Unit 4 Study Guides and Answers
Study Guide for Chapter 16
The Political Development
of Imperial China
Terms Locate as many of the following terms as you can in your Reading
or Activity Notes and highlight them. For each term not already in your
notes, define and explain its significance on a separate sheet of paper.
aristocracy (p. 179)
civil service examinations (p. 182)
meritocracy (p. 179)
Song dynasty (p. 183)
Mandate of Heaven (p. 180)
Mongols (p. 184)
bureaucracy (p. 181)
Kublai Khan (p. 184)
warlord (p. 181)
Ming dynasty (p. 184)
Tang dynasty (p. 182)
aristocracy: a ruling class of noble families
meritocracy: rule by officials of proven merit
Mandate of Heaven: the idea that Heaven chooses a particular dynasty to rule
bureaucracy: a highly organized body of workers with many levels of authority
warlord: a military leader operating outside the control of the government
Tang dynasty: ruled China from 618 to 907 C.E.; known for economic development and growth;
many inventions and discoveries were made in China during this dynasty
civil service examinations: tests given to qualify candidates for positions in the government
Song dynasty: ruled China from 960 to 1279 C.E., known for economic development and growth;
many inventions and discoveries were made in China during this dynasty
Mongols: nomadic people from north of China
Kublai Khan: Mongol leader; founder of the Yuan dynasty
Ming dynasty: ruled China from 1368 to 1644 C.E.; opened China to foreign influences and then
closed it again
Essential Questions Consult your Reading Notes and, when necessary,
History Alive! The Medieval World and Beyond. For each question below,
record notes that prepare you to answer it.
1. What is an imperial government? How did imperial dynasties justify
their power? (7.3.6)
2. Which dynasties reunited China after the disunity than followed the Han
dynasty? How did these dynasties reunite China? (7.3.1)
3. How did the Tang dynasty use civil service examinations to improve the
bureaucracy? (7.3.6)
4. What changes did the Song dynasty implement to create a meritocracy?
(7.3.6)
5. During the Song dynasty, what changes happened in Confucian thought?
How did Confucianism influence the Song emperors? (7.3.3)
6. What did the Mongols believe about Confucianism? What influence did
Confucianism have on the Mongol rulers? (7.3.3)
7. What changes in government did the Mongols make? How did these
changes contribute to the collapse of the Mongol dynasty? (7.3.6)
8. Was the civil service system that was revived by the Ming dynasty beneficial
or harmful to China? Justify your response. (7.3.6)
Answers
1. An imperial government is a government headed by an emperor. Imperial dynasties in China
justified their power with the Mandate of Heaven. According to this idea, Heaven had chosen
a particular dynasty to rule.
2. The Sui dynasty reunited China after the disunity that followed the Han dynasty. The Sui
dynasty established a central government and ruled for 29 years. Following the Sui dynasty,
Li Yuan declared himself emperor and established the Tang dynasty, which strengthened the
central government of China.
3. The Tang dynasty used civil service examinations to improve bureaucracy by ensuring that
candidates were qualified to hold office. The examinations tested the candidates on Chinese
classics, poetry, and legal and administrative issues.
4. The Song dynasty used civil service exams and opened them up to more candidates. They
created a meritocracy in which officials were chosen for their merit. The exams were
influenced by Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism. Under the Song dynasty, lower classes
gained the ability to become scholar-officials.
5. During the Song dynasty, Confucian thought blended with the teachings of Buddhism and
Daoism. Based on Confucian views, Song emperors believed that officials who studied
Confucian thought would be rational, moral, and able to maintain order.
6. The Mongols felt that Confucian learning was not needed for government jobs and did not
want to rely on the Chinese to run the government. Many Mongol leaders were corrupt and
did not uphold Confucian ideals.
7. The Mongols ended the civil service exams and hand selected important government
positions. These changes allowed the government to become filled with corrupt officials.
Rebels rose up to fight the corruption and the Mongol dynasty collapsed, giving way to the
Ming dynasty.
