East Asia (3500 B.C. - 350 A.D.)
A. River Dynasties in China, Chapter 2, Section 3 & 4
B. Unification of China: Chapter 4, Section 4
C. Han Emperors in China: Chapter 7, Section 3
D. Tang and Song China: Chapter 12, Section 1
E. Mongol Conquests: Chapter 12, Section 2
F. The Mongol Empire: Chapter 12, Section 3
B. Unification of China: Chapter 4, Section 4
C. Han Emperors in China: Chapter 7, Section 3
D. Tang and Song China: Chapter 12, Section 1
E. Mongol Conquests: Chapter 12, Section 2
F. The Mongol Empire: Chapter 12, Section 3
Unit 4: Essential Questions
1. Compare and contrast the challenges faced by the Indus river valley civilizations vs. Chinese river valley dynasties (Chapter 2, Section 3 & 4).
You covered Section 3 of Chapter 2 during a previous unit, but this question requires you to return to it and compare the challenges faced by the Indus river valley civilizations with the civilization that still lives and thrives in the valleys of one of the rivers in China, the Huang He (Yellow River). In fact, did you know that the Yellow River Basin TODAY grows more than 50% of China's wheat, cotton, and tobacco?!
In both cases you need to look at the influences of certain geographical features such as surrounding mountains and deserts, as well as environmental challenges such as changing weather patterns, floods and rivers changing course. As you know, the most effective way to approach a “compare and contrast” question is to take notes using a Venn diagram or T-chart. You will find the relevant information on pp. 44-45, and pp. 50-51.
You covered Section 3 of Chapter 2 during a previous unit, but this question requires you to return to it and compare the challenges faced by the Indus river valley civilizations with the civilization that still lives and thrives in the valleys of one of the rivers in China, the Huang He (Yellow River). In fact, did you know that the Yellow River Basin TODAY grows more than 50% of China's wheat, cotton, and tobacco?!
In both cases you need to look at the influences of certain geographical features such as surrounding mountains and deserts, as well as environmental challenges such as changing weather patterns, floods and rivers changing course. As you know, the most effective way to approach a “compare and contrast” question is to take notes using a Venn diagram or T-chart. You will find the relevant information on pp. 44-45, and pp. 50-51.
2. How might the Chinese belief in the Mandate of Heaven have worked for and against stability?
It goes without saying that in order to answer this essential question, you need to understand and be able to briefly explain what the Mandate of Heaven actually is. In essence, it is an ancient Chinese idea that an emperor’s right to rule is granted by the gods in Heaven, but it could also be taken away by them. A wicked or foolish emperor could thus lose his mandate to rule and be replaced by someone else.
The Mandate of Heaven did not depend upon royal or even noble birth; any successful rebel leader could become emperor with Heaven's approval, even if he was born a peasant. Signs that a particular ruler had lost the Mandate of Heaven included peasant uprisings, invasions by foreign troops, drought, famine, floods and earthquakes. The pattern of rise, decline and replacement of dynasties is known as the dynastic cycle, as illustrated here and in your textbook on p. 54.
To answer the actual essential question, you have to think critically how this belief system could have worked for and against stability. Begin by looking at a timeline of Chinese dynasties in your textbook on p. 338, or at http://www.china-mike.com/chinese-history-timeline/ What inferences can you make about the stability within the various dynasties? Look at how long the various dynasties lasted and what might have contributed to their longevity or rapid demise?
It goes without saying that in order to answer this essential question, you need to understand and be able to briefly explain what the Mandate of Heaven actually is. In essence, it is an ancient Chinese idea that an emperor’s right to rule is granted by the gods in Heaven, but it could also be taken away by them. A wicked or foolish emperor could thus lose his mandate to rule and be replaced by someone else.
The Mandate of Heaven did not depend upon royal or even noble birth; any successful rebel leader could become emperor with Heaven's approval, even if he was born a peasant. Signs that a particular ruler had lost the Mandate of Heaven included peasant uprisings, invasions by foreign troops, drought, famine, floods and earthquakes. The pattern of rise, decline and replacement of dynasties is known as the dynastic cycle, as illustrated here and in your textbook on p. 54.
To answer the actual essential question, you have to think critically how this belief system could have worked for and against stability. Begin by looking at a timeline of Chinese dynasties in your textbook on p. 338, or at http://www.china-mike.com/chinese-history-timeline/ What inferences can you make about the stability within the various dynasties? Look at how long the various dynasties lasted and what might have contributed to their longevity or rapid demise?
3. Describe and explain the philosophies of Confucianism, Legalism, and Taoism. Explain their impact on China.
Towards the end of the Zhou Dynasty, China went through a stage known as the “warring states period” where groups within China were in conflict with one another. Various scholars and philosophers (a philosopher is someone who seeks the truth) tried to develop solutions to restore the traditional Chinese values of social order, harmony and respect for authority. To answer the essential question, you need to describe and explain three of these philosophies - Confucianism, Legalism, and Taoism. You will find the relevant information ion pp. 104 – 106, as well as a concise chart on p. 106.
