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Overview of East Asia from 1200 to 1450

May 6, 2025

Lecture Notes: East Asia (1200-1450)

Introduction

  • Focus on getting familiar with East Asian geography.
  • Importance of understanding regional names and directions.
    • Example: East Asia vs. South Asia.
  • Emphasis on maps for understanding geographical context.

Key Regions in East Asia

  • Primary Focus: China, Korea, Japan.
    • Note: Vietnam is considered part of Southeast Asia.
  • China: Major focus in understanding East Asian history.

Historical Context

  • Time Period: End of the Song Dynasty (1200-1450).
  • Key Threat: Mongol invasion looming over Song China.
  • Government and Beliefs: Neo-Confucian government with mixed religious beliefs.
    • Metaphor for beliefs: Blend of local systems (Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism).

Major Concepts in Song China

  1. Civil Service Exam

    • Merit-based bureaucracy placement.
    • Important historical examination system.

  2. Mandate of Heaven

    • Ancient belief in divine right to rule as long as prosperity continues.
    • Loss leads to rebellion or invasion, e.g., Mongol takeover.

  3. Filial Piety

    • Respect and worship of elders.
    • Strong Confucian value.
    • Example from Mulan: Respecting ancestors.

  4. Champa Rice

    • Fast-growing rice strain boosting population growth.
    • Originated in Champa (modern Vietnam).
    • Key factor in demographic changes.

  5. Grand Canal

    • Connects major waterways north-south.
    • Facilitates trade and movement of goods.
    • Enhances internal trade routes.

  6. Foot Binding

    • Cultural practice not in curriculum, mentioned for context.

  7. Song Economy

    • Economic powerhouse despite political vulnerabilities.
    • Engaged in extensive trading across Asia using Silk Road and Indian Ocean routes.
    • Innovations: Joint stock companies, movable type, steel, paper money, porcelain, silk.
    • Impact on Korea and Japan culturally and socially.

Conclusion

  • East Asia (1200-1450) is foundational in global history.
  • China's impact is extensive, with significant social and economic exchanges.
  • Comparison: Only rival to East Asia's influence in this period is Dar al-Islam.

Note: This lecture serves as an introduction to East Asia's significance in world history, with a focus on the Song Dynasty, and sets the stage for further exploration of East Asian and global history.

Full transcript