8. The revival of the civil service system both benefited and harmed China. The system helped
China to establish a well-organized government which emphasized moral behavior, justice,
kindness, and loyalty. It also have gave poor men who were ambitious and hardworking the
opportunity to become government officials. The system harmed China because it stood in
the way of progress. The exam did not test science, mathematics, or engineering, and did not
encourage trade and business.
Timeline Label and illustrate a timeline with the events listed below. For
each event, draw a creative and appropriate symbol near its proper place on
the timeline. Write the date the event occurred and an appropriate headline
for each event.
Unification of China under the Emperor of Qin 221 B.C.E.
Fall of Han dynasty and breakup of China 220 C.E.
Rise of Tang dynasty 618 C.E.
Rise of Song dynasty 960 C.E.
Mongol capture of China’s capital 1276 C.E.
Restoration of Chinese rule under Ming dynasty 1368 C.E.
Study Guide for Chapter 17
China Develops a New Economy
Terms Locate as many of the following terms as you can in your Reading
or Activity Notes and highlight them. For each term not already in your
notes, define and explain its significance on a separate sheet of paper.
urbanization (p. 187)
typhoons (p. 188)
harrow (p. 188)
chain pump (p. 189)
paddies (p. 189)
barge (p. 190)
currency (p. 190)
junk (p. 191)
urbanization: the growth of cities
typhoons: violent storms
harrow: a farm tool used to break up and even out plowed ground
chain pump: a pump with containers attached to a loop of chain to lift water and carry it where it
is wanted
paddies: flooded fields where rice is grown
barge: a long boat with a flat bottom
currency: the form of money used in a country
junk: a sailing vessel
Essential Questions Consult your Reading Notes and, when necessary,
History Alive! The Medieval World and Beyond. For each question below,
record notes that prepare you to answer it.
1. Why did agricultural changes occur during the Song dynasty? What
were the main agricultural changes? What impact did those changes
have? (7.3.2)
2. Where was tea grown? What was its original use? In what ways did tea
become important in China? (7.3.5)
3. Why did economic changes occur during the Song dynasty? What were
the main economic changes? What impact did those changes have?
(7.3.2)
4. Who invented the magnetic compass? Why was this discovery important?
(7.3.5)
5. Why did urbanization occur during the Song dynasty? What were the
main changes that resulted from urbanization? What impact did those
changes have? (7.3)
6. What influence did Confucianism have on the lives of women during the
Song dynasty? What practice became common during that period?
(7.3.3)
Answers
1. Agricultural changes occurred during the Song dynasty due to the movement of farmers to
fertile areas, the development of a new type of rice, and the development of better farming
techniques and tools. Agriculture changes included an improved plow and harrow, fertilizer,
and the chain pump. These changes increased food production, which helped to support a
larger population and more trade.
2. Tea was grown in the southern hill area of China. It was originally used as a medicine. Tea
became important in China because the drinking of tea became a social custom.
3. Economic changes occurred during the Song dynasty because wealthy landowners were
eager to buy luxuries, there was a vast system of rivers and canal, improvements in
navigation made long sea voyages easier, and paper currency came into use. Economic
changes included the increase of trade, the use of paper money, and the development of port
cities. These changes resulted in the growth of the merchant class, increased prosperity, and
the growth of cities.
4. The magnetic compass was invented by the Chinese. This invention made it easier for sailors
to find their way across the ocean on long voyages.
5. Urbanization increased during the Song dynasty because as commerce increased, people
came to the city to trade. Large landowners moved to cities because they preferred the shops
and social life there. Urbanization stimulated culture, provided employment and vibrant
centers of activity, and resulted in crowded cities.
6. Confucianism taught that women were inferior to men. The custom of foot binding became
common during the Song dynasty.
Beginning of Song dynasty 960 C.E.
Introduction of new kind of rice to China 11th century C.E.
Minting of copper coins by Song government 11th century C.E.