Towards the end of the Zhou Dynasty, China went through a stage known as the “warring states period” where groups within China were in conflict with one another. Various scholars and philosophers (a philosopher is someone who seeks the truth) tried to develop solutions to restore the traditional Chinese values of social order, harmony and respect for authority. To answer the essential question, you need to describe and explain three of these philosophies - Confucianism, Legalism, and Taoism. You will find the relevant information ion pp. 104 – 106, as well as a concise chart on p. 106.
4. How did the civil service system impact the Chinese government (under the rule of the Han Dynasty)? You should address both advantages and disadvantages of this system in your answer?
When the Qin Dynasty came to an end, the peasants in China were extremely unhappy about years of high taxes, harsh labor practices and a severe punishment system, and with the encouragement of rival kings, many of them rebelled. Liu Bang eventually came out as the new leader, and declared himself the first emperor of the Han Dynasty, which would rule for the next 400 years. Liu Bang’s first goal was to destroy the power of rival kings, and he did so by establishing a centralized government and creating a clearly defined structure within the Chinese society. The government in particular was based on a complex bureaucracy that included a civil service with 18 different ranks. These were government jobs that were allocated to civilians that were able to rise up through the ranks by taking and passing exams based on their understanding of Confucianism. To answer the essential question you need to explain how these changes impacted the Chinese government positively and negatively, looking at issues such as the economic and cultural advantages and disadvantages. Information on this topic can be found on pp. 202 – 207.
When the Qin Dynasty came to an end, the peasants in China were extremely unhappy about years of high taxes, harsh labor practices and a severe punishment system, and with the encouragement of rival kings, many of them rebelled. Liu Bang eventually came out as the new leader, and declared himself the first emperor of the Han Dynasty, which would rule for the next 400 years. Liu Bang’s first goal was to destroy the power of rival kings, and he did so by establishing a centralized government and creating a clearly defined structure within the Chinese society. The government in particular was based on a complex bureaucracy that included a civil service with 18 different ranks. These were government jobs that were allocated to civilians that were able to rise up through the ranks by taking and passing exams based on their understanding of Confucianism. To answer the essential question you need to explain how these changes impacted the Chinese government positively and negatively, looking at issues such as the economic and cultural advantages and disadvantages. Information on this topic can be found on pp. 202 – 207.
5. What technological advancements, especially during the Song and Tang Dynasties, led to the advancement of the Chinese civilization?
China experienced an era of prosperity and technological innovation (advancement) during the Tang and Song dynasties (Chapter 12, Section 1, p. 325 & pp. 328 – 329). In this question you are asked to describe a number of these inventions (the more, the better!), and briefly explain the impact that they had on society in China, as well as in the rest of the world.
China experienced an era of prosperity and technological innovation (advancement) during the Tang and Song dynasties (Chapter 12, Section 1, p. 325 & pp. 328 – 329). In this question you are asked to describe a number of these inventions (the more, the better!), and briefly explain the impact that they had on society in China, as well as in the rest of the world.
6. Given the warlike nature of the Mongols, how did they change once they had the largest land empire? How did they acquire and maintain their extensive empire. (Be sure to include and explain the term Pax Mongolica.)
After roaming the eastern steppe for many centuries, Genghis Khan, a strong political and military leader, was able to unite the Mongols and conquer vast areas in Asia. His successors continued to expand his empire until the Mongols had conquered the largest unified land empire in history. In fact, the empire became so vast that it had to be divided into four areas or khanates to make it more governable!
Answer this essential question by firstly describing how Genghis Khan and his followers united the Mongols and conquered much of Asia (pp. 331 – 333). Continue with the second part of the question by explaining how the Mongols ruled their conquered areas during the period often referred to as the Pax Mongolica, bringing about peace and stability across much of the area, and thus creating and environment for economic growth and innovations. Focus on pp. 333 – 334, but then expand your essay with additional points from Chapter 12, Section 3 on pp. 335 - 338.
After roaming the eastern steppe for many centuries, Genghis Khan, a strong political and military leader, was able to unite the Mongols and conquer vast areas in Asia. His successors continued to expand his empire until the Mongols had conquered the largest unified land empire in history. In fact, the empire became so vast that it had to be divided into four areas or khanates to make it more governable!
Answer this essential question by firstly describing how Genghis Khan and his followers united the Mongols and conquered much of Asia (pp. 331 – 333). Continue with the second part of the question by explaining how the Mongols ruled their conquered areas during the period often referred to as the Pax Mongolica, bringing about peace and stability across much of the area, and thus creating and environment for economic growth and innovations. Focus on pp. 333 – 334, but then expand your essay with additional points from Chapter 12, Section 3 on pp. 335 - 338.