Asia
Explorers
Europeans begin to expand Eastward
Seek trade, resources, etc.
Goal: to make money
Spread Christianity
Major Countries trying to reach Asia:
Portugal (Africa, Indian Ocean)
Spain (Caribbean)
Others:
English
Dutch
French
China
The Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644)
The Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911)
Two Rivers:
Yellow River (The Huang He) - Northern China
Name from the yellowish silt left behind when it overflows
This silt is actually fertile soil called loess
Yangtze River (The Chang Jiang) - Central China
Between the two are China’s most fertile plains
Japan
Warring States Period (1467-1568)
Tokugawa Shogunate (1600 -1867)
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Feudalism
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Emperor
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Shogun
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Daimyo
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Samurai
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Peasants
Samurai:
Warriors: use swords, spears, and archery
Bushido: code of discipline
Loyal to Daimyos
Isolation period:
Turned away foreign ships
Banned Christianity
Pressured into opening its ports to trade
Weakening of the Tokugawa Shogunate
Meiji Restoration (1867 - 1912)
Emperor regains power
Begins westernizing Japan
Breakdown of Japanese Feudalism
Emperor brings in Americans to help modernize military
Teaches use of modern weaponry and tactics
Would replace Samurai warfare
Rice and Population
Advances in rice cultivation:
Quicker developing varieties (multiple crop yields)
Drought resistant varieties
More people survived, more children born
Isolationism
China and Japan both:
Sought to limit outside influence
Retain power
Retain cultural traditions
Did not feel the need to seek out new trade partners
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