Question 1

Why was Empress Wu (625-706) successful in obtaining control in the Tang period? How did her role affect Chinese history? Did her influence enhance or detract from the prestige of the Tang Empire? 
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

Empress Wu was successful in obtaining control in the Tang period for several reasons. First, she was a shrewd and intelligent leader who was able to navigate the complex political landscape of the time. She also had a strong support base within the imperial court, which allowed her to consolidate power and maintain control. Additionally, she was able to use her position as the mother of the emperor to further solidify her authority.

Her role had a significant impact on Chinese history. As the only female emperor in Chinese history, Empress Wu challenged traditional gender roles and norms, and her reign marked a significant departure from the male-dominated political landscape of the time. She also implemented a number of reforms that aimed to improve governance and promote social justice, which had a lasting impact on Chinese society.

In terms of the prestige of the Tang Empire, Empress Wu's influence was a double-edged sword. On one hand, her reign brought stability and prosperity to the empire, and her reforms helped to strengthen the central government. On the other hand, her rise to power and the methods she used to maintain control were controversial, and her rule was marked by political intrigue and violence. This tarnished the reputation of the Tang Empire to some extent.

In conclusion, Empress Wu's success in obtaining control in the Tang period was due to her political acumen and support base within the imperial court. Her role had a significant impact on Chinese history, challenging traditional gender roles and implementing reforms that shaped Chinese society. While her influence enhanced the prestige of the Tang Empire in some ways, it also brought controversy and tarnished its reputation in others.

Question 2

What was the impact of Buddhism on the Tang dynasty? Why were there three distinct Buddhist divisions? Did this movement represent certain social strata? 
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The impact of Buddhism on the Tang dynasty was significant and far-reaching. Buddhism became a major cultural and religious force in Tang China, influencing art, literature, philosophy, and social structure. It also played a role in shaping the political landscape, as emperors and aristocrats patronized Buddhist monasteries and temples, and Buddhist monks and nuns often held positions of influence within the government.

The three distinct Buddhist divisions in Tang China were the Mahayana, Theravada, and Vajrayana traditions. These divisions arose due to the diverse range of Buddhist teachings and practices that were brought to China from India and Central Asia. The Mahayana tradition, with its emphasis on compassion and the pursuit of enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, became the dominant form of Buddhism in Tang China. The Theravada tradition, which focused on the original teachings of the Buddha and the pursuit of individual enlightenment, also had a presence in Tang China. The Vajrayana tradition, with its esoteric rituals and practices, gained popularity among the elite and the imperial court.

The spread of Buddhism in Tang China did not represent a specific social strata, as it attracted followers from all levels of society. While the elite and the imperial court were important patrons of Buddhism, the religion also appealed to common people seeking spiritual guidance and solace in a time of social and political upheaval. Buddhist monasteries and temples provided education, healthcare, and social services to the community, further cementing Buddhism's influence across different social strata.

In conclusion, the impact of Buddhism on the Tang dynasty was profound, shaping the cultural, religious, and political landscape of the time. The three distinct Buddhist divisions reflected the diverse range of teachings and practices that were brought to China, and the movement attracted followers from all levels of society, making it a significant and influential force in Tang China.

Question 3

Compare and contrast trade and foreign contact during the Tang and Yuan periods. What impact did trade and contact with foreigners have on China during these periods? 
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

During the Tang period (618-907) in China, trade and foreign contact flourished, particularly along the Silk Road. The Tang Dynasty was known for its open and cosmopolitan attitude towards foreign cultures, and this led to a significant increase in trade and cultural exchange with neighboring countries and regions. The Tang Dynasty also established diplomatic relations with various foreign powers, such as the Arab Caliphate and the Tibetan Empire.

On the other hand, during the Yuan period (1271-1368), China was ruled by the Mongol Empire, and foreign contact and trade continued to play a significant role in Chinese society. The Mongol rulers actively promoted trade and cultural exchange, and as a result, China became a hub for international commerce and cultural interaction. The Yuan Dynasty also established diplomatic relations with various foreign powers, including the European nations.

The impact of trade and contact with foreigners during these periods was profound. It led to the introduction of new technologies, ideas, and goods into China, which contributed to the flourishing of Chinese society and economy. Foreign contact also facilitated the spread of Chinese culture, language, and religion to other parts of the world. Additionally, the exchange of goods and ideas had a significant impact on the development of art, literature, and philosophy in China.

In conclusion, trade and foreign contact during the Tang and Yuan periods had a transformative effect on China, leading to increased cultural exchange, economic prosperity, and the spread of Chinese influence to other parts of the world. These periods were characterized by a high degree of openness and engagement with the outside world, which contributed to the richness and diversity of Chinese civilization.

Question 4

What were some of the cultural achievements of the Chinese during the Tang dynasty? What various influences were reflected in Tang literature and poetry? How do these achievements compare to those of the Song and Yuan dynasties?
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The answer of What were some of the cultural achievements...

Question 5

All of the following constituted principle threats to the Tang state except the

Accepted Answer

A)   Japanese.
B)   Tibetans.
C)   Turks.
D)   Manchurian tribes.

Question 6

The primary geopolitical difference between the Northern and the Southern Song dynasties can best be described as (Map 8-3, p. 203)

Accepted Answer

A)   the Liao Empire dominated the northern half of China under the Northern Song.
B)   the Jin Empire dominated the northern half of China under the Southern Song.
C)   the Northern Song controlled the Grand Canal while the Southern Song did not.
D)   the Southern Song controlled the Grand Canal while the Northern Song did not.

