Chapter 9: The East Asian World History

In Chinese society, women were considered inferior. This is because traditional Chinese culture placed a higher value on men and their roles in society. Women were expected to be submissive to their husbands and prioritize their families over their own desires or ambitions. They had limited rights and freedoms compared to men, including limited access to education, property ownership, and the ability to divorce their husbands. This societal view of women as inferior was deeply ingrained and persisted for many centuries.

The arrival of Westerners did not contribute to population growth in China. While increased food supply, improvements in agriculture, and a long period of peace and stability all played a role in population growth, the arrival of Westerners did not have a direct impact on the population.

The correct answer is "all of the above." The Ming dynasty achieved all three of these accomplishments: a civil service examination system, a nationwide school system, and the completion of the Grand Canal. The civil service examination system allowed for the selection of government officials based on merit and knowledge. The nationwide school system provided education to a larger population, promoting literacy and knowledge. The completion of the Grand Canal connected major rivers, facilitating transportation and trade throughout the empire.

During the Ming dynasty, there were several factors that contributed to its decline. High taxes led to peasant unrest, weakening the stability of the dynasty. Weak rulers also resulted in a period of government corruption, further undermining the authority of the Ming dynasty. Additionally, crop yields declined due to harsh weather conditions, causing economic hardships. However, the lack of heirs to continue the dynasty was not a reason for its decline.

The founders of the Qing dynasty, the Manchus, originated from a region northeast of the Great Wall. This region is known as Manchuria, which is located in present-day Northeast China. The Manchus were able to conquer China and establish the Qing dynasty in the 17th century. This answer is supported by historical records and is widely accepted by scholars.

After Western religious orders disagreed about accommodating local beliefs and practices in order to facilitate conversion, Chinese rulers began to suppress Christian activities throughout China. This suggests that the Chinese rulers were not willing to compromise and instead took measures to suppress the spread of Christianity in their country.

During the sixteenth century in Japan, central authority was restored under the rule of Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Matsuo Basho, on the other hand, was not a ruler but a famous haiku poet of the Edo period. He is known for his contributions to Japanese literature, particularly for his mastery of the haiku form.

"The Golden Lotus" is considered by many to be the first realistic social novel because it provides a detailed and realistic portrayal of the social customs, relationships, and moral corruption of the Ming Dynasty in China. The novel delves into the lives of its characters, exploring their desires, ambitions, and the consequences of their actions. It tackles themes such as sexuality, power dynamics, and social hierarchy, making it a groundbreaking work in Chinese literature. The novel's vivid and honest depiction of society earned it recognition as a pioneering social novel.

The growing demand for cash crops cannot be considered a cause of the Japanese peasant uprisings between 1500 and 1800. The uprisings were mainly triggered by high rates of taxation imposed on the peasants, declining profits on agricultural products, and rising farming costs. The increased demand for cash crops, on the other hand, would have provided the peasants with an opportunity for economic growth and stability, rather than being a cause of unrest.

In Qing China, the ideal family unit was considered to be the extended family. This means that the family unit included not only the parents and children but also other relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. This extended family structure was highly valued and played a significant role in Chinese society, as it provided support, stability, and a sense of belonging to its members.

The Tokugawa shogun maintained control through the use of the hostage system. This system involved taking the family members of daimyo (feudal lords) as hostages to ensure their loyalty and obedience. By holding their loved ones captive, the shogun was able to exert control over the daimyo and prevent any rebellions or uprisings. This practice was a key component of the shogunate's centralized power and helped to maintain stability and order in feudal Japan.

During the time when Korean rulers attempted to maintain isolation, Korea was eventually forced to become subject to China by a Manchu army. This suggests that despite their efforts, Korea was unable to resist external influence and control, leading to their subjugation under China's rule.