Unit 1 : The Global Tapestry (1200-1450)
Developments in China
Confucianism Daoism
Belief Systems
Neo-Confucianism emerged during the Tang Dynasty and
blended elements of Daoism and Buddhism into Confucianism
Originated ~ 500 BCE Originated ~ 500
BCE Women were often put in subordinate positions through
Emphasized filial piety
Confucianism and the practice of foot binding emerged, where
(children’s respect for parents Emphasized being
women would break and bind their feet to the point that they
& citizens respect for rulers) inspired by nature
could not walk for more than a few steps. This was a symbol of
Taught respect for social order Used to balance their wealth because they had servants and therefore did not
→ Used by leaders to Confucianism need to walk around.
legitimize rule
⭐ Mahayana Buddhism was also very prominent in China
Government
The Sui and Tang Dynasties united China while the Song Dynasty used
political stability to advance China’s government, especially through the Features of a bureaucracy :
development of a bureaucracy. Song China was a meritocracy, meaning
that people were selected or promoted based on individual merit instead ● Hierarchical authority structure
of through connections, lineage or social class.
● Job specialization
The Civil Service exam originated in Han China and reemerged during
● Established rules and procedures
the Tang and Song dynasties. Chinese men would take a series of exams
that would award them greater power and influence through entrance
into the scholar gentry class.
These men would spend years studying Chinese classics to successfully pass the exam, and high education costs would
limit affordability to the higher classes.
Economic
Grand Canal
The Grand Canal connected the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers and facilitated trade and communication in China. It is the
longest and oldest canal in the world. It contributed majorly to China’s growing economy because it allowed trade to be
conducted quicker.
1
, Gunpowder
Gunpowder was invented in the 9th century and
became an important export for China for other Causes for China’s economic boom :
countries to use in weaponry, mining and fireworks.
The Chinese kept the formula for gunpowder a ● Widespread commercialization of the economy : Song
closely guarded secret for many years. China began producing more than it needed and therefore
exporting its goods
Champa Rice
Champa Rice was imported from Vietnam. It was ● Strong iron and steel industry
drought resistant and could be harvested twice a
year, effectively doubling production. Increased ● Agricultural innovations
food for China’s large population led to increased
workers
Technological innovations
The Chinese improved the designs of the magnetic compass and the junk ships, both which facilitated navigation
Tribute System
A system of international relations where the smaller states around China had to pay tribute to them in exchange for
protection or recognition.
The Tribute System and the constant interaction with
surrounding countries caused many countries to adopt
aspects of Chinese influence:
● Korea adopted a similar civil service exam and
many Confucian principles and went even further
in marginalizing women
● Japan was more isolated from China because it
did not share a land border, so they adopted more
Chinese traits voluntarily
● Vietnam adopted Confucianism, Buddhism,
Chinese literary techniques and the Civil Service exam, however women were not nearly as marginalized as in
China
Developments in Dar Al Islam
Middle Eastern Abrahamic Religions
Judaism Christianity
● Originated ~600 BCE ● Originated 1st c
● Ethnic religions (tied to a particular ● Universalizing (seeks out converts)
ethnicity/culture)
2
Developments in China
Confucianism Daoism
Belief Systems
Neo-Confucianism emerged during the Tang Dynasty and
blended elements of Daoism and Buddhism into Confucianism
Originated ~ 500 BCE Originated ~ 500
BCE Women were often put in subordinate positions through
Emphasized filial piety
Confucianism and the practice of foot binding emerged, where
(children’s respect for parents Emphasized being
women would break and bind their feet to the point that they
& citizens respect for rulers) inspired by nature
could not walk for more than a few steps. This was a symbol of
Taught respect for social order Used to balance their wealth because they had servants and therefore did not
→ Used by leaders to Confucianism need to walk around.
legitimize rule
⭐ Mahayana Buddhism was also very prominent in China
Government
The Sui and Tang Dynasties united China while the Song Dynasty used
political stability to advance China’s government, especially through the Features of a bureaucracy :
development of a bureaucracy. Song China was a meritocracy, meaning
that people were selected or promoted based on individual merit instead ● Hierarchical authority structure
of through connections, lineage or social class.
● Job specialization
The Civil Service exam originated in Han China and reemerged during
● Established rules and procedures
the Tang and Song dynasties. Chinese men would take a series of exams
that would award them greater power and influence through entrance
into the scholar gentry class.
These men would spend years studying Chinese classics to successfully pass the exam, and high education costs would
limit affordability to the higher classes.
Economic
Grand Canal
The Grand Canal connected the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers and facilitated trade and communication in China. It is the
longest and oldest canal in the world. It contributed majorly to China’s growing economy because it allowed trade to be
conducted quicker.
1
, Gunpowder
Gunpowder was invented in the 9th century and
became an important export for China for other Causes for China’s economic boom :
countries to use in weaponry, mining and fireworks.
The Chinese kept the formula for gunpowder a ● Widespread commercialization of the economy : Song
closely guarded secret for many years. China began producing more than it needed and therefore
exporting its goods
Champa Rice
Champa Rice was imported from Vietnam. It was ● Strong iron and steel industry
drought resistant and could be harvested twice a
year, effectively doubling production. Increased ● Agricultural innovations
food for China’s large population led to increased
workers
Technological innovations
The Chinese improved the designs of the magnetic compass and the junk ships, both which facilitated navigation
Tribute System
A system of international relations where the smaller states around China had to pay tribute to them in exchange for
protection or recognition.
The Tribute System and the constant interaction with
surrounding countries caused many countries to adopt
aspects of Chinese influence:
● Korea adopted a similar civil service exam and
many Confucian principles and went even further
in marginalizing women
● Japan was more isolated from China because it
did not share a land border, so they adopted more
Chinese traits voluntarily
● Vietnam adopted Confucianism, Buddhism,
Chinese literary techniques and the Civil Service exam, however women were not nearly as marginalized as in
China
Developments in Dar Al Islam
Middle Eastern Abrahamic Religions
Judaism Christianity
● Originated ~600 BCE ● Originated 1st c
● Ethnic religions (tied to a particular ● Universalizing (seeks out converts)
ethnicity/culture)
2
