Chinese Dynasties: Which is Wrong? Quiz

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Sui Dynasty: Reign: 589-618 CE Political: 3 total rulers- Wen-di, Yang-di, and Wu-di Social: Yang-di was extremely unpopular Economic: Their crowning achievement was the building of the Grand Canal

Answer: Political

Wu-di was actually a ruler during the Han dynasty, conquering Korea and Vietnam during his reign. He also instituted Confucian-style Civil Service Exams. The Sui, on the other hand,was known for constructing the Grand, or Great, Canal and repairing the Great Wall.

2. Zhou Dynasty: Reign: 1027-256 BCE Political: Feudalism was prevalent Social: Christianity was commonly practiced Economic: Agricultural advancements developed and roads were built

Answer: Social

Christianity did not even exist until around 32 CE, more than 200 years after the fall of the Zhou. Daoism and Confucianism were introduced during this time period but were philosophies, not religions.

3. Song Dynasty: Reign: 672-1281 CE Political: Too many bureaucrats in the government Social: Foot-binding of women was common Economic: Huge advantage over other societies in iron production

Answer: Reign

The Song Dynasty really lasted between 960-1279 CE. There was a focus on returning to "Traditional" Confucian values, which included the merchants losing importance despite bringing in a huge amount of wealth.

4. Ming Dynasty: Reign: 1368-1644 CE Political: Capital was moved to Beijing Social: Neo-Confucianism was promoted, and traditional values strengthened Economic: Expeditions into the Indian Ocean were lead by Zheng He and eventually led to the Ming trading widely with Europe and Japan

Answer: Economic

The Ming Dynasty ended up turning inward due to interference from European countries in Chinese affairs. Cheap, popular books led to the rapid expansion of literacy, which led to increased interest in culture, such as literature and other art forms. Eventually famines led to peasant revolts, which led to Manchus being invited in to put down rebellion, which finally resulted in the Manchus taking over in 1644 and establishing the final Chinese dynasty, the Qing.

5. Han Dynasty: Reign: 402 BCE-206 CE Political: Predominantly Confucian-style government Social: Patriarchal Society Economic: Salt and iron trades were monopolized

Answer: Reign

The Han lasted from 206 BCE-220 CE. Founded by Liu Bang, the Han tried to mix the best aspects of the two prior dynasties, the Zhou and Qin. The Han also put taxes on trade and craft, and traded with the Romans.

6. Yuan Dynasty: Reign: 1280-1365 CE Political: Founded by Genghis Khan of the Mongols Social: Mongol residents of China and natives were forbidden to marry Economic: A more efficient tax system was introduced

Answer: Political

The Yuan was founded by the Mongols, but was actually established by Kublai Khan, after the death of Genghis Khan. The Mongols rejected previous Chinese culture, which included the foot-binding of women. Artisans and merchants were more important because the Mongols did not put the same value on Confucianism, which did not view the merchants very highly.

7. Shang Dynasty: Reign: 1700-1027 BCE Political: First dynasty to use the Mandate of Heaven Social: Oracle Bones, made of tortoise shells, were used to communicate with the spirit world Economic: Bronze working

Answer: Political

The Zhou Dynasty was first to use the Mandate of Heaven, to justify overthrowing the Shang. The Mandate of Heaven essentially says that the current dynasty had done something to lose God's favor to rule, and the prospective new dynasty had it. The Mandate was also used by most of the later Chinese dynasties to justify overthrowing whatever dynasty is in place. Citizens of the Shang believed that the spirits of their dead ancestors could determine the fate of the country, so oracle bones were used to communicate with them.

8. Qing Dynasty: Reign: 1644-1911 CE Political: Established by Manchus from the North, last Chinese dynasty Social: Scholar-Gentry relied upon by Manchus Economic: Gained territory due to their victory over Britain in the Opium Wars.

Answer: Economic

The Qing, not to be confused with the Qin, lost to Britain in the Opium Wars, which forced them to sign the Treaty of Nanjing, one of the most lopsided treaties ever. The treaty included the Qing being forced to open up trade with Britain, as well as giving up Hong Kong.

9. Qin Dynasty: Reign: 221-207 BCE Political: Shi Huangdi adopted democratic philosophies Social: Standardized laws, language, and currency Economic: Command (Government-controlled) Economy

Answer: Political

Shi Huangdi was actually a Legalist, which meant an extremely strict adherence to law and the government, and strict punishment when the law is not followed. He also established a census for tax purposes. The changes brought about by Shi Huangdi would act as a model for later Chinese government organization.

10. Tang Dynasty: Reign: 618-907 CE Political: Confucian style Civil Service Exams were re-established Social: Chinese dark ages in regards to science and inventions Economic: City of Chang-an prospers

Answer: Social

The Tang dynasty was actually the golden age of Chinese accomplishments, including the inventions of movable print and gunpowder. The Tang utilized Buddhist and Confucian principles at times, as the Civil Service Exams were modeled on Confucian philosophies, but Empress Wu was an ardent Buddhist, orchestrating the construction of several Buddhist temples.

Source: Author beadynlsu

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
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Each dynasty has four characteristics attached to it. The length of their reign, and political, social, and economic aspects. Give me which one does NOT match the dynasty.

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