History Unit 2 Study Guide PDF

Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism, Confucius, ren, filial piety (xiao), Laozi, Zhuangzi, Dao; Sui Dynasty, Grand Canal, Tang Dynasty, Taizong, Empress Wu Zhao, An Lushan rebellion, Uighurs, Pure Land, Chan; Song Dynasty, "flying cash," scholar-official class, examination system, neo-Confucianism; Nam V...

Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism, Confucius, ren, filial piety (xiao), Laozi, Zhuangzi, Dao; Sui Dynasty, Grand Canal, Tang Dynasty, Taizong, Empress Wu Zhao, An Lushan rebellion, Uighurs, Pure Land, Chan; Song Dynasty, "flying cash," scholar-official class, examination system, neo-Confucianism; Nam Viet, Silla Dynasty, Nara, Shinto; Heian, The Tale of Genji, shogun, Bushido, Kamakura, Muromachi, samurai; foot-binding. +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Confucianism | Confucianism is a philosophical | | | and ethical system based on the | | (Same for confucius) | teachings of Confucius, who lived | | | from 551 BCE to 479 BCE. It | | | emphasizes moral values, social | | | harmony, and respect for | | | hierarchy and family. Originating | | | in China, it has influenced | | | Chinese society and culture for | | | over two millennia and continues | | | to do so in modern times, | | | spreading to other East Asian | | | countries such as Korea, Japan, | | | and Vietnam. Historically | | | significant, Confucianism shaped | | | Chinese social structures, | | | government policies, and | | | educational systems, advocating | | | for moral integrity, filial piety | | | (xiao), and the ruler's role in | | | ensuring social harmony. Various | | | Chinese dynasties adopted | | | Confucian principles to maintain | | | social order and governance, and | | | its influence extended beyond | | | China, impacting societal norms | | | and government practices in other | | | East Asian cultures. | | | | | | Ren: A Confucian concept meaning | | | \"benevolence\" or | | | \"humaneness,\" central to | | | Confucian ethics and the ideal | | | behavior in relationships. | +===================================+===================================+ | Daoism | Daoism is a philosophical and | | | religious tradition that | | (Same for Laozi) | emphasizes living in harmony with | | | the Dao (or Tao), which means | | | \"the Way.\" It teaches | | | simplicity, spontaneity, and | | | non-interference with the natural | | | order of things. Laozi, | | | traditionally considered the | | | founder of Daoism, lived during | | | the 6th century BCE, though some | | | historians debate the exact time. | | | This tradition primarily | | | developed in China and has | | | influenced various East Asian | | | cultures. Daoism offers a | | | counterbalance to the more rigid | | | and hierarchical Confucianism. It | | | focuses on the individual's | | | relationship with nature and the | | | universe, promoting a more | | | flexible and adaptive approach to | | | life. | | | | | | Zhuangzi: An influential Daoist | | | philosopher known for his | | | writings, which emphasize the | | | relativity of human concepts and | | | the importance of spontaneity. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Legalism | Legalism is a Chinese philosophy | | | that emphasizes strict adherence | | | to law and order, advocating for | | | a strong central authority to | | | maintain control over the | | | populace. Founded by Han Feizi | | | during the Warring States period, | | | around the 3rd century BCE, | | | Legalism played a crucial role in | | | shaping the political landscape | | | of ancient China. | | | | | | Legalism\'s historical | | | significance lies in its impact | | | on the Qin Dynasty, particularly | | | under the rule of Qin Shi Huang. | | | The Legalist approach to | | | governance helped the Qin Dynasty | | | unify China through rigorous | | | laws, centralized power, and | | | harsh punishments. Although | | | effective in achieving short-term | | | stability and unification, its | | | oppressive nature led to | | | widespread dissatisfaction and | | | rebellion, contributing to the | | | eventual fall of the Qin Dynasty. | | | Legalism\'s legacy is a reminder | | | of the delicate balance between | | | authority and freedom, and its | | | principles continue to be studied | | | in the context of governance and | | | political philosophy | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Sui Dynasty | The Sui Dynasty (581-618 CE) was | | | a short-lived but highly | | | significant Chinese dynasty that | | | played a crucial role in | | | reunifying China after nearly | | | four centuries of fragmentation | | | during the Northern and Southern | | | Dynasties period. Established by | | | Emperor Wen of Sui, who | | | successfully unified China, the | | | Sui Dynasty lasted from 581 to | | | 618 CE. Based in China with its | | | capital initially at Chang\'an | | | (modern-day Xi\'an) and later at | | | Luoyang, the Sui Dynasty is known | | | for major accomplishments, | | | including the construction of the | | | Grand Canal, which connected the | | | Yellow River and the Yangtze | | | River, facilitating trade and | | | transportation across the empire. | | | The Sui also implemented | | | significant administrative | | | reforms and promoted the spread | | | of Buddhism, laying the | | | groundwork for the subsequent | | | Tang Dynasty, which is often | | | considered a golden age in | | | Chinese history. