Question 1

Compare maps 6.1 and 6.2.How was the Han state different than the Qin? Discuss the threat posed by the Xiongnu.

Accepted Answer

Maps 6.1 and 6.2 show the territorial expansion of the Han and Qin states in ancient China. The Han state was different from the Qin in several ways. Firstly, the Han dynasty was known for its adoption of Confucianism as the state ideology, while the Qin dynasty was characterized by its Legalist philosophy. Additionally, the Han dynasty was more decentralized, allowing for greater regional autonomy and a more bureaucratic system of governance, while the Qin dynasty was highly centralized and authoritarian.

One of the major threats faced by both the Han and Qin states was the Xiongnu, a confederation of nomadic tribes from the northern steppes. The Xiongnu posed a significant threat to the Chinese states, as they frequently raided the northern borders and posed a military challenge to the Chinese armies. The Han dynasty, in particular, faced numerous conflicts with the Xiongnu and eventually established a policy of appeasement and diplomacy, including the famous "tribute system" of providing gifts and tribute to the Xiongnu in exchange for peace along the northern frontier.

In conclusion, the Han state differed from the Qin in terms of ideology and governance, and both states faced the threat of the Xiongnu, which shaped their foreign policy and military strategies.

Question 2

Laozi said in the Daodejing,"...practice non-interference in order to win the empire." What did he mean by these words? How does this quote demonstrate the fundamental difference between Confucianism and Daoism?

Accepted Answer

Laozi's statement in the Daodejing about practicing non-interference in order to win the empire reflects the Daoist belief in the concept of wu wei, or "non-action." This idea suggests that one should not force or manipulate situations, but rather allow things to unfold naturally. By practicing non-interference, one can achieve harmony with the Dao, or the natural way of the universe, and ultimately achieve success without exerting excessive effort.

This quote demonstrates the fundamental difference between Confucianism and Daoism in their approaches to governance and leadership. Confucianism emphasizes the importance of moral and ethical behavior, social order, and active involvement in shaping society. Confucian teachings advocate for the use of rituals, education, and ethical conduct to create a harmonious and well-ordered society.

On the other hand, Daoism promotes a more passive and naturalistic approach to governance. The emphasis is on allowing things to unfold naturally, without excessive intervention or control. Daoist leaders are encouraged to embody humility, simplicity, and non-interference in their rule, trusting that by aligning with the Dao, they can achieve success and harmony.

In summary, Laozi's statement about practicing non-interference in order to win the empire reflects the Daoist belief in wu wei and the passive, naturalistic approach to governance, which stands in contrast to the more active and interventionist approach advocated by Confucianism.

Question 3

Junzi

Accepted Answer

A) were Chinese priests who argued that Confucius's philosophy was too secular. 
B) was the honorific of the Qin emperor who united China for the first time. 
C) was the classic compilation of Daoist thought. 
D) were Confucian "superior individuals" who took an active role in public affairs. 
E) were the Confucian model of enlightened thinkers who withdrew from society. 
A) were Chinese priests who argued that Confucius's philosophy was too secular. 
B) was the honorific of the Qin emperor who united China for the first time. 
C) was the classic compilation of Daoist thought. 
D) were Confucian "superior individuals" who took an active role in public affairs. 
E) were the Confucian model of enlightened thinkers who withdrew from society. D

Question 4

Examine the thought of Confucius.What are the basic tenets of this philosophy? How has his philosophy influenced Chinese history?

Accepted Answer

Confucius was a Chinese philosopher and

Question 5

Why did the political chaos of the Period of the Warring States give rise to philosophies such as Confucianism,Legalism,and Daoism?

Accepted Answer

The political chaos of the Period of the

Question 6

The Daoist thinkers spoke of wuwei,which stood for

Accepted Answer

A) disengagement from the affairs of the world. 
B) the mandate of heaven. 
C) a socially active lifestyle. 
D) the notion of filial piety. 
E) a matriarchal world order. 
A) disengagement from the affairs of the world. 
B) the mandate of heaven. 
C) a socially active lifestyle. 
D) the notion of filial piety. 
E) a matriarchal world order.

Question 7

Which group of people was the greatest military threat to the Han dynasty?

Accepted Answer

A) the Hmong 
B) the Koreans 
C) the Mongols 
D) the Japanese 
E) the Xiongnu 
A) the Hmong 
B) the Koreans 
C) the Mongols 
D) the Japanese 
E) the Xiongnu

Question 8

Discuss the significance of social order in Chinese thought.What part does family life play in the Chinese concept of social order?

Accepted Answer

Social order holds great significance in

Question 9

Compare and contrast the philosophies of Mencius and Xunzi.How did their contrasting views of human nature influence their political theories? In what ways were they still operating within a Confucian framework?

Accepted Answer

Mencius and Xunzi were both influential

Question 10

What does the burial suit on page 115 tell us about the life and death of the wealthy classes during the Han period? How did this compare to the lives of peasants during this period?

Accepted Answer

The burial suit on page 115 tells us tha

Question 11

Look at the illustration on page 109 of the terra-cotta army surrounding the tomb of Qin Shihuangdi.What could this picture tell us about the splendor of the First Emperor's reign? Can this picture also give us an insight into the workings of Qin Shihuangdi's mind?

