What features are associated with the dynasties of the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279)?
The dynasties of the Tang and Song were both periods of significant cultural, economic, and social development in Chinese history. Here are some features associated with each dynasty:
Tang Dynasty (618-907):
- Expanded territory through military campaigns and a strong centralized government
- Developed a system of civil service exams, which allowed for social mobility based on merit rather than social status
- Flourishing of art, literature, and scholarship, including the famous poet Li Bai (also known as Li Po)
- Buddhism was popular and influential, but the government also encouraged Confucianism
- The Silk Road trade route brought wealth and cultural exchange with other civilizations, including the Islamic world
- The capital city of Chang'an was a center of cosmopolitanism and sophistication
Song Dynasty (960-1279):
- Continued the political centralization and merit-based civil service system of the Tang
- Economic growth through improved agriculture techniques (such as the invention of the iron plow), the expansion of commerce and trade, and the use of paper money
- Technological innovations such as gunpowder, printing, and the magnetic compass
- Confucian thought dominated intellectual life, including Neo-Confucianism
- Women's social and economic status declined compared to the Tang, partly due to the spread of foot-binding
- Two capitals, Kaifeng and Hangzhou, were centers of culture and commerce
Overall, the Tang and Song periods are considered "golden ages" of Chinese civilization, marked by achievements in art, literature, philosophy, and technological innovation.
What features are associated with the dynasties of the Tang (618–907) and Song (960–1279)?
hey botWhat features are associated with the dynasties of the Tang (618–907) and Song (960–1279)?
A.
economic problems and political violence
B.
prosperity, stable government, and advances in farming
C.
development of government bureaucracy
D.
overseas conquests and colonization
B. Prosperity, stable government, and advances in farming are associated with the dynasties of the Tang (618–907) and Song (960–1279).
Which of the following groups had the higher social status under the Yuan dynasty?
A.
Song scholar-officials
B.
southern Chinese merchants
C.
northern Chinese nobles
D.
Turks and other Muslims
D. Turks and other Muslims had the higher social status under the Yuan dynasty. They were favored by the Mongol rulers, who relied on them for military and administrative responsibilities. The Song scholar-officials, southern Chinese merchants, and northern Chinese nobles all suffered a decline in social status and political power during this period.
What effect did the law code of 702 have on Japan?
A.
It strengthened the power of the clans.
B.
It made the leader of the Yamato clan emperor of the entire country.
C.
It made Buddhism the state religion.
D.
It outlawed the clans.
B. The law code of 702 made the leader of the Yamato clan emperor of the entire country. This law code, known as the Taihō Code, defined the legal and administrative structure of Japan's central government. It established the emperor as the highest authority in the land, and created a system of government officials and local administrators who were responsible for enforcing the law and collecting taxes. The clans were still important during this time, but they were brought under the direct control of the central government. The Taihō Code helped to lay the foundation for a unified Japanese state.
Read the following quote from Buddhist scripture Dhammapada.
“Well-makers lead the water (wherever they like); fletchers bend the arrow; carpenters bend a log of wood; wise people master themselves.”
What central part of Buddhism expressed in the quote appealed to samurai who practiced Zen?
A.
patience
B.
self-control and discipline
C.
purity
D.
loyalty and obedience
B. The central part of Buddhism expressed in the quote that appealed to samurai who practiced Zen is self-control and discipline. The practice of Zen Buddhism emphasizes rigorous mental and physical discipline, with a focus on mindfulness, meditation, and living in the present moment. The quote from the Dhammapada highlights the importance of mastering oneself, which is in line with the emphasis on self-discipline and self-control in Zen Buddhism.
Look at the bowl from the Koryo dynasty.
A blue-green glazed porcelain bowl with flowers painted on its sides is shown.
What does it reveal about Korean culture?
A.
It was heavily influenced by Japanese culture.
B.
It developed in opposition to Chinese culture.
C.
Its porcelain was imported from elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
D.
It was influenced by China but developed its own unique style.
D. The blue-green glazed porcelain bowl from the Koryo dynasty reveals that Korean culture was influenced by China but developed its own unique style. During the Koryo dynasty (918-1392 CE), Korea had extensive cultural and economic ties with China, and Chinese culture had a significant impact on Korean art and architecture. However, Korean artists and craftsmen also developed their own distinctive styles, such as the use of celadon glazes in pottery. This bowl is an example of this unique Korean style, which combined elements of Chinese influence with local innovations.
Which belief system spread first from India to China and then to Korea and Japan, helping to create cultural unity in the region?
A.
Buddhism
B.
Daoism
C.
Confucianism
D.
Christianity
A. Buddhism is the belief system that spread first from India to China and then to Korea and Japan, helping to create cultural unity in the region. Buddhism began in northeastern India in the 5th century BCE and gradually spread throughout Asia, reaching China by the 1st century CE. Chinese travelers and monks then brought Buddhism to Korea and Japan in subsequent centuries, where it had a significant impact on religious, philosophical, artistic, and literary traditions. Buddhism helped to create a shared cultural heritage and sense of solidarity among the peoples of East Asia, despite differences in language and political history.
