Imperial China

What was built during the Sui Dynasty to connect the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers allowing for better north/south trade?

• The Great Wall

• new capital city at Chang'an

• bureaucracy

• Grand Canal

Answer explanation

The Grand Canal was constructed during the Sui Dynasty to connect the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers, facilitating improved trade between northern and southern China. This engineering feat significantly enhanced economic activity.

Why did Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty carry out so many building programs?

• to improve trade

• to create unity and a national identity

• to defeat his enemies

• to keep people busy

Answer explanation

Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty initiated extensive building programs to foster unity and a national identity among the diverse populations of his empire, promoting stability and cohesion after years of fragmentation.

What was the number 1 protector of China in ancient times?

• geography

• Great Wall

• military

• Huns

Answer explanation

In ancient times, China's geography, including mountains and deserts, provided natural barriers against invasions, making it the primary protector. While the Great Wall and military were important, geography was the most significant defense.

What is a system called when people are promoted based on their performance rather than their family connections or wealth? This type of system was developed during the Tang and Song Dynasties.

• nepotism

• meritocracy

• aristocracy

• democracy

Answer explanation

A meritocracy is a system where individuals are promoted based on their abilities and performance, rather than their social status or wealth. This concept was notably developed during the Tang and Song Dynasties in China.

All of the fighting during the Yuan Dynasty ruined much of China's:

• horses

• Great Wall

• farmland

• schools

Answer explanation

The fighting during the Yuan Dynasty devastated agricultural areas, leading to significant destruction of farmland. This loss impacted food production and the economy, making 'farmland' the correct answer.

Who ruled the Yuan Dynasty?

• the Huns

• the Mongols

• the Sui

• the Abbasids

Answer explanation

The Yuan Dynasty was established by the Mongols after their conquest of China. It was the first foreign-led dynasty in Chinese history, ruled by Kublai Khan and his successors, making 'the Mongols' the correct answer.

Which dynasty had conquered much of the land between Asia and Europe, therefore allowing for better trade?

• Ming

• Song

• Tang

• Yuan

Answer explanation

The Yuan dynasty, established by the Mongols, unified much of the territory between Asia and Europe, enhancing trade routes like the Silk Road, which facilitated commerce and cultural exchange.

What was the order of the dynasties from first to last?

• Tang

  Song

  Sui

  Yuan

  Ming

• Sui

  Song

  Tang

  Yuan

  Ming

• Sui

  Tang

  Song

  Yuan

  Ming

• Song

  Tang

  Sui

  Yuan

  Ming

Answer explanation

The correct order of the dynasties is Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, and Ming. This sequence reflects the historical timeline of these Chinese dynasties.

When the Ming took over, what did they have to do because of all of the destruction during the Yuan Dynasty?

• lower taxes

• create a democracy

• force people to pick a belief system

• rebuild bridges, canals, roads, and temples

Answer explanation

After the Ming took over, they needed to address the widespread destruction from the Yuan Dynasty. This involved rebuilding essential infrastructure like bridges, canals, roads, and temples to restore stability and promote economic recovery.

Why did Chinese rulers generally prefer Confucianism over Buddhism?

• it taught people to be active in society

• it taught how to escape suffering

• it taught how to be one with nature

• it taught how to stop the reincarnation cycle

Answer explanation

Chinese rulers preferred Confucianism because it emphasized social responsibility and active participation in society, aligning with their governance needs, unlike Buddhism, which focused on individual enlightenment and escaping suffering.