Grade 7, Lesson Outline: Chapter 8, Lesson 3

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
Lesson at a Glance Outline

Chapter 8, Lesson 3: China and the Larger World (pp. 209-215)

I. The Mongols in China

A. In 1234, while southern China prospered under the Song Dynasty, northern China was conquered by the Mongols, who came from the steppes of central Asia.

B. The Mongol ruler, Kublai Khan, moved his capital to Beijing and adopted many Chinese ways in order to be more accepted by his subjects.

C. The Mongols disrupted Chinese life and culture, causing the deaths of millions as they continued to attack, and eventually control, southern China.

D. While interrupting China's progress, the Mongols did strengthen Chinese ties to the rest of the world, which helped trade and the exchange of ideas.

II. The Ming Dynasty

B. Emperor Taizu reestablished traditional institutions like the civil service exams and public works projects. He also abolished slavery.

C. Many Ming rulers became despots, wasting money and using secret police and false accusations to control the people.

D. After thirty years of sea-based exploration of the Middle East and the east coast of Africa, Ming emperors decided for forbid further voyages and restrict international trade.

E. In 1514, the first Portuguese ship reached China. European merchants and missionaries helped spread previously unknown foods, products, and ideas back and forth between continents.

III. The Qing Dynasty

B. The Manchus established the Qing Dynasty, which lasted until 1912. With the introduction of movable type in the 1500s, there was a boom in publishing and literacy rates rose.

C. Under the Qing, China grew. By 1400, China had 60 million people; by 1850, 430 million. By then its territory included parts of modern-day Manchuria, Mongolia, Burma, and Vietnam.

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