How did Southeast Asia’s geography contribute to the region’s economic development?
A.
Much of Southeast Asia is separated from the rest of Asia by high mountains, making it a difficult place to invade.
B.
Many Southeast Asian countries depended on their plentiful gold supply to make them wealthy.
C.
Some Southeast Asian countries commanded important waterways and controlled rich trade routes.
D.
Many Southeast Asian countries were easily accessible by monks and therefore adopted Buddhist culture.
C. Southeast Asia's geography contributed to the region's economic development because some Southeast Asian countries commanded important waterways and controlled rich trade routes. The region's location on the maritime crossroads between India and China made it strategically important for trade and commerce for centuries. Countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines controlled important sea lanes through which Chinese goods were transported to India and beyond. The region's abundant natural resources (such as spices, timber, and precious metals) also made it an attractive destination for traders and merchants. As a result, a vibrant maritime trading network developed in Southeast Asia, which helped to spur economic growth and cultural exchange across the region.
What factor contributed to Genghis Khan’s expansion of the Mongol empire?
A.
He expanded trade routes by building a complex system of canals and waterways.
B.
He led a ruthless military into foreign land, using powerful weapons to break down city walls.
C.
He established a new social order that led to the creation of a stable government.
D.
Inventions and innovations during his time of leadership helped industries to grow.
B. Genghis Khan's expansion of the Mongol empire was partly due to his leading a ruthless military into foreign lands, using powerful weapons to break down city walls. Genghis Khan was a military leader who relied on his skills as an organizer, strategist, and commander to build a vast empire that stretched from China to Europe. Under his leadership, the Mongols became a disciplined, mobile fighting force that utilized a combination of archery, horseback riding, and siege tactics to conquer cities and territories. The Mongol army was known for its ferocity and willingness to fight to the death, which helped to intimidate and demoralize its opponents. While Genghis Khan was also skilled at diplomacy and governance, his military achievements were a key factor in the expansion of the Mongol empire.
Which elements of Chinese culture spread throughout the world? Select the two correct answers.
The two correct answers are:
1. Confucianism: Confucianism is a Chinese ethical and philosophical system that emphasizes the importance of social harmony, respect for authority, and personal responsibility. It became one of the most influential schools of thought in Chinese history and had a significant impact on East Asian cultures such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.
2. Chinese cuisine: Chinese cuisine, which is known for its variety, balance, and emphasis on fresh ingredients, has become popular around the world. Chinese restaurants can be found in many countries, and Chinese food is a staple of many people's diets. Chinese cooking techniques and ingredients have also influenced other culinary traditions, such as Japanese and Southeast Asian cuisine.
Question 9 of 20
Which elements of Chinese culture spread throughout the world? Select the two correct answers.
A.
gunpowder
B.
Hinduism
C.
feudalism
D.
Buddhism
E.
celadon
A and D are the two correct answers.
A. Gunpowder: Gunpowder was invented in China during the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE) and spread to other parts of the world through trade and military conquest. It revolutionized warfare by enabling the development of firearms and explosives, which changed the nature of battles and sieges.
D. Buddhism: Buddhism originated in India and spread to China in the 1st century CE, where it was transformed by local cultural and philosophical traditions. Chinese Buddhism then spread to other parts of Asia, including Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Tibet, where it had a significant impact on art, literature, religion, and politics.
Which of the following statements MOST accurately represents settlement and geography of Japan? Select the two correct answers.
A.
The western border of the Japanese peninsula is the most densely populated.
B.
Japan relies heavily on food sources from the ocean.
C.
The climate along the coast is much hotter than inland plains.
D.
Inland Japan is mostly mountainous and volcanic and not good for farming.
E.
Japan's close proximity to China's border made it a center for trade.
B and D are the two correct answers:
B. Japan relies heavily on food sources from the ocean, given that the country is a collection of islands surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. Historically, fishing has been a major industry in Japan, and seafood is a staple of the Japanese diet.
D. Inland Japan is mostly mountainous and volcanic and not good for farming. The Japanese archipelago is highly mountainous, with rugged terrain accounting for about 80% of the country's land area. As a result, Japan has limited arable land, and most of the country's agricultural production is concentrated in coastal areas and river plains. The mountains, however, provided Japan with abundant sources of timber, minerals, and hot springs, which have been important to the country's economy and culture over the centuries.
Of the following statements, which one MOST accurately represents the major difference between the Japanese and European feudal systems?
A.
In Europe, feudal lords protected peasants in exchange for part of their crops. In Japan, feudal lords protected peasants without asking anything in return.
B.
Most Europeans shared one religion. The Japanese practiced several different religions.
C.
European knights followed a code of behavior. Japanese samurai did not.
D.
Japan had powerful noble landowners. In Europe, only the Catholic Church could own land.