Accepted Answer

The illustration of the terra-cotta army

Question 12

Chinese Daoist philosophers spoke of the dao,meaning "the way." What did they mean by this word? How did they use their philosophy to attack the philosophies of others?

Accepted Answer

The Chinese Daoist philosophers spoke of

Question 13

Examine the reign of Han Wudi.What challenges did he face and how did he overcome them? How has he influenced Chinese history?

Accepted Answer

Han Wudi, also known as Emperor Wu of Ha

Question 14

The Chinese emperor who started an imperial institute for higher learning was

Accepted Answer

A) Han Wudi. 
B) Qin Shihuangdi. 
C) Liu Bang. 
D) King Yu. 
E) Mencius. 
A) Han Wudi. 
B) Qin Shihuangdi. 
C) Liu Bang. 
D) King Yu. 
E) Mencius.

Question 15

The most important text of Daoism is the

Accepted Answer

A) Book of Songs. 
B) Wuwei. 
C) Daodejing. 
D) Analects. 
E) Dao of Reflection. 
A) Book of Songs. 
B) Wuwei. 
C) Daodejing. 
D) Analects. 
E) Dao of Reflection.

Question 16

In the Daodejing,Laozi stated,"There is nothing in the world more soft and weak than water,yet for attacking things that are hard and strong there is nothing that surpasses it." How is this statement representative of Daoist thought?

Accepted Answer

This statement from the Daodejing reflec

Question 17

Of the following,Qin Shihuangdi's most important contribution to China was

Accepted Answer

A) building the precursor to the Great Wall. 
B) his elaborate tomb,which tells us much about the Qin religious orientation. 
C) his appreciation and support of education. 
D) establishing a precedent for centralized imperial rule. 
E) his conversion to Buddhism. 
A) building the precursor to the Great Wall. 
B) his elaborate tomb,which tells us much about the Qin religious orientation. 
C) his appreciation and support of education. 
D) establishing a precedent for centralized imperial rule. 
E) his conversion to Buddhism.

Question 18

How does Daoism contrast with Confucianism?

Accepted Answer

Daoism (also spelled Taoism) and Confuci

Question 19

Wang Mang

Accepted Answer

A) was primarily known for his adherence to Legalist doctrines. 
B) was famous for creating a new and lasting dynasty. 
C) stood as the greatest single military threat during the Later Han period. 
D) was a Daoist term referring to disengagement from the world. 
E) carried out reforms so revolutionary that he is known as the "socialist emperor." 
A) was primarily known for his adherence to Legalist doctrines. 
B) was famous for creating a new and lasting dynasty. 
C) stood as the greatest single military threat during the Later Han period. 
D) was a Daoist term referring to disengagement from the world. 
E) carried out reforms so revolutionary that he is known as the "socialist emperor."

Question 20

Through the efforts of Confucius,the literary works of the Zhou period

Accepted Answer

A) became the core texts of traditional Chinese education. 
B) were replaced by newer and more important texts. 
C) were completely destroyed. 
D) were translated from the original cuneiform. 
E) were included in the Persian Gathas. 
A) became the core texts of traditional Chinese education. 
B) were replaced by newer and more important texts. 
C) were completely destroyed. 
D) were translated from the original cuneiform. 
E) were included in the Persian Gathas.

Exam 6: The Unification of China

Compare maps 6.1 and 6.2.How was the Han state different than the Qin? Discuss the threat posed by the Xiongnu.

Laozi said in the Daodejing,"...practice non-interference in order to win the empire." What did he mean by these words? How does this quote demonstrate the fundamental difference between Confucianism and Daoism?

Junzi

Examine the thought of Confucius.What are the basic tenets of this philosophy? How has his philosophy influenced Chinese history?

Why did the political chaos of the Period of the Warring States give rise to philosophies such as Confucianism,Legalism,and Daoism?

The Daoist thinkers spoke of wuwei,which stood for

Which group of people was the greatest military threat to the Han dynasty?

Discuss the significance of social order in Chinese thought.What part does family life play in the Chinese concept of social order?

Compare and contrast the philosophies of Mencius and Xunzi.How did their contrasting views of human nature influence their political theories? In what ways were they still operating within a Confucian framework?

What does the burial suit on page 115 tell us about the life and death of the wealthy classes during the Han period? How did this compare to the lives of peasants during this period?

Look at the illustration on page 109 of the terra-cotta army surrounding the tomb of Qin Shihuangdi.What could this picture tell us about the splendor of the First Emperor's reign? Can this picture also give us an insight into the workings of Qin Shihuangdi's mind?

Chinese Daoist philosophers spoke of the dao,meaning "the way." What did they mean by this word? How did they use their philosophy to attack the philosophies of others?

Examine the reign of Han Wudi.What challenges did he face and how did he overcome them? How has he influenced Chinese history?

The Chinese emperor who started an imperial institute for higher learning was

The most important text of Daoism is the

In the Daodejing,Laozi stated,"There is nothing in the world more soft and weak than water,yet for attacking things that are hard and strong there is nothing that surpasses it." How is this statement representative of Daoist thought?

Of the following,Qin Shihuangdi's most important contribution to China was

How does Daoism contrast with Confucianism?

Wang Mang

Through the efforts of Confucius,the literary works of the Zhou period

The Foundations of Complex Societies

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