1. Change and Continuities of East Asia (Japan and China)
By: Thomas Stilwell, Chae Jeong, Jane Kitain, and Joseph Viola

2. JAPAN (8000 BCE-600 CE)
Political: - Dynastic rule through Yamato clan (first and last); Asuka period - Prince Shotoku adopted Chinese bureaucracy, leading to the Taika Reform in 645 CE.
Economic: agriculture-based society
Religion: -Shinto religion (worship of kami) CE, Buddhist missionaries spread through Japan. However, Buddhism was worshipped at the same time as Shinto.
Social: Bureaucratic and aristocratic system.
Interaction: -Buddhism was transferred from China to Japan -Prince Shotoku devoted to spreading Buddhism and Chinese culture

3. CHANGE AND CONTINUITIES
Change: - Change of government set-up (Dynasty to bureaucracy with an emperor) -Adaptation of Chinese culture and Prince Shotoku’s endorsement -Introduction of Buddhism
Continuity: - Shinto religion remained as main Japanese religion. - Japan remained centralized - Japan remained an agriculture-based society

4. CHINA (8000 BCE-600 CE) Shang Dynasty (1600-1100 BCE)
Political –develops around Yellow River Valley in Northern China
-limited contact with other civilizations causing an ethnocentric attitude
Economic –trade centered (like other river-basin communities)
Religion – gods control all aspects of people’s lives
*Social - Extended Family an important institution in this patriarchal society
Intellectual –bronze workers, used horse-drawn chariots, developed spoked wheel, pottery, SILK, a decimal system, and a highly accurate calendar
Zhou Dynasty ( BCE)
Political – Wu Wang ousts Shang Dynasty
-longest lasting dynasty (nearly 900 years)
-established Chinese belief in *Mandate of Heaven*
-developed the feudal system in China
-complex kingdoms developed *bureaucracies* adding to dynastic stability
-brought down by fighting and warfare among feudal kingdoms
Social-*maintained customs of Shang Dynasty
FOCUS ON: POLITICAL DIVISIONS WITHIN ZHOU DYNASTY AND THEIR EFFECTS

5. CHINA (8000 BCE-600 CE) Qin Dynasty (221-209 BCE)
Political –unified China under a single emperor
-Qin Shihuangdi recentralized various feudal kingdoms that had split apart at the end of Zhou Dynasty
-connected separate fortification walls to set up *Great Wall of China*
Religion – adopted *Legalism* causing heavy handedness towards peasants
Social –rulers punished any dissidents
Han Dynasty (200 BCE-220 CE)
Political – Huns from Northern Asia
-developed civil service system (exams)
Economic –Trade thrives along *Silk Roads*
Religion –revitalization of trade contributes to the *spread of Buddhism*
Social-Confucianism encouraged scholarship and education
Intellectual –*invention of paper, sundials, and calendars
FOCUS ON: GOLDEN AGE DEVELOPMENTS OF HAN CHINA AS A RESULT OF TRADE

6. *DO NOT ONLY FOCUS ON POLITICAL CHANGES BETWEEN DYNASTIES*
CHANGE AND CONTINUITY
*DO NOT ONLY FOCUS ON POLITICAL CHANGES BETWEEN DYNASTIES*
CHANGE – Development of New Belief Systems in China:
Confucianism (400 BCE)- effects on social order (five fundamental relationships) and its compatibility with other religions
Daoism (500 BCE)- effects on intellectual developments
Legalism (400 BCE)-effect on political systems (caused the reunification of China under Qin Dynasty)
-Spread of Culture Through Trade:
Buddhism’s spread along Silk Roads and its appeal to lower classes
Huns revitalize trade and change Chinese isolationism briefly
-NEW TECHNOLOGIES: Wheel and the Use of Iron
CONTINUITY –Isolationism and Ethnocentric Attitudes
Shang only traded with Mesopotamia
Qin set up Great Wall
-Ability for multiple belief systems to coexist peacefully

7. JAPAN (600 CE-1450)
Political: - Power of aristocratic families rose starting with Fujiwara family after capital changed to Heian. Emperor became just a figurehead (Nara Period) - Power shifted to shoguns when in 1192, Yorimoto Minamoto was given title of shogun. - Shoguns ruled as the emperor remained as figurehead.
Social: -Aristocratic families rose in the social hierarchy. -Feudal system was set up. -Shoguns gained political power, putting them on top. -Classes: Shogun, daimyo, samurai, peasants and artisans - Samurai followed Code of Bushido -Women were not held highly
Interactions: -Continuing influence from China. -Friendly relations with Silla (Kingdom of Korea)
Arts: Poetry and literature thrived in Heian Period.

8. CHANGE AND CONTINUITIES
Change: - Emperor became just a figurehead and Japan became run by shoguns - Feudal system was established - Social hierarchy was changed - Friendly interaction with Korea began - Arts and literature thrived.
Continuity: - China continued to have influence on Japan. - Women were still not equal to men. - The Japanese state was still unified under the figurehead.

