Feudal China and Japan

Tang Dynasty-China

Think about the following and answer in a paragraph form: Why were the Chinese dynasties so unstable? How were they able to dominate the Silk Road?

Tang Dynasty-China Capital of Chang’an One of the largest cities in the world High point in Chinese civilization Entire empire- 80 million people! Continued Han Dynasty policy of Civil Service exams Taxes - were equal for everyone Trade became more important Silk Road Dominated lucrative route Enormous army was able to match northern nomadic tribes (Mongols)

Tang Dynasty-China Established protectorate system Protection for subdued areas if they acknowledged Chinese power Culturally influenced Japan, Korea, Vietnam Greatest Age for Chinese poetry Developed printing press Christianity spread to China; Buddhists, Christians, and Jews became persecuted

Song Dynasty-China

Song Dynasty-China Very technologically advanced first paper money odometer-(measures miles) first use of gunpowder Land mine, grenade, cannon developed forensic science with autopsies Differential gear Applies equal amount of torque to wheels first permanent Chinese navy Hydraulics- (using liquids to move objects)

Song Dynasty-China Neo-Confucianism Reinvigorated Confucianism with Buddhist ideals Mongols led by Genghis Khan took over Northern China gunpowder repelled further advances south Civil Service Exams Became more prominent Shift from aristocracy to bureaucratic elite

Song Dynasty-China Grand Canal Allowed faster transport of trade Iron trade boomed

Asuka Period- Japan Introducution of Buddhism Spread by aristocracy Empress Suiko gained the throne when emperor was assassinated Developed 17 article constitution Based on Confucianism Set the virtues and morals expected from government officials and the emperor’s subjects

Nara Period - Japan Government completely overhauled Economic and politics were defined legally Land surveyed and registered Taxes were collected more efficiently Land allotments-spread land to all rural farmers about one acre Designed around absolute monarch Built new roads, government buildings, temples, irrigation systems, etc.

Nara Period Chronicles written to explain the beginnings of Japan Chronicles of Japan and the Record of Ancient Matters Japanese Mythology Problems between royalty and Buddhist monk - Forced to move capital to Kyoto

Heian Period - Japan High point in art and literature Fujiwara clan strongly influence the emperor of Japan Minamoto clan was sent to destroy the influence of the Fujiwara Yoritomo, first Shogun of Japan

Heian Period Genpei War Buddhism splits in Japan Turning point in Japanese history Minamoto, Fujiwara, Tachibana, Taira clans Shoguns lead samurais for first time Buddhism splits in Japan Strict monks vs. practical beliefs

Feudal Japan Emperor was weakened from Genpei War Remained on throne, but only for ceremonial functions Aristocracy or clans take over Japan Shoguns = generals Lasts until 1868

Mongol Invasions Two Mongol invasions to the islands of Japan Superior naval and weapon technology Twice a famous typhoon called kamikaze devastated both naval invasions, thus saving Japan