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Tang Dynasty | The Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) was | | | one of the most prosperous and | | | influential periods in Chinese | | | history, often regarded as a | | | golden age of culture, arts, and | | | political stability. It succeeded | | | the Sui Dynasty and was centered | | | in China, with its capital at | | | Chang\'an (modern-day Xi\'an), | | | one of the largest and most | | | cosmopolitan cities of its time. | | | The Tang Dynasty is celebrated | | | for its cultural renaissance, | | | advancements in poetry, painting, | | | and calligraphy, and the | | | flourishing of Buddhism. It | | | established a robust bureaucratic | | | system and expanded China's | | | influence through military | | | conquests and trade along the | | | Silk Road. Emperors like Taizong | | | and Empress Wu Zhao played | | | pivotal roles in shaping the | | | dynasty's legacy. The Tang | | | Dynasty\'s accomplishments in | | | governance, culture, and | | | international relations set a | | | high standard for subsequent | | | Chinese dynasties and left a | | | lasting impact on East Asian | | | history. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Empress Wu Zhao | Empress Wu Zhao, also known as Wu | | | Zetian, was the first and only | | | female emperor of China, ruling | | | from 690 to 705 CE during the | | | Tang Dynasty. Born in 624 CE, she | | | rose from humble beginnings as a | | | concubine to become one of the | | | most effective and controversial | | | monarchs in Chinese history. She | | | declared herself the \"Holy and | | | Divine Emperor\" of the Second | | | Zhou Dynasty, ruling for fifteen | | | years with exceptional | | | intelligence, political acumen, | | | and ambition. Empress Wu Zhao | | | implemented significant reforms, | | | promoted merit-based governance, | | | and supported the arts and | | | education.Her reign left a | | | lasting impact on Chinese | | | history, challenging traditional | | | gender roles and demonstrating | | | the potential for female | | | leadership in a male-dominated | | | society. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Song Dynasty | The Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE) | | | was a crucial period in Chinese | | | history marked by significant | | | developments in technology, | | | culture, and governance. It | | | followed the Tang Dynasty and was | | | divided into two distinct | | | periods: the Northern Song | | | (960-1127 CE) and the Southern | | | Song (1127-1279 CE). With its | | | capital first in Kaifeng and | | | later in Hangzhou, the Song | | | Dynasty is celebrated for its | | | advancements in areas such as | | | printing, gunpowder, and the | | | compass. The period saw the rise | | | of the scholar-official class | | | through the examination system, | | | promoting merit-based governance. | | | Culturally, the Song Dynasty was | | | a time of flourishing arts, with | | | notable achievements in poetry, | | | painting, and philosophy, | | | including the development of | | | Neo-Confucianism. The Song | | | Dynasty laid the groundwork for | | | many aspects of modern Chinese | | | culture and its legacy of | | | innovation and cultural | | | prosperity remains influential. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Scholar Official Class | The scholar-official class was a | | | prominent and influential social | | | group in ancient China, | | | particularly during the Song | | | Dynasty (960-1279 CE). These | | | educated civil servants achieved | | | their positions through the | | | rigorous imperial examination | | | system, which was based on merit | | | rather than birthright. Serving | | | throughout China, especially in | | | the imperial court and provincial | | | governments, they were known for | | | their intellectual prowess and | | | adherence to Confucian values. | | | This class was crucial in | | | maintaining the administrative | | | structure of the Chinese state, | | | promoting Confucianism, and | | | ensuring governance was based on | | | ethical principles and | | | intellectual competence. Their | | | influence extended to shaping | | | Chinese culture, literature, and | | | philosophy, leaving a lasting | | | legacy on the structure and | | | values of Chinese society. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Neo Confucianism | Neo Confucianism is a revival | | | movement which began in the | | | eleventh century, characterized | | | by the goal of attaining the | | | wisdom of the sages, not exam | | | success. Although invented in the | | | 11th century, it was not fully | | | accepted and developed by China | | | until Zhu Xi, who was extremely | | | literary advanced. