History: Chinese Dynasties

What artifacts were used for divination by the Shang royal court to communicate with ancestors?

Oracle bones were pieces of ox scapula or turtle plastron used for divination by the Shang royal court.

What political concept did the Zhou Dynasty introduce to justify the overthrow of the Shang?

The Mandate of Heaven was the belief that a ruler held authority from the gods as long as they ruled justly and effectively.

Which philosophy did the Qin Dynasty adopt to maintain social order through strict laws and state power?

Legalism was a philosophy that emphasized strict laws, absolute state power, and harsh punishments to maintain social order.

What major trade network was established during the Han Dynasty to connect China with the West?

The Silk Road was a network of trade routes established during the Han Dynasty that connected China to the West for trade and cultural exchange.

How did the Tang Dynasty change the recruitment of government officials?

The Tang Dynasty expanded the imperial examination system to recruit government officials based on merit rather than family connections.

Which three major technological inventions are most associated with the Song Dynasty?

The Song Dynasty is credited with inventing the magnetic compass, gunpowder, and movable type printing.

Who was the Mongol leader that successfully conquered the Song Dynasty and founded the Yuan Dynasty?

Kublai Khan was the Mongol leader who conquered the Song Dynasty and established the Yuan Dynasty, ruling as Emperor of China.

What was the primary purpose of the naval expeditions led by Zheng He during the Ming Dynasty?

Zheng He was a Ming admiral who led seven massive naval expeditions to Southeast Asia, India, and Africa to project Chinese power.

What was the primary cause of the Opium Wars during the Qing Dynasty?

The Opium Wars were conflicts between China and Britain triggered by the illegal opium trade, leading to unequal treaties and the loss of Hong Kong.

What is the historical theory that describes the rise, peak, and fall of Chinese ruling families?

The dynastic cycle is a historical theory describing the rise, peak, decline, and eventual replacement of Chinese dynasties.