A. Of the following statements, the one that MOST accurately represents the major difference between the Japanese and European feudal systems is that, in Europe, feudal lords protected peasants in exchange for part of their crops, while in Japan, feudal lords protected peasants without asking anything in return. In Japan, a powerful warrior class known as the samurai emerged during the feudal period, and they were the ones tasked with providing protection to the peasants and other commoners. The samurai owed loyalty to a lord or daimyo, who provided them with land or other forms of wealth. Unlike in Europe, where serfs were tied to the land and required to provide labor and tribute to their lords, Japanese peasants were not legally bound to their lords and were allowed to move from one location to another if they wished.
Japanese Shinto believed that kami spirits could be found in what kinds of objects? Select the two correct answers.
A.
rivers
B.
scriptures
C.
trees
D.
sculptures
E.
paintings
A and C are the two correct answers:
A. Rivers: In Japanese Shinto beliefs, the natural world is thought to be inhabited by kami spirits, which can take various forms and inhabit natural objects such as rivers, mountains, and trees. Rivers, in particular, have historically been considered sacred in Japan, and many Shinto shrines are located near rivers or other bodies of water.
C. Trees: Trees are also considered to be sacred objects in Japanese Shinto. Many old-growth trees have been designated as yorishiro, meaning that they act as physical objects that can attract and contain the spirits of the kami. These trees are often marked with paper or cloth streamers called shide, which are a common feature of Japanese Shinto shrines and temples.
In what aspects of Japanese culture would you find influence of Chinese culture? Select the three correct answers.
A.
gardening
B.
currency
C.
scroll painting
D.
social structure
E.
government
B, C, and E are the three correct answers:
B. Currency: Japanese currency was heavily influenced by Chinese currency. For example, the oldest Japanese coins had Chinese characters on them, and they were modeled after Chinese coins in terms of size, shape, and weight.
C. Scroll painting: Japanese painting was heavily influenced by Chinese painting, particularly during the Heian period (794-1185 CE). Japanese artists adopted Chinese techniques and styles, such as the use of ink and brush, calligraphy, and the representation of landscapes and natural objects.
E. Government: Japanese government was influenced by Chinese government during the Nara period (710-794 CE). The Japanese government borrowed heavily from the Chinese Tang dynasty (618-907 CE), adopting Chinese-style law codes, bureaucratic institutions, and court ceremonies. Chinese characters and literature were also adopted for official records and writings.
Of the following statements, which one MOST accurately represents Koryo culture?
A.
Traditional dress of Korean women mirrored that of Chinese women.
B.
Civil service exams and government jobs were open to all Koreans.
C.
Only aristocrats could own property in Korea.
D.
Koreans had their own unique religion and discouraged people from practicing Buddhism.
B. Of the following statements, the one that MOST accurately represents Koryo culture is that civil service exams and government jobs were open to all Koreans. The Koryo dynasty (918-1392 CE) was a period of significant social and cultural innovation in Korea, and it saw the development of a centralized government and merit-based civil service system. This system, which was based on the Chinese model, allowed for social mobility and reduced the power of the aristocracy. Civil service examinations were open to all Korean men, regardless of their social or economic status. Women could not take the exams, but some were able to hold important positions in the government or court. The Koryo dynasty was also known for its advances in science, technology, literature, and art, and it helped to lay the foundations for modern Korean culture.
Which statement MOST accurately represents the Kingdom of Silla?
A.
The Silla were economically and culturally advanced.
B.
The Silla's powerful military helped to defeat the Mongols in China.
C.
The Silla adapted a government similar to the Japanese feudal system.
D.
Art and architecture of the Silla culture can be seen throughout China.
A. Of the following statements, the one that MOST accurately represents the Kingdom of Silla is that the Silla were economically and culturally advanced. The Kingdom of Silla (57 BCE-935 CE) was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, along with Koguryo and Paekche. It was characterized by significant achievements in science, technology, art, and culture, including advances in metalworking, pottery, and weaving. Silla traders and merchants were known for their skill in diplomacy and commerce, and they developed important trade networks with China and other Asian countries. Buddhism was a major cultural influence in Silla, and many artistic and architectural masterpieces were created during this period. Silla is also known for its many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple.
How did Ming emperors try to erase Mongol influence on China? Select the two correct answers.
A.
They restored the civil service system.
B.
They embraced foreign trade.
C.
They became suspicious of foreign visitors.
D.
They rejected Confucian values.
E.
They moved the capital to Hangzhou.
A and C are the two correct answers:
A. They restored the civil service system: The Ming emperors sought to restore traditional Chinese values and practices. They reinstated the civil service examinations and created a new legal code, which emphasized Confucian ideas and moral standards. This helped to reduce the influence of Mongol and foreign elites in the government and promote the power of educated officials.
C. They became suspicious of foreign visitors: The Ming emperors were wary of foreign influence and sought to restrict contact with non-Chinese peoples. They banned overseas travel and restricted foreign trade, such as prohibiting private maritime commerce and requiring tributary missions to the emperor from neighboring countries. This isolationist policy, known as the maritime prohibition, was intended to preserve Chinese culture and autonomy.