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Chapter 20 East Asia: Vital Trends in Politics and Trade Multiple-Choice Questions 1) From the 16th to the early 19th centuries, Westerners were interested in Chinese markets chiefly to A) sell cheap goods to the masses. B) acquire larger amounts of Chinese manufactured goods. C) gain access to China’s technological secrets. D) acquire raw materials and cheap labor. Answer: B Rationale: Westerners were primarily interested in accessing Chinese manufactured goods, such as silk, porcelain, and tea, which were highly valued in Western markets. This trade imbalance led to a significant flow of silver from the West to China in exchange for these goods. 2) China limited contacts with the West because A) the Chinese realized that the West could conquer China if given a foothold. B) the Chinese felt that they had no need for Western goods. C) the Chinese were frightened by the West’s superior organizational ability. D) initial Western visitors had refused to acknowledge that the Chinese were civilized. Answer: B Rationale: China limited contacts with the West because the Chinese perceived their own civilization and goods as superior, leading them to believe that they had no need for Western products or influences. 3) The Tokugawa shogunate in Japan A) kept the samurai happy by giving them control of commerce. B) abolished feudalism and the office of emperor. C) increased Japanese interest in Confucianism and bureaucracy. D) ended internal warfare by instituting a policy of full religious toleration. Answer: C Rationale: The Tokugawa shogunate increased Japanese interest in Confucianism and bureaucracy, leading to a more centralized government and social order during this period. 4) Chinese thought had long been characterized by A) hostility to science. B) deep interest in the supernatural. C) strong reverence for tradition. D) interest in diverse political systems. Answer: C Rationale: Chinese thought has traditionally been characterized by a strong reverence for tradition, including Confucian principles and respect for authority and hierarchy. 5) By the middle of the 18th century, the Chinese government was suffering from A) rebellions by top bureaucrats who claimed power in their own right. B) one of the recurrent cycles wherein as one dynasty fell, another emerged. C) cumbersome amounts of centralized paperwork. D) the second series of Mongol invasions. Answer: C Rationale: By the middle of the 18th century, the Chinese government was burdened by cumbersome amounts of centralized paperwork, which hindered administrative efficiency and contributed to bureaucratic corruption and inefficiency. 6) China by the 18th century seemed less interested than before in A) internal trade. B) technological change. C) Confucian principles. D) poetry and art. Answer: B Rationale: By the 18th century, China appeared less interested in technological change, as it became more conservative and resistant to adopting new innovations from the West or elsewhere. 7) China’s tactics to restrict contacts with the West involved A) dealing only with the Dutch. B) forbidding any conversion to Christianity. C) allowing control of one entry port by the Portuguese. D) pretending to treat Western representatives as equals. Answer: C Rationale: China's tactics to restrict contacts with the West involved allowing control of one entry port, such as Macau, by the Portuguese, which served as a limited point of contact for Western trade. 8) Japan’s isolation A) removed all contact with Europeans. B) made an exception for a Christian minority. C) prevented overseas travel. D) was widely protested by Japanese tourists. Answer: C Rationale: Japan's isolation policy, implemented during the Tokugawa period, prevented overseas travel and restricted contact with foreigners, aiming to maintain social and political stability by limiting external influences. 9) By the 18th century, the most rapidly expanding power in eastern Asia was A) China. B) Japan. C) Korea. D) Russia. Answer: D Rationale: By the 18th century, Russia emerged as the most rapidly expanding power in eastern Asia, particularly through its expansion into Siberia and its increasing influence in the region. 10) China’s position in the early modern world economy A) produced new tax revenues for the government. B) reduced the gap between rich and poor. C) benefited from the import of Western manufacturing techniques. D) encouraged more long-distance trade by local merchants. Answer: A Rationale: China's position in the early modern world economy produced new tax revenues for the government, particularly through trade surpluses generated by exports of Chinese manufactured goods to the West. 11) Which of the following societies imported the greatest amount of New World silver in the early modern centuries? A) Britain B) India C) Spain D) China Answer: D Rationale: China imported the greatest amount of New World silver in the early modern centuries, primarily to fuel its currency and economy, contributing to significant inflation and economic changes in Chinese society. 12) When did Mongol rule in China end? A) 1344 B) 1368 C) 1410 D) 1644 Answer: B Rationale: Mongol rule in China ended in 1368 with the overthrow of the Mongol Yuan dynasty and the establishment of the Ming dynasty. 