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Shogun | Shoguns was the leader of the | | | shogunate, which was how Japan | | | ruled between (1200-1300). The | | | shogunate was a hereditary | | | military dictatorship, meaning | | | that the military controlled | | | through families, which was | | | paramount to how the country ran. | | | Legally the shogun answered to | | | the Emperor, but through time the | | | position became more of a | | | figurehead than an actual ruler. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | An Lushan's Rebellion | An Lushan's Rebellion was a civil | | | war in China during the midpoint | | | of the Tang Dynasty. It began as | | | an attempt to overthrow the Tang | | | and replace it with the Yan | | | Dynasty. The rebels captured | | | Chang' an, but eventually | | | succumbed to the Tang and their | | | allies. The massive death count | | | of the civil war, and the | | | weakening of a centralized | | | government under the Tang makes | | | this event historically | | | significant. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Grand Canal | The Grand Canal was built during | | | the Sui dynasty under Emperor | | | Wen, connecting the Yellow and | | | Yangtze Rivers, which facilitated | | | trade and transportation across | | | the empire. Half of the people | | | building the Grand Canal died, | | | due to harsh environments and | | | long work hours. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Silla Dynasty | The Silla Dynasty lasted between | | | (57 BCE-935CE) and was located on | | | the southern and central parts of | | | the Korean Peninsula. Korea began | | | adopting elements of technology | | | from China in 1000 BCE including | | | wet-rice cultivation and bronze | | | and iron technology. Korea was | | | under three Kingdoms which | | | adopted Chinese as the language | | | for official documents. The Sui | | | dynasty tried to overthrow Korea | | | but to no avail, so they allied | | | with Silla, and then overthrew | | | the other kingdoms. China and | | | Silla agreed that Silla has the | | | Korean peninsula land, but as a | | | colony of China. The Silla | | | Dynasty adopted many parts of | | | China, and sent diplomats and | | | scholars to Chang' an. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Nara | Nara was the first capital of | | | Japan in 700 CE which exists | | | north of Osaka in modern day | | | times. Nara was modeled after the | | | Tang capital, Chang 'An, showing | | | that this period was a period of | | | major Chinese influence. The Nara | | | period lasted from 710-794 CE. | | | Buddhism was very prevalent | | | during this period, and many | | | people were sent to China to | | | learn more about it. Many | | | Monasteries and religious | | | buildings were built during this | | | time period, but Japan also | | | observed Shintoism, which | | | contrasts with China. More | | | distinctions include the emperor | | | as a figurehead and the increase | | | of women's power, modeled after | | | Empress Wu. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Heian | The Heian Period (794-1185) is | | | often considered the golden age | | | of classical Japanese culture. | | | Marked by Emperor Kammu\'s | | | decision to move the capital to | | | Heian-kyō (modern-day Kyoto), | | | this era saw the dominance of the | | | Fujiwara clan and a notable | | | decline in imperial power. The | | | period is renowned for cultural | | | achievements, including the | | | creation of \"The Tale of Genji\" | | | by Murasaki Shikibu and | | | significant developments in | | | Japanese art, literature, and | | | garden design. Politically, it | | | was characterized by the rise of | | | the samurai class and set the | | | stage for Japan\'s feudal system. | | | The influence of Buddhism also | | | grew, with new movements emerging | | | during this time. The Heian | | | Period\'s cultural legacy and its | | | impact on Japan\'s political and | | | social structures are still | | | deeply felt today. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Uighurs | The Uighurs were a Turkic ethnic | | | group who established the Uyghur | | | Khaganate between 744 to 840 CE | | | and allied with the Tang to stop | | | the Jurchen attacks, but in | | | response looted the capital. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Bushido | Literally, the "way of the | | | warrior"; the code of conduct by | | | which samurai were expected to | | | live. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Kamakura | The Kamakura Period (1185-1333) | | | was a significant era in Japanese | | | history marked by the | | | establishment of the Kamakura | | | Shogunate by Minamoto no Yoritomo | | | after his victory in the Genpei | | | War. This period saw the rise of | | | the samurai class and the | | | establishment of feudalism in | | | Japan The Kamakura Shogunate was | | | the first military government in | | | Japan, providing an alternative | | | power center to the emperor and | | | imperial court.The period is also | | | known for its cultural | | | developments, including the | | | spread of Buddhism and the | | | construction of notable temples | | | like the Great Buddha of | | | Kamakura. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Muromachi | A shogunate between the period | | | (1333-1507) in japan. