AROUND THE AP WORLD DAY 77: 1 1 EAST ASIA
1.1 East Asia Overview
Introduction to East Asia
- The course begins with a review of major points regarding East Asia, emphasizing the importance of understanding early topics.
- Familiarity with maps and regions is crucial; terms like "East Asia" and "West Africa" will be used in discussions, necessitating knowledge of geographical locations.
Key Historical Context (1200-1450)
- This period focuses on trade, which is central to understanding 1.1 East Asia.
- Cartographically, East Asia includes China, Korea, and Japan; Vietnam is categorized under Southeast Asia for this context.
Song China: The Dominant Power
- The discussion centers around Song China as it approaches its decline due to Mongol threats.
- A Neo-Confucian government rules over a diverse population with mixed belief systems including Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism.
Major Concepts in Song China
Civil Service Exam
- The civil service exam determines placement within the Chinese bureaucracy based on merit; high scores lead to better job opportunities.
Mandate of Heaven
- This ancient belief states that rulers maintain divine approval as long as they govern well; failure leads to loss of legitimacy and potential rebellion.
Filial Piety
- A core Confucian value emphasizing respect for elders; illustrated through cultural references such as those found in Disney's Mulan.
Agricultural Innovations: Champa Rice
- Champa rice is a fast-growing strain that significantly boosts food production and population growth in China.
Grand Canal Development
- The Grand Canal connects major waterways in China, facilitating trade between northern and southern regions—an engineering achievement that enhances economic activity.
Economic Landscape of the Song Dynasty
- Despite political challenges from Mongols and Jin tribes, the Song Dynasty excels economically through extensive trade networks across Asia.
- Trade routes connect China with various regions including Caliphates and India; innovations like movable type and paper money emerge during this time.
Conclusion: Significance of East Asia
- Understanding 1.1 sets the stage for recognizing China's global influence until the 1800s.
- Future discussions will compare this unit with other significant historical contexts such as Dar al-Islam.