Developments in EAST ASIA [AP World Review Unit 1 Topic 1]

Summary

This engaging script delves into the Song Dynasty's rule and influence in East Asia from 1200 to 1450. It highlights how the revival of Confucianism, particularly Neo-Confucianism, shaped society and justified the Song rulers' power. The script also touches on the economic prosperity driven by commercialization, innovations in iron and steel production, agricultural advancements, and transportation improvements. Additionally, it explores the cultural impact on neighboring regions like Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, and the evolution of Buddhism in China, culminating in the distinct Chan Buddhism.

Takeaways

• 🏛 The Song Dynasty in China (1200-1450) was a period of significant power and influence in East Asia.
• 🧠 The Song rulers maintained and justified their power through the revival of Confucianism, emphasizing a hierarchical society and the importance of filial piety.
• 📚 Neo-Confucianism, influenced by Buddhist and Taoist ideas, was a new implementation of the old philosophy, reflecting historical continuity and innovation.
• 👥 Women in Song China were subordinated under Confucian ideals, with legal restrictions and the practice of foot-binding being indicative of their lower status.
• 🌐 The Song Dynasty's imperial bureaucracy expanded, using merit-based civil service examinations to staff government positions, increasing efficiency and reinforcing the ruler's authority.
• 🌟 China's cultural influence during the Song Dynasty extended to neighboring states like Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, impacting their political systems and social structures.
• 👘 In Korea, a tributary relationship with China allowed for the adoption of Chinese cultural aspects, including civil service exams and Confucian principles.
• 🏮 Japan voluntarily adopted aspects of Chinese culture, such as the imperial bureaucracy system and Buddhism, while maintaining its independence.
• 🌾 Vietnam, with a close geographical and political relationship to China, adopted Confucianism and the civil service examination system, but maintained a higher status for women compared to China.
• 🙏 Buddhism played a significant role in the Song Dynasty, with the development of Chan Buddhism being a distinct Chinese version that emphasized meditation and moral living.
• 💰 The Song economy flourished due to commercialization, advancements in iron and steel production, agricultural innovations like Champa rice, and improvements in transportation and trade infrastructure.

Q & A

What is the time period covered in the AP World History course regarding developments in East Asia?

The course covers developments in East Asia from 1200 to 1450.

Which dynasty is considered to have the most significant power during the mentioned period in East Asia?

The Song Dynasty in China is considered to have the most significant power during this period.

What philosophy was revived during the Song Dynasty and became the official Chinese state philosophy?

Confucianism was revived during the Song Dynasty and became the official Chinese state philosophy.

What is the basic teaching of Confucianism regarding the structure of human society?

Confucianism teaches that human society is hierarchical by nature, composed of unequal relationships where the greater entity should treat the lesser with concern and benevolence, and the lesser should obey their superiors.

What is the term for the new implementation of Confucianism influenced by Buddhist and Taoist ideas during the Song Dynasty?

The new implementation of Confucianism influenced by Buddhist and Taoist ideas is called Neo-Confucianism.

How did the Song Dynasty's hierarchical view of society affect women's legal rights?

Under the Song Dynasty, women's legal rights were restricted, with women's property becoming their husband's and restrictions on widows or divorced women from remarrying.

What was the practice of foot-binding and how did it reflect the status of women in Song Dynasty society?

Foot-binding was a practice where young girls' feet were broken and bound tightly to make them smaller, often causing difficulty in walking. It was prevalent among the elite as a status symbol, indicating that a woman did not need to perform manual labor.

How did the Song Dynasty maintain and justify their power through the use of an imperial bureaucracy?

The Song Dynasty maintained and justified their power through an imperial bureaucracy that carried out the emperor's will. The bureaucracy was staffed with government officials who ensured everyone obeyed the emperor's dictates.

What was the significance of the civil service examination in the Song Dynasty's bureaucracy?

The civil service examination was significant because it was based on Confucian Classics and ensured that bureaucratic jobs were awarded by merit, not based on connections or nepotism.

How did the Song Dynasty's economy prosper during this period?

The Song Dynasty's economy prospered through widespread commercialization, innovations in agriculture such as the introduction of Champa rice, advancements in iron and steel production, and improvements in transportation like the expansion of the Grand Canal and the perfection of the magnetic compass.

What is the relationship between the Song Dynasty and the cultural development of Korea, Japan, and Vietnam?

The Song Dynasty had a significant cultural influence on Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Korea maintained a tributary relationship with China and adopted many Chinese cultural practices. Japan voluntarily adopted aspects of Chinese culture, including the imperial bureaucracy and Buddhism. Vietnam, while politically independent, participated in the tributary system and adopted Confucianism, Buddhism, and the civil service examination system.