13) China had permanent settlements in A) Africa. B) Indonesia. C) Tibet. D) Siberia. Answer: B Rationale: China had permanent settlements in Indonesia, particularly during the Ming dynasty, as evidenced by Chinese trade and cultural influence in the region. 14) In 1644, the ________dynasty was established. A) Sung B) Han C) Qing D) Quan Answer: C Rationale: In 1644, the Qing dynasty was established in China, succeeding the Ming dynasty and ruling until the early 20th century. 15) As part of his efforts to centralize the government, Kangxi A) eliminated training schools for bureaucrats. B) cut government spending. C) established a Grand Council. D) gave village leaders additional powers to gather taxes. Answer: C Rationale: As part of his efforts to centralize the government, Kangxi established a Grand Council to strengthen central control and streamline administrative decision-making. 16) What was the effect of China’s agreement with Russia to set a mutual border along the Amur River? A) It caused immediate animosity. B) It encouraged cultural interaction. C) It stopped Russian expansion into Chinese territory. D) It encouraged Russian expansion into Chinese territory. Answer: C Rationale: China's agreement with Russia to set a mutual border along the Amur River stopped Russian expansion into Chinese territory, marking a diplomatic resolution to territorial disputes between the two powers. 17) By the 18th century, most educated Chinese A) were developing new kinds of literature and art. B) began to question the classics of Chinese philosophy. C) focused on expounding ancient works. D) created new styles and new compositions. Answer: C Rationale: By the 18th century, most educated Chinese focused on expounding ancient works, emphasizing the study and interpretation of classical Chinese literature, philosophy, and history. 18) During the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, ________ surpassed all previous levels. A) city growth B) the creation of new literary forms C) the size of the military D) cultural interaction Answer: A Rationale: During the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, city growth surpassed all previous levels, reflecting urbanization trends and demographic changes in Chinese society. 19) ________ placed increasing pressure on the poorer groups of the peasantry during the Ming dynasty. A) Higher taxes B) Reliance on payments in silver for tax purposes C) Crop failures D) Increased population Answer: B Rationale: Reliance on payments in silver for tax purposes placed increasing pressure on the poorer groups of the peasantry during the Ming dynasty, contributing to economic hardships and social unrest. 20) The two great Mongol attacks on Japan contributed to the A) rise of a large Japanese military. B) belief that Japan was vulnerable. C) fall of the shogunate. D) decline of feudalism. Answer: C Rationale: The two great Mongol attacks on Japan contributed to the fall of the shogunate, as the inability of the shogunate to repel the Mongol invasions undermined its authority and legitimacy, leading to political instability and eventual collapse. 21) Zen Buddhism encouraged an interest in A) yoga. B) calm meditation. C) elaborate rituals. D) city life. Answer: B Rationale: Zen Buddhism emphasized calm meditation as a means to attain enlightenment, encouraging practitioners to focus on inner peace and mindfulness rather than external rituals or urban lifestyle. 22) All foreign missionaries were banned from Japan in A) 1500. B) 1597. C) 1603. D) 1658. Answer: B Rationale: All foreign missionaries were banned from Japan in 1597 as part of the Tokugawa shogunate's policy to control foreign influence and maintain isolationism. 23) Japan allowed merchants from ________ to trade in Japan. A) Portugal B) Spain C) Prussia D) the Netherlands Answer: D Rationale: Japan allowed merchants from the Netherlands to trade in Japan during the period of Sakoku, or national isolation, which restricted foreign trade to limited Dutch and Chinese merchants. 24) Under the Tokugawa shogunate intellectual life was dominated by A) religious interests. B) secular interests. C) Western philosophy. D) government reform. Answer: B Rationale: Under the Tokugawa shogunate, intellectual life in Japan was dominated by secular interests, with a focus on literature, poetry, art, and the practical application of knowledge rather than religious or governmental concerns. 25) Under the Tokugawa shogunate literacy rates in Japan reached as high as ________ percent among adult men. A) 10 B) 15 C) 20 D) 25 Answer: D Rationale: Under the Tokugawa shogunate, literacy rates in Japan reached as high as 25 percent among adult men, reflecting the emphasis on education and scholarship during this period of relative stability and prosperity. 26) Which of the following most accurately describes the economics of China and Japan by the 17th century? A) gradual decline from previous levels of technology B) rapid expansion of internal commerce and merchant activity C) reluctance to let women do productive work D) renewed interest in developing overseas exports Answer: B Rationale: By the 17th century, the economies of both China and Japan experienced a rapid expansion of internal commerce and merchant activity, leading to increased prosperity and urbanization. 