CH 13 The Spread of Chinese Civilization Japan, Korea and Vietnam

“sinicization” In general contexts, Sinicization refers to the process of "becoming Chinese"

Borrowing from the neighbors Japan has always looked to China as an influence During 7th to 9th centuries this was intense Taika reforms tried to make Japanese government more like China

Intellectuals and aristocrats absorbed Chinese culture The common people looked to Buddhism for comfort The Taika reforms were resisted by the aristocracy After a takeover attempt the Taika reforms were abandoned, local lords started their own armies

The Heian Era- Court Life A new capital was started at Kyoto There were strict rules for life Poetry flourished, Chinese script was modified Women were very involved in court life

Lady Murasaki The Tale of Genji This was the first novel published anywhere, it is a story of love and intrigue in the Imperial court

The Decline of Imperial Power Aristocratic families began to take more and more control Fujiwara family came to dominate Peasants and artisans lost even more power

The Warrior Elite Warrior leaders (BUSHI) governed and taxed their lands for themselves, not the court They created their own armies- SAMURAI “one who serves”

By 11th century samurai were widespread The warrior code valued honor and courage above all Seppuku (ritual suicide) was considered the way to maintain honor in defeat

Peasants lost even more power They became serfs They could not move up in class Many looked to pure land Buddhism for comfort

Declining influence of China By 838 the Japanese cut ties with Tang China The Gempei wars caused great suffering The Minamoto emerged victorious Military govt. (Bakufu) established at Kamakura Japan became a feudal state

After the Minamoto the Hojo family came to power (Shogun) The emperor and Minamoto became puppet rulers Civil wars followed for 10 years Japan broke into 300 competing states run by warlords (Daimyos)

TOMOE GOZEN

Comparing Japanese and European Feudalism Both rose due to weak central governments. Both were based on mutual obligations and military needs There were differences- In Japan family and social bonds were very strong Losing in battle was the worst disgrace

Military divisions/ Social Change 15th and 16th century Warfare became deadlier and constant Daimyos gained more power, the economy grew. A new class of wealthy merchants emerged. Women lost almost all power with rare exceptions

KOREA

Korea The Tang ruled Korea till 668,remained independent till early 20th century During Silla alliance period China had its greatest influence Art, learning and manufacture were borrowed

Some Koreans studies for Confucian exams, but most jobs were determined by family connections Most of Korean society was dominated by a small aristocratic elite All groups below them served them- ‘low born’ virtual slaves

Periodic revolts The burdens on the commoners caused periodic revolts A century of conflict till YI dynasty established in 1392 Maintained ties with China It lasted till 1910

SOUTHEAST ASIA VIETNAM

Southeast Asia - Vietnam China pushed south into their territory Viet people resisted the Chinese, they had a strong culture and were far from the Chinese center They took what they wanted from Chinese culture

The Han dynasty demanded tribute, later they conquered and ruled directly Viets were sent to school in China There were some revolts, peasants never wanted Chinese control Trung sisters led a revolt in 39 C.E.

"All the male heroes bowed their heads in submission;
Only the two sisters proudly stood up to avenge the country."
15th century Poem

The great distance from China helped By 939 Korea was independent Local scholar gentry never had the same power as in China Locals Viet officials favored the peasants and village rulers instead of the ruling dynasty

Struggle for Control Two main powers Trihn- centered in Hanoi Nguyen- centered in Hue Fought for 200 years

Summary Japan, Korea and Vietnam were influenced most because they had large farming centers Writing, bureaucracy, religion, art were all influenced China Each culture was mixed in how much they borrowed

Korea- political submission and cultural dependence Vietnam- conquest and control for a 1000 years Japan escaped direct rule, but Japan adopted many aspects of Chinese arts and government, then modified them