1.1 Developments in East Asia

East Asia during the GLOBAL TAPESTRY period of 1200-1450 is dominated by the Mongol Invasions. Depending on what you consider “CHINA”, the Mongols arrive in 1205 (against the Western Xia). Normally, East Asia is the story of China and how much influence they exert in the region. However, for the GLOBAL TAPESTRY period, it’s the story of the Fall and Rise of China along with how the other areas like Korea, Japan, and Vietnam handled these invasions.

• Explain the systems of government employed by Chinese dynasties and how they developed over time. (GOV)

  • Empires and states in Afro-Eurasia and the Americas demonstrated continuity, innovation, and diversity in the 13th century. This included the Song Dynasty of China, utilizing traditional methods of Confucianism and imperial bureaucracy to main and justify its rule.

• Explain the effects of Chinese cultural traditions on East Asia over time. (CDI)

  • Chinese traditions continued and influenced neighboring regions.

    • Cultural traditions

      • Filial piety

      • Neo-Confucianism & Buddhism

      • Confucian tradition of respect for and deference from women

      • Chinese literary and scholarly traditions spread to Heian Japan and Korea

    • Buddhism and its core beliefs continued to shape Asia and included a variety of branches:

      • Theravada

      • Mahayana

      • Tibetan

• Explain the effects of innovation on the Chinese economy over time.(ECN)

  • Economy of Song China became increasingly commercialized and depended on free peasant and artisanal labor.

  • Economy of Song China flourished as a result of increased productive capacity, expanding trade networks and innovations in agricultural and manufacturing.

  • Technological innovations include:

    • Champa rice

    • Grand Canal

    • Steel and Iron production

    • Textiles and porcelain for export