Unit 6 Study Guide: Tang and Song Dynasties, Mongol Invasions, PDF

Unit 6 Study Guide: Tang and Song Dynasties, Mongol Invasions, and the Ottoman Empire Tang and Song Dynasties ❖ Economic Developments: The Song Dynasty was pivotal in advancing China as an economic power. This period saw significant urban growth, a population boom, and major...

Unit 6 Study Guide: Tang and Song Dynasties, Mongol Invasions, and the Ottoman Empire Tang and Song Dynasties ❖ Economic Developments: The Song Dynasty was pivotal in advancing China as an economic power. This period saw significant urban growth, a population boom, and major technological innovations. Paper currency was introduced during the Song era, facilitating trade and economic growth by providing a standardized form of money that was easier to use for transactions across vast distances. Movable-type printing was another major advancement of the Song Dynasty, supporting the spread of knowledge and education. ❖ Political System and Civil Service Exams: The Tang and Song dynasties implemented a civil service exam system based on Confucian philosophy, promoting merit over hereditary privilege. These exams allowed individuals from various social backgrounds to attain government positions, which supported social mobility and contributed to political stability in China. The exams were grounded in Confucian principles and were intended to ensure that government officials were selected based on merit and knowledge rather than family status. ❖ Technological and Cultural Contributions: Tang and Song China were known for inventions like the compass and gunpowder, which had long-lasting impacts on global trade and military tactics. Cultural advancements included the spread of Neo-Confucianism, a blend of Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist ideas that became influential in Chinese society and later spread to other parts of East Asia. Silk Road and Trade Networks ❖ Silk Road Connections: The Silk Road was an ancient trade route that connected East Asia with the Mediterranean, serving as a pathway for goods, ideas, and cultures. Goods like silk, spices, and precious metals were traded along the Silk Road, while religions such as Buddhism and Islam spread along the same routes, fostering cultural exchange between different regions. This trade network helped establish China as an important center of commerce and contributed to economic and cultural interactions across Eurasia.  ❖ African Gold-Salt Trade: The African gold-salt trade was an important trade network that linked West African kingdoms with North Africa and the Middle East, bringing wealth and facilitating the spread of Islam. The wealth generated by this trade supported the rise of powerful West African empires and connected Africa to a broader trade network that spanned Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Mongol Invasions ❖ Cultural and Technological Diffusion: The Mongol Empire expanded across Asia and Europe, connecting previously isolated regions and promoting cultural and technological exchange. Under Mongol rule, a period known as Pax Mongolica (Mongol Peace) emerged, bringing stability and security to trade routes, particularly the Silk Road, and allowing for increased cultural exchange. The Mongols facilitated the spread of technologies like gunpowder and items like silk, as well as ideas and practices from different regions. ❖ Impact on Russia and the Islamic World: In Russia, Mongol rule centralized power around Moscow and contributed to its rise as a political center, though it isolated Russia from Western Europe, delaying its progress in some areas. The Mongol invasions in the Islamic world brought both disruption and increased contact through trade, with impacts on political structures and economic networks. Ottoman Empire ❖ Geographic and Economic Power: The Ottoman Empire’s central location across Europe, Asia, and Africa gave it control over crucial land and sea trade routes, making it a significant player in global trade. By controlling these trade routes, the Ottomans influenced the flow of goods between Europe and Asia, which ultimately motivated European nations to explore new trade routes, leading to the Age of Exploration. The Ottomans used their geographic advantage to create a prosperous empire that connected Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, affecting global trade dynamics. ❖ Cultural Diversity and Religious Influence: The Ottoman Empire’s position as a crossroads of continents contributed to its cultural diversity, blending Persian, Turkish, Byzantine, and Islamic traditions. This cultural and religious diversity made the empire a vibrant center of intellectual and artistic exchange and allowed it to influence Eastern Europe and parts of Africa. ❖ Military and Architectural Achievements: The Ottomans were known for their powerful military and distinctive architecture, which blended Turkish and Byzantine styles. The capture of Constantinople in 1453 marked a significant expansion of the Ottoman Empire and solidified its control over trade routes, while also prompting European exploration to seek alternative routes to Asia.