How did Kublai Khan change china’s government?
Kublai Khan, a Mongol emperor, established the Yuan Dynasty in China and introduced several significant changes to the country's government and administration. Some key ways in which he transformed China's government are:
1. Centralized Administration: Kublai Khan implemented a strong centralized administration that centralized power in his hands. He appointed trusted Mongol officials as administrators and divided the empire into provinces, each governed by a governor and led by a central bureaucracy. This system enabled him to exert greater control over the vast territories of China.
2. Mongol Dominance: Khan favored Mongols in top government positions, leading to increased Mongol influence and control over China. This was in contrast to previous dynasties in China, where the ruling class was predominantly Chinese. Mongols occupied key administrative and military roles, which allowed them to maintain authority and exert their cultural and political influence.
3. Adoption of Chinese Institutions: While the Mongols initially maintained their own administrative practices, Kublai Khan eventually recognized the efficiency and effectiveness of the Chinese governmental system. He assimilated Chinese administrative traditions and incorporated Confucian scholars into his administration, establishing the Confucian Examination System to select government officials. This demonstrated a shift towards embracing Chinese culture and governance.
4. Economic Reforms: Kublai Khan initiated various economic reforms to improve the economy and stimulate trade within the empire. He encouraged foreign trade and established a network of roads and canals to facilitate transportation and communication. Additionally, he introduced paper money (known as Chao) as a standardized currency and implemented agricultural reforms, including improved irrigation systems and land redistribution.
5. Religious Tolerance: Kublai Khan adopted a policy of religious tolerance, unlike his predecessors. The Mongols respected and allowed the practice of diverse religions in China, including Buddhism, Taoism, and Islam. This policy not only promoted social harmony but also helped in winning the support of different religious groups and facilitated smooth governance.
Overall, Kublai Khan's reign brought considerable changes to China's government, including centralization, Mongol dominance, adoption of Chinese institutions, economic reforms, and religious tolerance. While these changes were initially imposed by foreign conquerors, they had a lasting impact on China's governance, administration, and cultural integration.
What development helped increase literacy in Song China?
A. the development of Neo- Confucianism
B. the expansion of the civil service system
C. the introduction of buddhism
D. the invention of movable type
The correct answer is D. the invention of movable type.
The invention of movable type by Bi Sheng during the Song Dynasty in China greatly aided in the increase of literacy. Movable type allowed for the printing of books and other written materials on a larger scale and at a faster pace. Prior to this invention, books were mainly copied by hand, making them costly and time-consuming to produce. Movable type made books more accessible, affordable, and widely available, enabling a larger population to have access to written knowledge and thus contributing to an increase in literacy rates.