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Developments in East Asia

Teacher Resources

Driving Question: How did political and cultural developments in East Asia shape societies from c. 1200 to 1450 CE?

China alternated between periods of unity and disunity as its population and economy grew. Vietnam, Korea, and Japan were all shaped by China, though they also developed their own traditions.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Explain the systems of government employed by various Chinese dynasties and how they developed over time.
  2. Explain the effects of Chinese cultural traditions on East Asia over time.
  3. Explain the effects of innovation on the Chinese economy over time.
  4. Create and support arguments using historical evidence to communicate conclusions through individual or shared writing.

Vocab Terms:

  • Buddhism
  • bureaucracy
  • Confucianism
  • dynasty
  • ritual
  • tribute
STEP 2

East Asia 1200–1450

We all know that cultures change over time—but what are the driving forces of those changes? How can change in one aspect of culture spill over into other aspects? For East Asia during the Song Dynasty, Confucius certainly played a role.

STEP 3

Silk and the State in Song China

From dresses to furnishings, and much in between, silk has proven to be a popular and sought-after material for centuries. During the Song Dynasty, it drove economic trade throughout Afro-Eurasia.

Silk and the State in Song Dynasty China External link

Explore both the myths and the history that made Song Dynasty China a silk powerhouse.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 4

Closer: Developments in East Asia

Did you make the right choice? Revisit your hypothetical kingdom from earlier in the lesson and consider the changes you’d make now that you’ve learned more.

Extension Materials
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Scroll for illustrative examples! For more coverage of the impacts of Confucianism and Buddhism on East Asia—both of which are illustrative examples for Topic 1.1 in the CED—check out the articles below.
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Confucianism

Confucian teaching had a massive effect on China c. the sixth century BCE. His message of self-improvement and his belief that people were fundamentally good resonated throughout East Asia.

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Buddhism

You have read about Confucian teachings, but his ideas were soon followed by another set of teachings you may have heard of—Buddhism. Although the two influenced one another, in many ways they were quite different.

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Why Do Belief Systems Spread? How China Made Buddhism Its Own

Have you ever thought about how many of the things you enjoy came from somewhere far away? How does culture spread? And how does it change once it has spread?