How similar are the cultures of China, Japan, Korea, and other Southeast Asian countries? What are some examples of similarities? Why do you think there are similarities?

Ancient China was ruled by a succession of dynasties – families that pass the right to rule the country from one generation to the next Each dynasty was believed to have followed what is known as the dynastic cycle – a political theory where each dynasty rises to a peak, before declining and falling to another dynasty

Emperor reforms govt, improves efficiency Life improves, lower taxes, more farming Problems begin (wars, invasions) Taxes go up, conscription, farming neglected Increased spending, corruption Droughts, floods, famines Respect lost, rebels attack landlords Rebels united strong leader, attack emperor Emperor is defeated A new dynasty comes to power Start The Dynastic Cycle

Chinese rulers were considered divine, but served under what is known as the Mandate of Heaven – the idea that the universe granted each dynasty the right to rule These dynasties were allowed to rule, as long as they were fair and just Once a dynasty became corrupted and/or disaster struck, it was thought that they had lost the mandate of heaven This led to the emergence of a new dynasty and the dynastic cycle would begin all over again

Civil Service System and Exam: Started during the Han Dynasty in 207 BC In order to obtain a government job, scholars had to pass a civil service exam Provided stability to the Chinese government for over 2,000 years Manufactured Goods: Inventions/achievements traded on the Silk Road, from China to Europe: Paper Silk Porcelain

Writing Systems: Calligraphy - decorative handwriting or handwritten lettering Pictograms – pictorial symbol for a word or phrase

Architecture : Pagoda – a temple or sacred building, usually a pyramid like tower and typically having upward-curving roofs over the individual stories

Geography of Japan: Archipelago – chain of islands Mountainous and completely surrounded by the sea Limited arable/fertile land Fishing was a main economic activity Very proximate/close to China and Korea, which allowed cultural diffusion

Influence of Chinese Culture on Japan and Korea Similar writing systems Architecture (pagodas) Practice of Buddhism

Shinto Only found in Japan – the ethnic and state religion of Japan Coexisted with Buddhism Worship of the forces of nature Emperor was seen as divine and was worshipped as well

Out of the three philosophies that we discussed today, which one would you prefer to follow? Which one would you prefer NOT to follow? Why? Why are the cultures of China and Japan similar? Why do you think they are not exactly the same? Do you think that Japan’s geography plays a crucial role in this?