Study Guide for Chapter 18
Chinese Discoveries
and Inventions
Terms Locate as many of the following terms as you can in your Reading
or Activity Notes and highlight them. For each term not already in your
notes, define and explain its significance on a separate sheet of paper.
lodestone (p. 196)
paddlewheel boat (p. 196)
canal lock (p. 197)
segmental arch bridge (p. 197)
woodblock printing (p. 198)
movable type (p. 198)
porcelain (p. 199)
alchemy (p. 200)
inoculate (p. 202)
vaccine (p. 203)
lodestone: a magnetic mineral
paddlewheel boat: a boat using continuously turning paddles
canal lock: a gated chamber in a canal used to raise or lower the water level
segmental arch bridge: a bridge supported by arches that are shallow segments (parts) of a circle
woodblock printing: a type of printing using wood blocks and ink
movable type: individual characters made of wood or metal that can be arranged to create a job
for printing and then used again
porcelain: a hard, white pottery; also called china
alchemy: a combination of science, magic, and philosophy that was practiced in medieval times
inoculate: to protect against disease by transmitting a disease-causing agent to a person,
stimulating the body’s defensive reactions
vaccine: a substance used to immunize people against a disease
Essential Questions Consult your Reading Notes and, when necessary,
History Alive! The Medieval World and Beyond. For each question below,
record notes that prepare you to answer it.
1. What inventions made exploration and travel safer and faster? Consider
inventions that affected overseas travel as well as travel on rivers, lakes,
canals, and bridges within China. (7.3.2, 7.3.5)
2. Explain how each of these industries developed within China: paper,
printing, porcelain, and steel. (7.3.2, 7.3.5)
3. Why was gunpowder such an important invention? (7.3.2, 7.3.5)
4. Explain how woodblock printing made possible the invention of everyday
objects such as playing cards and paper money. (7.3.2, 7.3.5)
5. How did the Chinese discoveries of inoculation and vaccines help prevent
diseases? (7.3.2, 7.3.5)
Answers
1. Inventions such as the magnetic compass, paddlewheel boats, canal locks, and the segmental
arch bridge made Chinese exploration and travel safer and faster.
2. Details of industries that developed in China include the following:
• Paper: The Chinese invented paper by the 2nd century C.E. Papermaking became an
important industry in China as paper was used for recording and transmitting information.
• Printing: During the 7th century, the Chinese invented woodblock printing, which was then
improved in the 11th century with movable type printing. These inventions lowered the
cost of printing and helped spread learning in China.
• Porcelain: Porcelain was developed in the 1st century C.E. and became a major industry and
a prized trade item.
• Steel: The Chinese first made steel in 200 B.C.E. Their discoveries later made it possible to
mass produce steel, which was crucial to the Industrial Revolution.
3. Gunpowder was an important invention because it made the development of powerful
weapons possible.
4. Woodblock printing contributed to the invention of many everyday items, such as playing
cards and paper money. Woodblocks allowed one design for an item to be reprinted multiple
times.
5. The Chinese discoveries of inoculation and vaccines helped to prevent diseases. The Chinese
discovered how to inoculate people, stimulating their immune systems to fight a disease. This
process of inoculation eventually led to the development of vaccines.
Timeline Label and illustrate a timeline with the events listed below. For
each event, draw a creative and appropriate symbol near its proper place on
the timeline. Write the date the event occurred and an appropriate headline
for each event.
Recording of formula for gunpowder 850 C.E.
Invention of segmental arch bridge 610 C.E.
Wood-block printing of multi-colored paper 1107 C.E.
money by Song printers
Study Guide for Chapter 19
China’s Contacts
with the Outside World
Terms Locate as many of the following terms as you can in your Reading
or Activity Notes and highlight them. For each term not already in your
notes, define and explain its significance on a separate sheet of paper.