27) Which of the following spurred on Chinese population growth from the 17th century onward? A) long periods of instability B) introduction of new crops and improvements in seeds C) more active trade in foodstuffs with Russia D) major advances in pediatric medicine Answer: B Rationale: Chinese population growth from the 17th century onward was spurred on by the introduction of new crops and improvements in seeds, leading to increased agricultural productivity and food security. 28) China’s 15th century decision to halt great trading expeditions involved which of the following factors? A) too costly B) danger to their ships C) concern about rising competition from Western fleets D) admiration for non-Chinese cultures Answer: A Rationale: China's 15th-century decision to halt great trading expeditions was primarily due to concerns about the high cost of maintaining and funding such expeditions, as well as diminishing returns compared to the expenses involved. 29) Which of the following factors influenced Japan’s decision to impose substantial isolation by the early 17th century? A) concern about Spain’s growing power in the Philippines B) Buddhist involvement in Japan’s feudal conflicts C) unwillingness to adopt guns and gunpowder D) desire to demonstrate the authority of the samurais Answer: A Rationale: Japan's decision to impose substantial isolation by the early 17th century was influenced by concerns about Spain's growing power in the Philippines, leading to fears of foreign invasion and the adoption of policies aimed at limiting foreign influence. 30) Japan’s government changed between the 16th and the 18th centuries in which the following ways? A) increasing centralization B) growing importance of village governors C) new significance of the office of emperor D) growing government control over internal violence Answer: A Rationale: Japan's government changed between the 16th and the 18th centuries by increasing centralization, with power becoming more concentrated in the hands of the Tokugawa shogunate, leading to greater political stability and control over regional authorities. 31) During Mongol rule in China, which of the following motivated peasants to revolt? A) high taxes B) serious flooding C) mistreatment by Mongol bureaucrats D) loss of land Answer: B Rationale: Serious flooding was a significant factor that motivated peasants to revolt during Mongol rule in China, as it often led to widespread destruction of crops, loss of livelihoods, and increased hardship among the peasant population, exacerbating existing grievances. 32) Which of the following explains why the Ming dynasty stopped sending trading expeditions through the Indian Ocean? A) They were too expensive. B) They had no interest in exploring. C) Traders were coming to China so it was unnecessary. D) They were preparing for war. Answer: A Rationale: The Ming dynasty stopped sending trading expeditions through the Indian Ocean primarily because they were too expensive to maintain, especially considering the economic challenges and financial strains faced by the Ming government during that period. 33) During the Ming dynasty, which industry expanded? A) textiles B) iron production C) weapons production D) spices Answer: A Rationale: During the Ming dynasty, the textile industry experienced significant expansion, benefiting from advancements in technology, increased demand for luxury goods, and a growing domestic market for textiles. 34) Which of the following was part of the decline of the Ming dynasty? A) The state became more centralized. B) Peasants stopped rebelling because it didn’t do any good. C) Their bureaucracy became more corrupt. D) There were no attacks from outsiders. Answer: C Rationale: The decline of the Ming dynasty was characterized by the increasing corruption within the bureaucracy, which weakened the effectiveness of government administration and contributed to internal instability and dissatisfaction among the population. 35) Why did the Manchurian emperors maintain a separate military establishment? A) Most Chinese viewed them as foreigners. B) They hired mercenaries. C) They used them to subdue the people. D) They had promised the soldiers lifelong positions. Answer: A Rationale: The Manchurian emperors maintained a separate military establishment because most Chinese viewed them as foreigners, necessitating the need for a loyal military force that was separate from the Chinese population to ensure the stability and security of their rule. 36) Successful expansion during the early Qing dynasty depended upon which of the following? A) the creation of economic ties with new countries B) the merger of the Manchurian military and Chinese administration C) a powerful navy D) weakened enemies Answer: B Rationale: Successful expansion during the early Qing dynasty depended upon the merger of the Manchurian military and Chinese administration, which allowed for effective governance and the consolidation of power over newly conquered territories. 37) During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Chinese produced which of the following technological innovations? A) New weapons came into use. B) Shipbuilders designed better vessels. C) There was improved grain manufacturing. D) There were no technological innovations. Answer: D Rationale: During the Ming and Qing dynasties, there were no significant technological innovations produced by the Chinese, as the focus was primarily on maintaining stability and traditional practices rather than investing in technological advancements. 