The Spread of Chinese Civilization

Korea, Vietnam, and Japan

I. Introduction

A. Other Societies in East Asia: Korea, Vietnam, and Japan

1. Developed ??? And ???2. Involved in world trade patterns3. Deeply influenced by…

a) Invasionb) Tradec) Religion

Partner Discussion Question

With Korea, Vietnam, and Japan being geographically, culturally, and economically close to China, what effect did this relationship have on these areas relationships with other areas/peoples of the world during the period 600 to 1450 CE?

I. Introduction

B.Links emphasized…BUT…

1.Korea and Japan2.Vietnam

II. Korea

A. The Three Kingdoms1. Formed during the 2nd century2. Koguryo, Paekche, and Silla

B. Religion diffused from China to Korea

C. The Silla Dynasty (668 to late 9th century)

1. Chinese invasion2. Tributary or vassal state

a) Great autonomyb) Expanded trade

Partner Discussion Question

Given China’s military superiority over Korea, why do you think the Tang emperor allowed this level of autonomy to the Koreans but not to other regions within his empire?

II. Korea

D. Similarities with Chinese Civilization1. Confucianism and Buddhism2. Examination system

E. Differences with Chinese Civilization1. Confucianism and Buddhism2. Bureaucracy still…3. Social classes

F. Arts and Technology

III. Vietnam

A. Han and Tang invasions1. Resistance and Rebellion2. Absorbed Chinese culture and

technology3. Imitated administrative

system and bureaucracy4. Spread of Buddhism

III. Vietnam

B. Differences with Chinese Civilization1. Own sophisticated culture

a) Languageb) Villagec) Familyd) Womene) Religionf) Literature

Language

Chữ nôm “Characters of

talking” Translation of

Chinese characters to Vietnamese sounds

Partner Discussion Questions

What were some possible reasons why the Vietnamese were able to resist or not fully embrace certain aspects of Chinese civilization? Think in terms of geography, culture, economics, etc.

IV. Japan

A. Isolation1. Development of small states2. Language and religion

a) ShintoismB. Interaction with the Tang

Dynasty1. Yamato clan2. Imitation of Chinese government

IV. Japan

C. Heian Era (794-1185CE)1. Mid-8th century

a) Confucianism and Buddhism established…BUT…

b) Chinese culture had spreadi. Architectureii. Shrines

2. Fujiwara familya) Largest state in Japan

i. Modeled on China’s government

b) Appreciated Chinese culture

IV. Japan

C. Heian Era3. Literature - The Tale of Genji

a) Written about 1000 CE by a noblewoman – Murasaki Shikibu

b) Court life of the Fujiwara familyi. “Prince Genji”

c) World’s first novel

The Tale of Genji

Partner Discussion Question

What do you think is the most surprising (maybe due to the time period) aspect of the publication of the Tale of Genji?

IV. Japan

C. Heian Era4. By the Mid-1100’s

a) Rise of the warrior classb) Conflict between warriors

i. Minamoto Family

c) The Shogun

D. Japanese Feudalism1. Establishment of the “bakufu”2. Feudal political structure

a) No elaborate bureaucracy

Partner Discussion Question

In what ways is the Japanese feudal order similar to the social/political order of China? How is different?

IV. Japan

E. Warrior Mentality1. Shogun – Military governor2. Daimyo – Regional

war-lords/strongmen3. Samurai – Professional warrior class

a) “Way of the warrior” = Bushidob) Seppuku (or hari-kiri)

F. Internal turmoil