Xuan Zang (p. 205)
tributaries (p. 210)
Buddhism (p. 205)
kowtow (p. 210)
Silk Road (p. 206
Zheng He (p. 210)
Kublai Khan (p. 208)
Ming dynasty (p. 211)
Marco Polo (p. 209)
Xuan Zang: a Chinese monk who traveled to India and made Buddhism widely known in China
Buddhism: a religion that originated in India
Silk Road: the routes traveled by caravan through Central Asia
Kublai Khan: a Mongol leader who conquered China and became emperor
Marco Polo: an Italian merchant who traveled through China
tributaries: rulers or countries that pay tribute to a conqueror
kowtow: the action of kneeling and touching ones head to the floor three times in front of a ruler
or other important person
Zheng He: an imperial adviser who made seven ocean expeditions as far as Africa
Ming dynasty: China’s ruling dynasty from 1368 to 1644 C.E.; known for opening up China to
foreign influences at the beginning of the dynasty
Essential Questions Consult your Reading Notes and, when necessary,
History Alive! The Medieval World and Beyond. For each question below,
record notes that prepare you to answer it.
1. What did the Tang do to make travel along the Silk Road safe? What
type of cultural exchanges resulted from the Silk Road during the Tang
dynasty? (7.3.2)
2. How did Buddhism come into China? How did it continue to spread
during the Tang dynasty? (7.3.1)
3. Why did foreigners and their beliefs become less welcome in China
toward the end of the Tang dynasty? (7.3)
4. How did the Mongols help to encourage overland trade along the Silk
Road? What cultural exchanges happened between Europe and China as
a result? (7.3.4, 7.8.3)
5. How did maritime trade flourish under the Mongols? (7.3.4)
6. Who was Marco Polo? Why were his travels important? Be able to trace
his travels on a map. (See also Online Resources, Primary Source 4.)
(7.8.3)
7. What did tributaries have to do? How did Zheng He’s maritime expeditions
help expand China’s foreign contacts under the Ming dynasty?
(7.3.4)
8. Why did Ming rulers eventually turn inward? What ultimately happened
to the Ming dynasty? (7.3)
Answers
1. By taking control of Central Asia, the Tang dynasty made travel along the Silk Road safer.
Because of the increased safety, merchants, missionaries, and other visitors came to China.
These foreign contacts brought many cultural exchanges with them. The Chinese sent silk,
porcelain, paper, iron, and jade along the trade routes. In return, they received ivory, cotton,
perfumes, spices, horses, and new medicines.
2. Buddhism came to China from India. Xuan Zang helped make Buddhism widely known in
China by bringing back Buddhist scriptures from India. Buddhism spread during the Tang
dynasty and became a major part of Chinese life. Buddhist monks came to teach in China and
Chinese pilgrims went to India to study.
3. Foreigners and their beliefs became less welcome in China towards the end of the Tang
dynasty due to attacks on Chinese borders, which increased hostility against outsiders.
4. The Mongols helped to encourage overland trade along the Silk Road by promoting safe
travel. Europeans brought Christianity and other ideas to China, and in return Europe learned
about technology like gunpowder and printing.
5. Maritime trade flourished under the Mongols with ships coming from India, Java, and
Ceylon.
6. Marco Polo was an Italian who traveled to China with his father and uncle, who were
merchants. His travels were important because they provided Europeans with firsthand
knowledge of China and further stimulated interest in trade.
7. Tributaries had to pay money to another country. Zheng He’s expeditions helped expand
China’s contacts with India and the countries near the Persian Gulf and Africa. Thirty or
more of the places he visited became tributaries of China.
8. Ming rulers eventually turned inward in order to spend money defending China against
Mongol invasions. To protect their people, the Ming rulers forbade travel outside of China
and tightly controlled all foreign contact. The Ming dynasty grew too rigid to adapt to new
conditions and was ended in part by a peasant rebellion.
Timeline Label and illustrate a timeline with the events listed below. For
each event, draw a creative and appropriate symbol near its proper place on
the timeline. Write the date the event occurred and an appropriate headline
for each event.
Seizure of Buddhist property by Tang government 843 C.E.
Flourishing sea trade during Song dynasty 960–1279 C.E.
Kublai Khan becomes emperor of China 1279 C.E.
Maritime expeditions of Zheng He 1405–1433 C.E.