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Pureland | **A school of Buddhism that | | | taught that by calling on the | | | Buddha Amitabha, one could | | | achieve rebirth in Amitabha's | | | Pure Land paradise.** | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Chan | **A school of Buddhism (known in | | | Japan as Zen) that rejected the | | | authority of the sutras and | | | claimed the superiority of | | | mind-to-mind transmission of | | | Buddhist truths** | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Foot Binding | Footbinding was a practice used | | | in post-classical China in which | | | women would bind their feet very | | | tightly, so that they could fit | | | in small shoes. It is believed to | | | have originated by an emperor who | | | saw certain women's feet as | | | lotus. This shows how | | | aristocratic women have to be | | | restrained both physically and by | | | what choices they can make for | | | themselves. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Nam Viet | The original people (yue) from | | | nam viet were chinese who | | | migrated further south. Power was | | | held by hereditary tribal chiefs | | | who served as civil, religious, | | | and military leaders, with the | | | king as the most powerful chief. | | | After the collapse of the Qin | | | Dynasty in 206 BCE, a former Qin | | | general established the kingdom | | | of Nam Viet in southern China, | | | with its capital near modern-day | | | Guangzhou. This kingdom, ruled by | | | the Viet people, extended to | | | modern-day Da Nang. Following | | | nearly a century of conflict with | | | the Han Dynasty, Nam Viet was | | | conquered in 111 BCE, and Chinese | | | administration, political | | | institutions, Confucianism, and | | | language were imposed. While | | | Chinese innovations were | | | integrated into the local | | | culture, resistance persisted, | | | exemplified by the Trung | | | sisters\' revolt in 39 CE. China | | | maintained control over northern | | | Vietnam through the Tang Dynasty, | | | with the local elite serving as | | | intermediaries between Chinese | | | governors and the native | | | population. | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Flying Cash | **An early form of paper money | | | developed during the Song | | | Dynasty, facilitating trade and | | | commerce.** | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ Big Question The Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) should be considered the high point of Post-Classical China due to its unparalleled cultural flourishing and political stability. Often referred to as the \"Golden Age\" of Chinese civilization, the Tang era witnessed an explosion of creativity in literature, art, and architecture, exemplified by the poetry of Li Bai and Du Fu and the grandeur of the Chang\'an city layout. The dynasty\'s robust government structure, characterized by a sophisticated bureaucracy and the expansion of the imperial examination system, ensured efficient administration and social mobility. The Tang also saw significant technological innovations, including early forms of gunpowder and woodblock printing, which laid the groundwork for future advancements. Moreover, the Tang\'s cosmopolitan nature, facilitated by the Silk Road, allowed for rich cultural exchanges and the flourishing of Buddhism. While the Song Dynasty\'s economic and technological achievements are notable, the Tang Dynasty\'s comprehensive contributions to culture, politics, and international influence make it the high point of Post-Classical China. Describe the role of women in East Asia during the Post Classical Period. During the Post-Classical Period in East Asia, women\'s roles were shaped by cultural norms and societal structures. In China, Confucian ideals emphasized women\'s subordination to men, confining them to domestic roles and limiting their participation in public life. Women were expected to manage household duties, produce heirs, and uphold family honor. However, some women, particularly those from noble or wealthy families, could exert influence through their relationships with powerful men or by engaging in religious and cultural activities. In Korea and Japan, similar patriarchal systems were in place, with women\'s primary responsibilities centered around the home and family. Despite these constraints, women in these societies also contributed to the arts, literature, and religious practices. For instance, in Japan, women played significant roles in the development of classical literature and poetry. Overall, while women in East Asia during the Post-Classical Period faced significant limitations, they also found ways to contribute to their societies within the confines of their prescribed roles. How Nara and Heian contrast with Kamakura and Muromachi The Nara and Heian periods (710-1185 CE) in Japan were characterized by a strong Chinese cultural influence, centralized imperial rule, and significant achievements in literature and art, with the Heian period producing classics like \"The Tale of Genji.