study guide ai

• What were the Northern and Southern Song Dynasties known for?

  • Northern Song conquered by nomads in 1127, became the Jin
  • Capital: Kaifeng
  • Southern Song created and expanded the exam system
  • Golden Age of Arts and Literature (960-1279 CE)
• What characterized the Song Dynasty as a "Golden Age"?

  It was marked by advancements in poetry, landscape painting, ceramics, and new forms of Confucian philosophy.
• What was the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty?

  Hangzhou
• What technological advancements were made during the Song Dynasty?

  Advancements included paper, paper money, gunpowder, and significant influence on the world.
• How did the Song Dynasty manage to win battles despite being outnumbered?

  They had a technological advantage.
• What social and political traditions persisted after the fall of the Song Dynasty?

  Many traditions continued well into the 20th century.
• How did the paintings differ between the Northern and Southern Song Dynasties?

  • Northern Song paintings featured more landscapes.
  • Southern Song paintings were often more empty due to loss.
• What role did the South play in relation to the Mongols?

  The South helped the Mongols reclaim the northern part and re-established cities.
• When did Confucianism emerge?

  • Emerged in the "age of the warring states" (500-221 BCE).
  • Focused on restoring order and tranquility.
• Who was Confucius?

  Confucius was a learned and ambitious aristocrat who lived from 551-479 BCE.
• What did Confucius believe he had found?

  He believed he had found the path back to social and political harmony.
• What is the Analects?

  The Analects is a compilation of Confucius's teachings by his disciples.
• How did Confucianism become the official ideology of China?

  It became the official ideology during the Han Dynasty around 200 BCE.
• What is the significance of the Mandate of Heaven?

  It granted legitimacy to rulers and justified the establishment of new dynasties.
• What are the key relationships in Confucianism?

  • Father and son
  • Husband and wife
  • Older and younger brother
  • Ruler and subject
• What is filial piety?

  Filial piety is the honoring of one's ancestors and parents.
• What role did education play in Confucianism?

  • Key to nurturing moral qualities.
  • Focused on language, literature, history, philosophy, and ethics.
• How did Confucianism influence the bureaucracy after the Han Dynasty?


  It became a central element of the educational system.
• How did Confucianism affect social hierarchy in China?

  It legitimized inequalities but also established expectations for superior parties.
• What was the role of the Censorate in the Han Dynasty?

  • Oversaw six major ministries.
  • Exercised surveillance over the government.
  • Checked character and competence of public officials.
• When was the exam system first established?

  It was first established by the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 BCE).
• What was the impact of printing technology on the exam system?

  It allowed for the revival and elaboration of the exam system in the Song Dynasty.
• How did the exam system affect social mobility?

  It provided a modest measure of social mobility for some commoners.
• What were the three levels of testing in the exam system?

  1. Real-world scenario as a government official.
  2. Propose policies and address issues according to Confucianism.
  3. Knowledge of China.
• What characterized China's Economic Revolution?

  • Political and cultural achievements.
  • Rapid population growth from 50/60 million to 120 million by 1200.
  • Remarkable agricultural advancements, especially Champa Rice.
• What was the significance of Champa Rice?

  It was fast-ripening and drought-resistant, contributing to population growth.
• What was the population of Hangzhou during the Song Dynasty?

  Over 1,000,000 people.
• How did industrial production change during the Song Dynasty?

  Industrial production soared, leading to a highly commercialized society.
• What role did coal play in Song China's industrial growth?

  Coal fueled industrial growth and provided energy for heating and cooking.
• What was the impact of printing inventions during the Song Dynasty?

  They led to the world's first printed books and made books widely available.
• How did navigational technologies benefit Song China?

  They made transportation of goods easier and improved communication.
• What was the significance of the Grand Canal?

  It facilitated the cheap movement of goods across ~30,000 miles.
• How did the government demand for taxes affect peasants?

  It required peasants to sell products or labor to meet cash obligations.
• What were the mixed experiences of women in the Song Dynasty?

  • Tightening restrictions and new opportunities.
  • Confucian emphasis on subordination.
  • Foot binding became widespread.
  • Property rights expanded.
• What was foot binding associated with?

  It was associated with feminine beauty and delicately elaborated shoes.
• How did foot binding affect women's roles?

  It restricted women to "inner quarters" and emphasized frailty and deference.
• How did women's property rights change during the Song Dynasty?

  Women could control their dowries and inherit property from family.
• How did China influence Korea and Vietnam?

  • Korea maintained distinct identity while appreciating Chinese culture.
  • Vietnam borrowed heavily from Chinese administrative techniques and culture.
  • Both participated in tribute systems.
• What was the relationship between Korea and China?


  Korea maintained political independence while participating in a tributary relationship with China.
• What was the impact of Confucianism on Korean women?


  Confucianism negatively impacted Korean women, replacing more flexible customs.