38) Which of the following explains why the Chinese did not adopt the advanced weaponry of the Europeans? A) They thought that their strength on the land was sufficient to protect them. B) They did not think the European weaponry was good. C) They felt culturally superior to the Europeans. D) Because of isolationism, they were not aware of European weaponry. Answer: A Rationale: The Chinese did not adopt the advanced weaponry of the Europeans because they believed that their strength on land, particularly the Great Wall, was sufficient to protect them from external threats, leading to a lack of interest in European military technology. 39) Which of the following encouraged population growth in China? A) a growing system of hospitals B) lack of birth control C) well-organized agriculture D) lack of government intervention Answer: C Rationale: Well-organized agriculture, characterized by efficient farming techniques, irrigation systems, and advanced agricultural practices, encouraged population growth in China by ensuring food security and supporting a stable and prosperous society. 40) Which of the following allowed China to maintain high population levels? A) size of the empire B) crop changes C) growing military needs D) acquisition of new territory Answer: B Rationale: Changes in crop cultivation practices and advancements in agricultural technology, such as the introduction of new crop varieties and improved farming methods, allowed China to maintain high population levels by increasing agricultural productivity and food availability. 41) The haiku emerged in which country after 1600? A) Tibet B) India C) Japan D) Malaysia Answer: C Rationale: The haiku emerged in Japan after 1600, becoming a prominent form of Japanese poetry characterized by its concise structure and focus on capturing fleeting moments in nature or human experience. 42) Which of the following happened in response to the arrival of the Portuguese in Japan in 1542? A) Conservatives wanted to develop a stronger government to regulate foreign intrusion. B) Japanese merchants saw this as an opportunity to expand trade. C) Most people were eager to learn about their culture. D) Small numbers of Portuguese merchants settled permanently in Japan. Answer: A Rationale: In response to the arrival of the Portuguese in Japan in 1542, conservatives wanted to develop a stronger government to regulate foreign intrusion, fearing the potential destabilizing effects of European influence on Japanese society and politics. 43) Why did the Japanese government prohibit the construction of large seagoing ships? A) They promoted the construction of smaller, faster vessels. B) They had an agreement with China to use Chinese ships. C) They planned to buy their ships from Europeans. D) They wanted to limit contact with the outside world. Answer: D Rationale: The Japanese government prohibited the construction of large seagoing ships because they wanted to limit contact with the outside world, fearing foreign influence and potential threats to Japanese sovereignty and stability. 44) Which of the following was an impact of the relaxation of isolation in Japan in the 18th century? A) The Japanese became familiar with Western advances in military technology and medicine. B) Confucianism was modified. C) Spanish traders established colonies in Nagasaki. D) A black-market trade with the West emerged. Answer: A Rationale: An impact of the relaxation of isolation in Japan in the 18th century was that the Japanese became familiar with Western advances in military technology and medicine, leading to significant changes in Japanese society and culture. 45) Hideyoshi sought to accomplish which of the following? A) ruling China and India B) forming a joint government with China C) opening up trade with the West D) adopting Western fighting tactics Answer: A Rationale: Hideyoshi sought to accomplish ruling China and India, aiming to expand his influence and power beyond Japan's borders through military conquest and territorial expansion. 46) Which of following reasons may explain why the Industrial Revolution happened in the West and not in China? A) The Chinese sought to dominate nature. B) Westerners valued technological change. C) The Chinese looked down upon merchants. D) China was skilled in manufacturing. Answer: B Rationale: The Industrial Revolution happened in the West and not in China because Western societies valued technological change, innovation, and entrepreneurship, which fostered the conditions necessary for rapid industrialization and economic growth. 47) The Chinese government adopted which of the following policies to prevent food shortages? A) It allowed protests led by women against merchants. B) It established grain storage facilities. C) It required rich landowners to provide grain to the state. D) The government set the price on food. Answer: B Rationale: To prevent food shortages, the Chinese government adopted the policy of establishing grain storage facilities, which allowed for the accumulation and distribution of food during times of scarcity, ensuring food security for the population. 