Question 7

What is the importance of the Sui dynasty to the Tang dynasty? What former Chinese empire developed as a role model for these two dynasties? What great building program developed in the Sui period? 
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the importance of the Sui...

Question 8

About how many Mongols lived in China during the Yuan period?

Accepted Answer

A)   100,000
B)   400,000
C)   700,000
D)   1,000,000

Question 9

Describe how peasants in China changed from serfs to free farmers. What was the role of the aristocracy in this transformation? Why did the equal field system collapse? 
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe how peasants in China changed from...

Question 10

Before the sixth century C.E., the Chinese maintained imperial unity while the Europeans did not for all of the following reasons except (Global Perspective, pp. 192-193)

Accepted Answer

A)   Buddhism served as the ideological basis of the Chinese government.
B)   China had a more homogenous culture.
C)   the population density of China was considerably higher.
D)   military valor was more highly regarded in China.

Question 11

Compare and contrast the role of women as seen in the career of the Empress Wu, the poetry of Li Bo, the "Chaste Woman" Shi, and during the Yuan dynasty. How did the roles of women evolve and how do their roles in China compare to those in other civilizations in your studies?
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast the role of women...

Question 12

Describe the methods utilized by the Mongols to control China. What advantage was there in maintaining a language barrier between the Mongols and the Chinese? What happened to the examination system during the Yuan dynasty? 
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the methods utilized by the Mongols...

Question 13

Compare and contrast the political, social, and economic structure of China during the Tang dynasty to that during the Song dynasty. What were the strengths of the Tang? The Song? And what innovations did both dynasties contribute to China?
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast the political, social, and...

Question 14

What were the tactics that allowed Temujin to transform the Mongols into a successful conquering force? What was the impact of the Mongols on Asia? 
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The answer of What were the tactics that allowed Temujin...

Question 15

Discuss the general trends in world history from 500 to 1500. What were the general patterns of the Chinese, Persian, and Indian development? How did the Arab invasions affect world history? Why did Europe fail to unite? 
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the general trends in world history...

Question 16

Compare and contrast the development of Europe and China from 500 to 1500. What factors influenced the development of both areas? 
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast the development of Europe...

Question 17

What was the importance of the examination system in the Song period? How did this development bring about stability in the court? Who had the best opportunity to pass the exam? 
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The answer of What was the importance of the examination...

Question 18

The high point of Buddhism in China was during the

Accepted Answer

A)   Tang dynasty.
B)   Song dynasty.
C)   Yuan dynasty.
D)   Qin dynasty.

Question 19

Discuss the influence of technological changes during the Song period. What was the impact of money on trade? Why did the population shift to the south? What role did the scholar-gentry play in these changes? 
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the influence of technological changes during...

Exam 8: Imperial China, 589-1368

Why was Empress Wu (625-706) successful in obtaining control in the Tang period? How did her role affect Chinese history? Did her influence enhance or detract from the prestige of the Tang Empire? Conceptual

What was the impact of Buddhism on the Tang dynasty? Why were there three distinct Buddhist divisions? Did this movement represent certain social strata? Conceptual

Compare and contrast trade and foreign contact during the Tang and Yuan periods. What impact did trade and contact with foreigners have on China during these periods? Conceptual

What were some of the cultural achievements of the Chinese during the Tang dynasty? What various influences were reflected in Tang literature and poetry? How do these achievements compare to those of the Song and Yuan dynasties? Conceptual

All of the following constituted principle threats to the Tang state except the

The primary geopolitical difference between the Northern and the Southern Song dynasties can best be described as (Map 8-3, p. 203)

What is the importance of the Sui dynasty to the Tang dynasty? What former Chinese empire developed as a role model for these two dynasties? What great building program developed in the Sui period? Conceptual

About how many Mongols lived in China during the Yuan period?

Describe how peasants in China changed from serfs to free farmers. What was the role of the aristocracy in this transformation? Why did the equal field system collapse? Conceptual

Before the sixth century C.E., the Chinese maintained imperial unity while the Europeans did not for all of the following reasons except (Global Perspective, pp. 192-193)

Compare and contrast the role of women as seen in the career of the Empress Wu, the poetry of Li Bo, the "Chaste Woman" Shi, and during the Yuan dynasty. How did the roles of women evolve and how do their roles in China compare to those in other civilizations in your studies? Conceptual

Describe the methods utilized by the Mongols to control China. What advantage was there in maintaining a language barrier between the Mongols and the Chinese? What happened to the examination system during the Yuan dynasty? Conceptual

Compare and contrast the political, social, and economic structure of China during the Tang dynasty to that during the Song dynasty. What were the strengths of the Tang? The Song? And what innovations did both dynasties contribute to China? Conceptual

What were the tactics that allowed Temujin to transform the Mongols into a successful conquering force? What was the impact of the Mongols on Asia? Conceptual

Discuss the general trends in world history from 500 to 1500. What were the general patterns of the Chinese, Persian, and Indian development? How did the Arab invasions affect world history? Why did Europe fail to unite? Conceptual

Compare and contrast the development of Europe and China from 500 to 1500. What factors influenced the development of both areas? Conceptual

What was the importance of the examination system in the Song period? How did this development bring about stability in the court? Who had the best opportunity to pass the exam? Conceptual

The high point of Buddhism in China was during the

Discuss the influence of technological changes during the Song period. What was the impact of money on trade? Why did the population shift to the south? What role did the scholar-gentry play in these changes? Conceptual