Page 1: East Asian Developments (1200-1450 CE)
The period between 1200-1450 CE marked significant developments in East Asian governance, cultural influence, and economic innovation, particularly under the Systems of government employed by Chinese dynasties. The Song Dynasty exemplified how chinese history is divided into distinct periods of innovation while maintaining traditional values.
Definition: The civil service examination system was a merit-based recruitment method requiring extensive knowledge of Confucian classics.
Example: The Song Dynasty's manufacturing capabilities were impressive, producing 32,000 suits of armor and 160 million arrowheads annually, demonstrating the effects of innovation on the chinese economy over time.
Highlight: The introduction of paper money and gunpowder technology represents key china innovations in technology that transformed both commerce and warfare.
Vocabulary: Confucianism - A philosophical system emphasizing proper conduct, practical wisdom, and social relationships.
Quote: "Chinese cultural traditions continued & influenced neighbors" - demonstrating the positive effects of chinese cultural traditions on east asia.
The document continues with sections on developments in Dar al-Islam and South/Southeast Asia, covering Islamic states' emergence and Hindu-Buddhist influences in these regions. The interplay between these different cultural spheres showcases how interaction with neighboring cultures affected china both positively and negatively, contributing to a rich tapestry of medieval Asian history.
The text particularly emphasizes how the effects of chinese cultural traditions on east asia over time manifested through:
- Buddhist religious practices and their various branches
- Administrative systems based on Confucian principles
- Technological and economic innovations
- Long-distance trade networks
- Cultural exchange with neighboring regions like Japan
This period exemplifies the rise of china as an economic power through innovations in:
- Manufacturing capabilities
- Monetary systems
- Military technology
- Administrative efficiency
- International trade