48) Compared to the West, in China which of the following was True? A) The government had no control over trade. B) There was no separation between public and private concerns. C) Religious principles guided the state’s actions. D) All land was owned by the state. Answer: B Rationale: Compared to the West, in China, it was true that there was no clear separation between public and private concerns, as traditional Chinese society often integrated political, social, and economic activities within a holistic framework of governance. 49) Like the West, the following shift in outlook took place in China at the end of the Qing dynasty. A) There was a shift from superstition to logic. B) There was a shift from agriculture to manufacturing. C) There was a shift from religion to philosophy. D) There was a shift from isolationism to inclusion. Answer: A Rationale: Like the West, a shift in outlook took place in China at the end of the Qing dynasty from superstition to logic, as intellectual and cultural movements emerged promoting rationalism, scientific inquiry, and critical thinking, challenging traditional beliefs and practices. the belief that the outside world was a risky and inferior place, which contributed to their policies of isolationism and limited engagement with foreign powers to protect their own interests and preserve their respective cultural identities. 50) Japan and China shared which of the following beliefs? A) The outside world was a risky and inferior place. B) They were superior to Europeans. C) Western culture was lacking. D) They were militarily superior to the West. Answer: A Rationale: Both Japan and China held the belief that the outside world was a risky and inferior place. This belief contributed to their policies of isolationism and limited engagement with foreign powers, as they perceived foreign influence as potentially disruptive to their societies and cultures. This mindset also fueled their desire to maintain sovereignty and protect their traditional ways of life from external interference. Short Answer Questions 51) What are some theories explaining why China did not undergo an industrial revolution? Answer: Some theories explaining why China did not undergo an industrial revolution include the argument that China's emphasis on stability and tradition hindered innovation and technological progress. Additionally, the strong influence of Confucian values prioritized agriculture over industry, while the examination system favored bureaucratic careers over entrepreneurship. Other factors may include geopolitical stability, lack of competition, and limited exposure to external ideas and technologies. 52) Briefly discuss Chinese population trends from the 16th to the 18th century. Answer: From the 16th to the 18th century, Chinese population trends experienced significant fluctuations. Initially, there was a period of population growth due to factors such as improved agricultural techniques, new crops from the Americas, and expanded trade networks. However, by the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, population growth began to slow down due to factors such as famines, natural disasters, epidemics, and increased taxation, especially in the 17th century. Despite these challenges, China maintained relatively high population levels, supported by a well-organized agrarian system and state policies promoting agriculture. 53) Why did Confucianism have new impact in Japan after the 16th century? Answer: Confucianism had a renewed impact in Japan after the 16th century due to several factors. One key factor was the unification of Japan under the Tokugawa shogunate, which sought to promote social order and stability. Confucian teachings on ethics, governance, and social hierarchy resonated with the Tokugawa rulers, who used Confucian principles to reinforce their authority and justify their hierarchical social structure. Additionally, Confucianism offered a philosophical framework for moral education, bureaucratic training, and political ideology, becoming increasingly influential in shaping Japanese society and governance. 54) Why and how did Japan briefly experiment with a policy of expansion? Answer: Japan briefly experimented with a policy of expansion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to several factors. One reason was the desire to secure resources, markets, and territory to fuel Japan's industrialization and economic growth. Additionally, Japan sought to assert its regional power and status in the face of Western imperialism and dominance in Asia. This expansionist policy was facilitated by Japan's modernization efforts, including the development of a strong military, centralized government, and industrial base. Japan pursued territorial expansion through military conquests and colonialism, leading to conflicts such as the First Sino-Japanese War, Russo-Japanese War, and eventual colonization of territories in East Asia and the Pacific. 