military force.
• Partition of India: The British government agreed to the partition of India mainly to avoid a larger conflict (civil war), and not to reward allies or establish a Hindu homeland.
• Similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism: Both religions share beliefs in reincarnation and a desire to end personal suffering, however, the idea of social equality might not be universally agreed.
• Present-day India: Most live in villages. Large cities are present, there are modern industries, and although there might be some access to education in many cases it is not universal.
• Harmful Effects of Industrial Expansion: India's industrial expansion has had negative consequences linked with increased air pollution, high unemployment rates, and lower agricultural production.
• Comparison between Bangladesh and Bhutan: The ethnicity of people is a possible element for comparison, with most people in Bangladesh being Muslims and people in Bhutan being Buddhists possibly.

Early Civilizations of China Key Terms

• Chang Jiang (Yangzi River): Major river in China
• Huang He (Yellow River): Major river in northern China
• Mandate of Heaven: Belief that heavenly power chose the Chinese rulers
• Xian: Capital city of China during the Qin dynasty
• Great Wall: A barrier built to protect northern China
• Sundial: Device that uses shadows to tell time
• Seismograph: Measures earthquake strength
• Acupuncture: Practice of inserting needles to cure diseases
• Silk Road: Network of trade routes across Asia, connecting China
• Grand Canal: Canal connecting northern and southern China
• Sui Dynasty: Dynasty during which the Grand Canal was built
• Kaifeng: Capital of China under the Song Dynasty
• Porcelain: Beautiful type of pottery
• Woodblock Printing: Form of printing using carved blocks
• Gunpowder: Mixture of powders used for weapons
• Compass: Tool utilizing Earth's magnetic field to indicate direction
• Bureaucracy: Body of unelected government officials
• Civil Service: Body of people working for the government
• Scholar-Official: Educated member of the Chinese government
• Beijing: Capital of China
• Forbidden City: Palace complex built by Ming emperors of China
• Isolationism: Policy of avoiding contact with other countries

Early Civilizations of China Assessment

• Chinese Civilization Origin: Chinese civilization began along the Huang He (Yellow River) due to the fertile land and favorable conditions for agriculture, particularly for growing cereal crops.
• Shi Huangdi's Changes: Shi Huangdi's main contribution was consolidating power and establishing a unified China.
• Han Dynasty's Impacts: The Han dynasty changed Chinese society by establishing a system of meritocracy to select officials by testing, and building a complex road system.
• Silk Road Impacts: The Silk Road facilitated the spread of various aspects of Chinese culture, impacting other cultures as well. Including the introduction of jade, papermaking, new religions, and even new forms of writing.
• Tang Dynasty Uniqueness: The Tang dynasty was unique for its presence of a female ruler and major advances in science and transportation.
• Song Dynasty Trade Changes: The Song dynasty saw a shift towards increased trade, with China beginning to export silver and welcome traders from other regions.
• Song Dynasty Improvements: The Song dynasty refined existing technologies, like creating an advanced version of the compass and developing gunpowder.
• Confucianism Changes: Confucianism evolved throughout the Song dynasty, becoming associated with the government rather than a spiritual matter.
• Civil Service Selection: Becoming a member of the Chinese civil service began to involve passing written examinations and demonstrating expertise.
• Mongol Rule Impacts: Mongol rule affected China in various ways, resulting in decreased trade with Europe, major changes to the civil service exam system, and improvements to transportation systems.
• Zheng He's Voyages Impact: Zheng He's voyages resulted in new explorations of lands, new trade routes, and increased recognition of China as a major power.
• Censor's role in Ming Dynasty: Censors in the Ming dynasty played a vital role in ensuring that the government was functioning properly and preventing widespread corruption. They assisted Ming emperors by advising on policies, identifying corruption, and suggesting improvements to governance. They also created questions for the necessary civil service exams.