HST560A: AP World History | Unit 4 | Lesson 6: Centralized Imperial Rule in China
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4.06 Centralized Imperial Rule in China
China fell into fragmented warring sections after the end of the Han dynasty. No one could reunite the Chinese
empire. Finally the resources were found and Yang Jian not only reunited China, but also began the first of three
important dynastic eras. The Sui, Tang and Song dynasties recreated a centralized imperial China and left their
mark on Chinese history and culture.
Reading Guide
Read the Centralized Imperial Rule in China: Reading Assignment and take notes. Review the Keywords,
describe the Identifications, and answer the Essential Questions.
Keywords
Keyword
Definition/Notes
block printing
type of printing that uses hand-carved blocks of wood
Bodhisattva
an enlightened spirit who remains on earth to assist others
Chang’an
the capital of the Chinese empire, originally built by the Sui
civil service examinations
the difficult set of tests required to gain a position in the Chinese imperial
government
commercial market-oriented
cultivation
the growing of crops meant for sale rather than individual consumption
equal-field system
system of land distribution based on land fertility and family need
fast-ripening rice
a type of rice that has a shorter growing season
heavy iron plows
a plow made of iron that can more efficiently harvest a field
merit
something that deserves reward or praise
metallurgy
the technique of working metals into compounds and desired shaped and refining
them into their ores
moveable type
printing that involves each character on a separate piece of metal
porcelain
translucent ceramic with a high glaze
printing
producing writing using block type, moveable type, or mechanics rather than by
hand
Uighur
Turkish nomads hired as an army to protect the Tang from rebellion and outside
encroachments
Wu Zhao
female emperor of the Tang
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HST560A: AP World History | Unit 4 | Lesson 6: Centralized Imperial Rule in China
Identifications
Describe the Identifications. Use names, events, dates, and works of art or literature to help describe the
identification.
Identifications
Description/Notes
Sui Dynasty
Grand Canal
Sui Yangdi
Tang Dynasty
Mandate of Heaven
Middle Kingdom
kowtow
Tang Taizong
flying cash
Song Dynasty
Emperor Zuanzong
Chan Buddhism
Essential Questions
Answer the following questions from your reading:
1. How was centralized imperial rule restored in China?
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HST560A: AP World History | Unit 4 | Lesson 6: Centralized Imperial Rule in China
2. What were the important political, economic, and technological developments of the Sui dynasty?
Political
Economic
Technological
3. What were the important political, economic, and technological developments of the Tang dynasty?
Political
Economic
Technological
4. What were the important political, economic, and technological developments of the Song dynasty?
Political
Economic
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Copying or distributing without K12’s written permission is prohibited.
Technological
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