\" In contrast, the Kamakura and Muromachi periods (1185-1573 CE) marked the rise of the samurai class and the establishment of military governments (shogunates), with the Kamakura Shogunate being established by Minamoto no Yoritomo and the Ashikaga Shogunate dominating the Muromachi period. These periods saw a shift towards feudalism, with decentralized power and significant cultural developments, including the spread of Zen (Chan) Buddhism. While the Nara and Heian periods focused on centralized cultural and governmental achievements, the Kamakura and Muromachi periods were notable for their military and cultural innovations in a more decentralized feudal system. Explain the influence of Chinese culture in Korea, Vietnam, and Japan Chinese culture has had a profound influence on Korea, Vietnam, and Japan, shaping their languages, writing systems, philosophies, and governmental structures. In Korea, Chinese influence is evident in the adoption of Chinese characters, Confucianism, and various aspects of governance and literature. Vietnam, under Chinese rule for over a millennium, integrated Chinese administrative practices, Confucianism, and agricultural techniques, which significantly shaped its social and political systems.Japan\'s cultural exchange with China began as early as the Asuka period, leading to the adoption of Buddhism, Chinese characters, and various artistic and literary forms. These influences were adapted and transformed into unique cultural expressions in each country, reflecting a blend of Chinese traditions and local innovations. Compare and contrast Dao/Con/Leg Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism offer contrasting views on government and human behavior in society. Confucianism advocates for a government that leads by moral example, emphasizing virtues such as ren (benevolence) and hierarchical respect to achieve social harmony. Daoism, on the other hand, promotes minimal government intervention, encouraging people to live simply and naturally in accordance with the Dao (the Way). Legalism takes a more stringent approach, arguing that a strong, centralized authority with strict laws and harsh punishments is necessary to maintain order, as humans are inherently selfish and require control. These differing philosophies reflect unique perspectives on the balance between authority, morality, and individual conduct. Describing the Dynastyic cycle of all of the dynasties The dynastic cycle of Chinese history is a recurring pattern of the rise, flourishing, decline, and fall of dynasties. This cycle begins with the establishment of a new dynasty, which gains the Mandate of Heaven, a divine approval for legitimate rule. The dynasty flourishes through strong leadership, economic prosperity, and military successes. Over time, corruption, internal strife, and external pressures lead to decline and eventual collapse, making way for a new dynasty to rise and claim the Mandate of Heaven. Sui Dynasty: After centuries of fragmentation, the Sui Dynasty (581-618 CE) reunified China, establishing a centralized government, initiating major infrastructure projects like the Grand Canal, and setting the stage for the Tang Dynasty. However, heavy taxation and forced labor led to widespread unrest, contributing to its rapid downfall. Tang Dynasty: The Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) is often seen as the peak of Chinese civilization, marked by cultural flourishing, political stability, and territorial expansion. It initially enjoyed prosperity and stability, but over time, corruption, internal rebellions like the An Lushan Rebellion, and external threats weakened the dynasty, leading to its eventual collapse. Song Dynasty: Following a period of disunity, the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE) brought economic prosperity, technological advancements, and cultural achievements. However, military weaknesses and external pressures from the Mongols eventually led to its downfall, paving the way for the rise of the Yuan Dynasty. The Tang and Song Dynasties used various belief systems to legitimize their rule and reinforce political stability. The Tang Dynasty embraced Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism, promoting Buddhist temples, incorporating Confucian principles into governance, and associating the ruling family with Daoist deities. This blend of religious and philosophical traditions bolstered their moral authority and centralized power. Similarly, the Song Dynasty revived Confucianism through Neo-Confucianism, which integrated elements of Buddhism and Daoism, and further developed the civil service examination system based on Confucian teachings. By aligning themselves with these belief systems, both dynasties maintained social cohesion, justified their rule, and facilitated a stable government. Technological Complexes of the Sui, Tang, and Song dynasties Sui Tang Song --------------------------- --------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Bureaucratic/Fiscal Reunified China in a centralized government Civil Service Examination Paper money Water Management Grand Canal Irrigation system Weapons Siege Booms Mathematical/Cosmological Calendars/astronomy Mechanical Clocks Writing/Information Woodblock printing Moveable type Maritime Enhanced Naval capabilities and trade routes Junks Pyrotechnical Early use of gunpowder Weaponized gunpowder/rockets