Midterm Review- World History Vocabulary and Key Terms Flashcards
Ming Dynasty
Dynasty that ruled China from 1368 to 1644. Helped China to become the dominant power in Asia. Drove the Mongols out of China and brought peace and prosperity back to China.
Qing Dynasty
Dynasty that ruled China from 1644-1911. They promoted historical traditions by following social structures and Confucian beliefs. They also restored the prosperity of China and made their borders safer.
Chinese Tribute System
a system in which vassal states paid overlords tribute in order to acknowledge their submission.
Hongwu
Commanded the rebel army that drove Mongols out of China. He became the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Later in his rule Hongwu became a ruthless tyrant.
Confucianism
an ancient Chinese belief system, which focuses on the importance of personal ethics and morality. It was made more popular in China by the Ming Dynasty.
Zheng He
A Chinese Muslim admiral that led 7 voyages that ranged from Southeast Asia to eastern Africa. These voyages were made to expand trade and expand their tribute system.
Beijing & Forbidden City
When Yonglo moved the capital of China to Beijing, he ordered the building of the Forbidden City. Construction of this city took 14 years and commoners and foreigners were not allowed to enter (hence the name Forbidden City).
Great Wall of China
Construction of the Great Wall of China started during the Qin Dynasty but was rebuilt and expanded during the Ming Dynasty. It was rebuilt because Ming leaders feared a Mongol invasion.
Manchus
Were people of Manchuria and invaded China in 1644. The Ming Dynasty collapsed and the Manchus people seized Beijing and their leader became China’s new emperor. The Manchus took a Chinese name for their dynasty, the Qing Dynasty.
Kangxi
Become emperor of the Qing Dynasty in 1661 and ruled for about 60 years. Kangxi reduced government expenses (which reduced taxes) and offered intellectuals government positions. In 1696, Mongols threatened the borders of China and Kangxi personally led troops to victory. Kangxi’s grandson (Qian-long) eventually became a great leader.
Renaissance
Cultural expansion happened during the Ming and Qing dynasties as well as the European Renaissance. In both cases, people sought to connect to their own cultural traditions. Both of these cases promoted individual artistic expression and a deep exploration of human nature (especially in literature). Both were interested in different religions (Christianity and Confucianism). The European Renaissance featured architectural advancements for churches and cathedrals while the Ming Dynasty built the Forbidden City. Wealthy patrons supported Renaissance artists, but in China, the court directed all cultural activities.
Korea (Location & Chinese influence)
The Manchus invaded Korea and forced them to give their allegiance to them instead of the Ming. Although Korea was independent, they shadowed China in areas such as government, technology, culture, and policy of isolationism during the Ming Dynasty. During the Qing Dynasty, Korean people started to gain a sense of nationalism and began to paint about Korean scenes instead of Chinese scenes. Korea was located southeast of China.
Manchuria (Location & Manchus)
Manchuria was located Northeast of the Great Wall. Manchus were the people who lived in Manchuria and later formed the last Dynasty of China, the Qing Dynasty.
Mughal
Mughals were Mongols that lived in India. Their first leader was Babur. They took inspiration from many other cultures that affected their art, education, politics, and language. Descendants of Mughals had a long-lasting impact on Indian culture and history.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal was a building at Agra. Shah Jahan ordered the construction of the Taj Mahal as the tomb for his wife. The Taj Mahal took 22,000 workers and 22 years to be completed. It is made of white marble and was a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles.