9. CHINA (600 CE-1450) Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE)
Political –reunited China using a transportation and communications network
-utilized bureaucratic system based on merit
-fell due to local warlords gaining too much power
Economic –forced a tributary system on inferior independent countries (Vietnam, Korea, Tibet, Central Asia) with its capital at Chang’an
Religion – rivalry between Buddhism and Daoism/Confucianism
-Emphasized strong Confucian values and merit
Social – Wu Zhao –first and only Chinese Empress
Intellectual –introduction of fast-ripening rice from Vietnam
-emphasis on poetry
Song Dynasty ( CE)
Political –concentrated on developing an industrial society
Religion –development of *Neo-Confucianism blending Confucian and Buddhist
Social-Neo-Confucianism justifies the subordination of women and *foot binding in developed
Intellectual –technology applied to military (gunpowder, Chinese junks)
-**Movable Type
Yuan Dynasty ( CE)
Political –ruled by Kublai Khan and the Mongols
-*Pax Mongolica
Economic –revitalized trade by providing a vast empire and network
Religion –Minimal religious persecution by Mongols
Social –Chinese did not Mongolize and kept their own identity

10. *FOCUS ON THE VITALIZATION OF CULTURE AND THE SPREAD OF IDEAS*
CHANGE AND CONTINUITY
*FOCUS ON THE VITALIZATION OF CULTURE AND THE SPREAD OF IDEAS*
CHANGE –Changing Role of Women in Chinese Culture:
Neo Confucianism justifies foot binding
-new rivalries between religions (Confucianism and Daoism vs. Buddhism)
-the blending of cultures (Neo-Confucianism)
-New Technologies: fast ripening rice (from Vietnam), gunpowder, Movable Type, Magnetic Compass
CONTINUITY –Isolationism and Ethnocentric Attitudes
-Maintaining of Chinese Identity (especially under Mongol rule)
-Bureaucratic government policies based on merit (except under Mongol rule)
-the pressure of outside invaders (Mongols, Jurchens)

11. JAPAN ( )
Political: - Samurais did not favor the Treaty of Kanagawa signed by the shoguns and revolted. - ‘Centralized’ (one-man) power began to emerge but Tokugawa Shogunate set up strict and rigid government that ruled until 1868.
Economic: - Economy flourished through trade with Portuguese and Jesuits took control of port city of Nagasaki (15th century)
Religion - By the end of 16th century, many peasants converted to Christianity.
Social: - Shoguns gained even stronger power during time of Tokugawa Shogunate. - Social hierarchy based more off of caste system. - Mobility of classes became more difficult.
Interactions: - Mongols attempted to take over Japan (1200’s) - Japanese attempted to conquer Korea and China. (1500’s) - Western civilizations started to come into Japan and influence. - Japanese feared the traders and missionaries. - Announced complete isolationism.
Arts: Wood-block printing and theaters.

12. CHANGE AND CONTINUITIES
Change: - Western civilizations began to come in contact with Japanese society. - Economy flourish through trade with westerners. - Introduction of Christianity. - Hierarchy related more to the caste system; mobility of classes became less. - Japan tried to conquer other lands
Continuity: - As always, Japan feared outside influence and declared isolationism. - Social hierarchy was kept intact. - Shoguns stayed in power.

13. CHINA (1450-1750) Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
Political –removed Mongol presence and reinstated civil service exams (*Hongwu Emperor
-Portuguese invade Macao in early 16th Century
Economic –attempted to prop up failing economy by changing from paper money to silver currency
-The need for silver established trade relations with the Spanish through the Philippines
-Famines cripple the Chinese economy
Religion – reinstated Confucian values and their place in government
Intellectual –beginning of *Zheng He voyages in 1422 to explore southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean all the way to East Africa
Qing Dynasty ( ) (Beginning)
Political – took over China after Ming Emperor asked for their help to quell a peasant uprising

14. *FOCUS ON THE CHINESE ADAPTATION OF THE AGE OF EXPLORATION*
CHANGE AND CONTINUITY
*FOCUS ON THE CHINESE ADAPTATION OF THE AGE OF EXPLORATION*
CHANGE –China slightly reduces its isolationist policies:
Zheng He voyages in 1422
Established trade relations with Portugal
-China falls behind intellectually
Turns inward while European countries compete
-China’s failing economy due to inflation and an inadequate currency system
-first arrival of Jesuit Missionaries from Europe (Matteo Ricci)
CONTINUITY –Confucian values and principles in government:
Reinstated Civil Service Exams and Centralized the Government
-Persisting Invasions from Foreigners (Manchus)
-Flourishing in the Arts (literary achievement, calligraphy)
-Tentativeness toward interaction with foreigners (termination of Zheng He voyages)

15. Japan (1750 – 1914)
P- The Tokugawa Shogunate establishes the Bakufu. Meiji Emperor takes over after Tokugawa give up power.
E- The Bakufu stabilizes agriculture, but the Meiji rapidly industrialize and trade.
R- For a time Jesuit Christians are accepted, but over time they’re crucified.
S- The warrior ruling classes soon became more like bureaucratic intellectuals rather than professional soldiers
I- Japan was forced to open its borders by America and began to interact as a global power
A- Japan

