Topic Test: Civilizations of East Asia and Southeast Asia

Prince Shotoku believed that both Buddhism and could unify Japan.

• kami

• Confucianism

• Tang China

• Taiki Reform

Answer explanation

Prince Shotoku believed that both Buddhism and Confucianism could unify Japan. Confucianism emphasized social harmony and governance, complementing Buddhist teachings and helping to create a cohesive society.

Which of the following ideals were bushido values that guided samurai? Choose the TWO correct answers.

• loyalty to one’s lord

• loyalty to one’s family

• personal honor

• family honor

Answer explanation

Bushido values emphasized loyalty to one’s lord and personal honor. Samurai were expected to serve their lords faithfully and uphold their own honor in all actions, making these the correct choices.

What features are associated with the dynasties of the Tang (618–907) and Song (960–1279)?

• economic problems and political violence

• prosperity, stable government, and advances in farming

• development of government bureaucracy

• overseas conquests and colonization

Answer explanation

The Tang and Song dynasties are known for their prosperity, stable governance, and significant advancements in agriculture, which contributed to economic growth and societal stability, distinguishing them from other periods.

When the Mongols came to power, they

• reopened the Silk Road to trade.

• shut down the Silk Road.

• raised taxes on merchants using the Silk Road.

• ignored the Silk Road entirely.

Answer explanation

When the Mongols came to power, they reopened the Silk Road, facilitating trade across Asia and Europe. This revitalization allowed for increased commerce and cultural exchange, making the correct answer 'reopened the Silk Road to trade.'

Which of the following statements BEST describes Emperor Hongwu’s actions in the 1300s?

• He drove out the Mongols but kept their traditions in place.

• He drove out the Mongols and shared power under the merit system.

• He drove out the Mongols and made himself the absolute ruler of China.

• He drove out the Mongols and then stepped down to let others rule.

Answer explanation

Emperor Hongwu, after driving out the Mongols, established the Ming Dynasty and centralized power, making himself the absolute ruler of China, which is best captured by the correct choice.

Which of the following inventions proved to be of great value to European sailors?

• tea

• the compass

• gunpowder

• paper

Answer explanation

The compass was crucial for European sailors as it allowed them to navigate accurately, especially during long sea voyages. This invention greatly improved their ability to explore and trade across oceans.

Which of the following groups had the higher social status under the Yuan dynasty?

• A. Song scholar-officials

• B. southern Chinese merchants

• C. northern Chinese nobles

• D. Turks and other Muslims

Answer explanation

Under the Yuan dynasty, Turks and other Muslims held a higher social status due to their roles in the Mongol administration and military, while the other groups were often marginalized or had lower status.

Read the following quote from Buddhist scripture Dhammapada.

“Well-makers lead the water (wherever they like); fletchers bend the arrow; carpenters bend a log of wood; wise people master themselves.”

What central part of Buddhism expressed in the quote appealed to samurai who practiced Zen?

• patience

• self-control and discipline

• purity

• loyalty and obedience

Answer explanation

The quote emphasizes mastering oneself, which aligns with self-control and discipline. Samurai practicing Zen valued these traits to achieve mental clarity and focus, essential for their martial and spiritual practices.

For three hundred years after 860, the real power in Japan was in the hands of

• the Fujiwara family.

• powerful emperors.

• the warlords.

• the samurai.

Answer explanation

For three centuries after 860, the Fujiwara family held significant power in Japan, effectively controlling the imperial court through regency and marriage alliances, while emperors had limited authority.

The Tale of Genji provides a glimpse of life in the Heian court because

• it was written by a Chinese observer.

• its author served the emperor’s wife.

• it was written by a modern historian.

• it was based on Prince Genji’s diary.

Answer explanation

The Tale of Genji offers insights into Heian court life because its author, Murasaki Shikibu, served the emperor's wife, giving her a unique perspective on the court's customs and social dynamics.