Understanding World Societies:
Printed Page 641

Chapter Chronology

> CHAPTER 21 STUDY GUIDE

PUT IT ALL TOGETHER

Now, take a step back and try to explain the big picture. Remember to use specific examples from the chapter in your answers.

CHINA UNDER THE MING AND THE QING

  • How did Ming officials manage the government when emperors were incompetent? How did this ultimately contribute to the Ming’s decline?
  • How did the Qing respond to the challenge of ruling a multiethnic empire?
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WAR AND PEACE IN JAPAN

  • How did the role of the samurai in Japanese society and government change between 1400 and 1800?
  • What explains the emergence of a vibrant urban culture during the Tokugawa Shogunate?
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THE ASIAN MARITIME SPHERE

  • What do Zheng He’s voyages tell us about Chinese attitudes toward overseas trade, expansion, and international relations?
  • Why did both the Japanese and Chinese have mixed feelings about European culture? What did they admire? What did they dislike and fear?
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LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD

  • What explains the cultural divergence between China and Japan in this period?
  • What trends in the relationship between Asia and Europe were emerging by the end of this period? How did Asian governments respond to the changes that were beginning to take place?
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