16. Japan (1750 – 1914)
Change
For the first time in a long time Japan was united under one rule, The Tokugawa Shogunate.
Feudalism was readjusted and made into the Bakufu.
Christianity was welcomed in Japan
Christianity was also later harshly banned in Japan.
Chinese ideas and learning advocated in Japan  Shinto shares the spotlight with Buddhism and Neo-Confucianism.
1853 Japan finally gives into fore in demands and opens its doors to trade (after U.S. threatened to destroy Edo)
Tokugawa Shogunate ends and for the first time the Emperor seizes real power and Meiji Era begins.
Japan westernizes and rapidly industrializes, by 1902 Japan is considered a world power.
Continuity
Like their Chinese neighbors Japan always remains Japanese in it’s strict consistency of traditions like Shinto and Bushido
Society also remains fairly consistent with merchants at the bottom due to the distrust of foreigners
Feudalism continues for a long time into this period and lingers for some time as a threat and opposition to the newly established Emperor
Trade relations are still slow since Japan desired to be independent and make it’s own ships, weapons and products rather than trust shifty foreigners.

17. China (1750 – 1914)
P – The boxer rebellion occurred against European Imperialism
Treaty of Nanjing signed (after Opium War)
China’s government was crumbling
Weak government after war, seen as an easy target
Sun Yat-Sen came to power after 1911 (fall of Manchu)
Chinese Revolution of 1911
Chiang Kai-shek came to power
E – Strong economical difficulties due to loss in Opium War
R – Religion continued as it has before
Many Confusions values are still followed
S – Opium War
Internal rebellions began: White Lotus Rebellions – led by Buddhists who were frustrated over taxes
Taiping Rebellion – ALMOST brought down Manchu government, didn’t succeed.
I – China is relatively isolationist
Expanded by conquering its neighbors
Allowed only trade in the port city of Canton (European)
Foreign aggression from outside
Sino – French War (1883) – China lost control of Vietnam to the French
Sino – Japanese War – Turned over Taiwan
Spheres of Influence took greater presence in China
A – industrial advances

18. Changes and Continuities
The start and end of the Opium Wars
The Chinese Revolution of 1911
Sun Yat-Sen came to power
Chiang Kai-shek came to power
Allowed trade port in Europe
Sino – French War
Sino – Japanese War
Belief of isolationism
Cautious towards foreigners or barbarians
Major Confucius values still followed
Internal trading mostly occurred
Expanding through conquering neighbors

19. Japan (1914 – Present)
P- After the atomic bombs were dropped Japan gave up its Emperor and Prime Minister now rules (but there’s still an emperor as well)
E- Japans economy was going down in the first half of the time frame, but sky rocketed after American financial aid in the Cold War
R- Religion is no longer a conflicting topic in Japan and to our knowledge nobody is crucified
S- Japan has equality now where merchants and women can also be respected
I- One of the leading global traders
A- Japan

20. Japan (1914 – Present) Change
Japan grows more militaristic and fascist like.
Japan’s doors are completely open and foreigners are welcome business partners.
Japan allies themselves with Germany and Italy as opposed to standing alone as it has forever.
Irradiated
After the war Japan’s economy begins to move forward rapidly
Japanese industry evolves into the realm of technology and from defeat and poverty Japan almost becomes the world’s largest economic power, but due to a depression fails to exceed America.
Christians are no longer crucified.
Continuity
Even though foreigners were accepted the Japanese still didn’t like them as seen in their treatment of the Brazilian Japanese
Shinto and Buddhist beliefs continue in Japan
Japanese culture stays strong with a strict system of honor and respect
The samurai, kabuki and geisha arts and lifestyles still remain
Europeans still want to trade with the Japanese who don’t leave home

21. China (1914 – Present) P – Mao Zedong came into power
In 1976, Deng Xiaoping came to power
The People’s Republic of China was established: it was the largest communist nation in the world
By 1950’s Mao Zedong implemented his Great Leap Forward
n 1964, China tested its first atomic bomb.
E – Under Mao’s rule, advances in economy had been greatly impaired
Deng focused on repairing the economy
Under Deng, limited businesses and property ownership was allowed and China’s economy expanded
China still continues to reform and its economy is rapidly improving
R – Mao promoted a domestic policy: Cultural Revolution
Many Confucius values were still followed
S – Under Mao’s rule, social advanced decreased
Under communism, equality was sough, so during this time wives gained the right to divorce and obtained property rights.
Women also received equal pay and were encouraged to pursue professional careers
I – The Tiananmen Square massacre happened at this time: government sent troops and opened fire.
A – Major industrial and technologic advances

22. Changes and Continuities
Mao Zedong came into power
In 1976, Deng Xiaoping came to power
The People’s Republic of China was established
Women gained more rights of equality
China becoming a major economical power
China’s imports have greatly increased
Some fear of foreigners still exists
Major Confucius values still followed