Question 1

The First Emperor's anti-knowledge campaign was directed primarily against

Accepted Answer

The First Emperor's anti-knowledge campaign was primarily directed against Confucianism, which he saw as a threat to his centralized rule. He ordered the burning of Confucian texts and the persecution of Confucian scholars. He also sought to suppress other intellectual and spiritual traditions, including Daoism and Buddhism, but his focus was primarily on eliminating Confucianism.

Question 2

All of these are associated with Shih Huang-di's reign except

Accepted Answer

The development of acupuncture is not directly associated with Shih Huang-di's reign. Although traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, may have developed during this time period, it is not specifically linked to the emperor's accomplishments.

Question 3

China's system of standardized tests that gave individuals government positions based on merit

Accepted Answer

A

Question 4

During the Han period, Confucian scholars laid greatest stress on

Accepted Answer

The answer of During the Han period, Confucian scholars laid...

Question 5

The reign of Tang Emperor Xuanzong is especially noted for

Accepted Answer

The reign of Tang Emperor Xuanzong is especially noted for producing some of China's greatest poets and poetry, such as Li Bai and Du Fu. While the Tang dynasty did have some interactions with the West, it was not a central focus of Xuanzong's reign. The Great Wall was built long before Xuanzong's reign, and the Tang dynasty did not colonize Vietnam. While there were certainly examples of remarkable architecture during the Tang dynasty, it was not a central focus of Xuanzong's reign.

Question 6

Examine the positive and negative aspects of the reign of Shih Huang-di.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Examine the positive and negative aspects of...

Question 7

Which of the following statements is not true of Han Chinese farming?

Accepted Answer

This statement is not true because the Han Chinese did expand their farming into newly conquered lands to the north and west, such as parts of present day Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia.

Question 8

Compare and contrast Confucianism and Legalism, both as philosophies and as political systems. Explain why you think certain emperors embraced one or the other of these concepts at various times.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast Confucianism and Legalism, both...

Question 9

Shih Huang-di based his government almost entirely upon the philosophy of

Accepted Answer

Shih Huang-di based his government almost entirely upon the philosophy of Legalism, which emphasized strict laws, harsh punishments, and strong central authority. Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and Hinduism were not major philosophical influences on his rule.

Question 10

China attained most of its current size and shape under the ____ Dynasty.

Accepted Answer

The Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) is considered one of the most significant dynasties in Chinese history, during which China expanded its territory significantly. The Han Dynasty conquered and assimilated neighboring territories, making China the largest empire in the world at that time.

Question 11

Since the first century, the Chinese have been noted for

Accepted Answer

The answer of Since the first century, the Chinese have...

Question 12

During the Han Dynasty, the Chinese consciousness appears to have become rooted in the belief that

Accepted Answer

During the Han Dynasty, the idea of "Zhongguo" or "China as the Middle Kingdom" emerged. They believed that they were the center of the world and all other societies were barbaric. They also believed that they had everything they needed within their own borders and did not need anything from the outside world. Therefore, goods produced in the West, along with Western ideas, were deemed of no use to the Chinese.

Question 13

Which of these occupations would have been of least value in Han society?

Accepted Answer

Merchants were generally viewed as lower in social status compared to other occupations in Han society, as they were seen as profiting from the labor of others without contributing to society in a meaningful way. Landowners, scholars, farmers, and government officials were all considered valuable contributors to society in their respective roles.

Question 14

The development of wet rice farming was significant for China, especially because it

Accepted Answer

The development of wet rice farming provided an increased food supply that led to a large population increase without badly damaging the economy. This was significant for China as it allowed for sustained growth and development.

Question 15

The development most crucial for Chinese national unity was

Accepted Answer

The development most crucial for Chinese national unity was a standardized written language. This allowed for communication and understanding between different regions and groups within China.

Question 16

List and discuss the achievements of the Han emperors. Why did later Chinese refer to themselves as the "Sons of Han"?

Accepted Answer

The answer of List and discuss the achievements of the...

Question 17

Shih Huang-di reunified China under his rule by

Accepted Answer

Shih Huang-di reunified China through military conquest. He defeated the six other major states during the Warring States period and established the Qin dynasty, becoming the first emperor of a unified China.

Question 18

The worst problem for all Chinese governments has been

Accepted Answer

Throughout Chinese history, the mistreatment of the peasantry has led to numerous uprisings and rebellions, posing a significant challenge for the government. The government's inability to address the concerns and grievances of the peasantry has often resulted in the collapse of the ruling dynasty. Therefore, the mistreatment of the peasantry can be considered the worst problem for all Chinese governments.

Question 19

The case is often made that the Tang and Song periods exemplified the height of Chinese civilization. Would you agree? What facts support this assertion?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The case is often made that the...

Question 20

Assess the impact of the Buddhist faith on Chinese civilization. Was the arrival of Buddhism "revolutionary"? How so?

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 16: Empire of the Middle: China to the Mongol Conquest