55) Why weren’t the Chinese interested in learning about Western weaponry? Answer: The Chinese were not initially interested in learning about Western weaponry due to several reasons. First, China's traditional military doctrine emphasized the superiority of its own martial traditions, such as archery, cavalry tactics, and fortifications, which had been effective for centuries. Second, China had a long history of centralized state control over military affairs, which often stifled innovation and discouraged the adoption of foreign technologies. Third, the Chinese viewed Westerners as culturally inferior and saw little value in learning from them. Additionally, the Chinese were initially unaware of the military advancements of the West due to limited contact and isolationist policies. However, as Western military superiority became increasingly evident through conflicts and colonial incursions, China eventually recognized the need to modernize its military and began to adopt Western weaponry and military techniques in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Essay Questions 56) Compare the relationship of China and Japan to the world economy in the early modern period. Answer: In the early modern period, both China and Japan had complex relationships with the world economy, albeit with significant differences. China, with its vast population and rich resources, played a central role in global trade networks, exporting luxury goods such as silk, porcelain, and tea in exchange for silver from the Americas. Chinese merchants engaged in extensive maritime trade along the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asian routes, contributing to the prosperity of port cities like Guangzhou and Macau. In contrast, Japan initially adopted a policy of isolationism under the Tokugawa shogunate, severely restricting foreign trade and contact with the outside world. However, Japan's limited engagement with the world economy persisted through limited trade with Dutch and Chinese merchants at designated ports like Nagasaki. Eventually, Japan underwent a process of opening up to international trade and modernization in the mid-19th century, leading to the establishment of treaty ports and the rapid integration of Japan into the global economy. 57) Do you think that East Asian policies toward the West and the world economy were misguided in the early modern centuries? Why, or why not? Answer: East Asian policies toward the West and the world economy in the early modern centuries can be viewed as both pragmatic and cautious, rather than inherently misguided. China's emphasis on maintaining stability, social order, and cultural purity through policies of isolationism and limited engagement with the West reflected a desire to preserve traditional values and institutions. Similarly, Japan's initial policy of sakoku (closed country) under the Tokugawa shogunate aimed to protect Japanese society from foreign influence and maintain internal cohesion. While these policies may have contributed to missed opportunities for technological exchange and economic development, they also helped safeguard East Asian societies from the disruptive effects of Western imperialism and colonization. Moreover, these policies were rational responses to the prevailing geopolitical realities and power dynamics of the early modern era. However, as Western influence and military power grew stronger over time, East Asian countries gradually adapted their policies to navigate the changing international landscape. 58) What were the symptoms and causes of Chinese decline by the late 18th century? Answer: The late 18th century witnessed the onset of decline in China, characterized by various symptoms and underlying causes. Symptoms of decline included economic stagnation, as evidenced by a decline in agricultural productivity, rampant corruption, and fiscal mismanagement within the bureaucracy, leading to widespread peasant unrest and rebellions. Additionally, China experienced demographic challenges such as population growth outstripping available resources, contributing to social and economic pressures. Causes of decline can be attributed to several factors, including the weakening of central authority and political fragmentation during the later years of the Qing dynasty, exacerbated by internal power struggles and the inefficiency of the examination system in selecting competent officials. Moreover, China's failure to adapt to the changing global economic landscape and embrace technological innovations led to its relative decline vis-à-vis Western powers, which increasingly dominated international trade and military affairs. Combined with external pressures such as Western imperialism and the Opium Wars, these factors contributed to China's decline as a major world power by the late 18th century. 59) What was the Japanese policy towards Christian missionaries? What contributed to this policy change? Answer: Initially, Japan adopted a relatively tolerant attitude towards Christian missionaries during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, allowing them to spread their faith freely. However, as Christianity gained popularity and influence among the Japanese populace, particularly in regions like Kyushu, the Tokugawa shogunate grew increasingly wary of its potential to undermine political authority and social cohesion. This shift in attitude culminated in the promulgation of anti-Christian policies, known as the "Kirishitan bans," which aimed to suppress Christianity and eradicate its presence in Japan. Contributing factors to this policy change included concerns over foreign influence and the perceived threat posed by Christian converts, who were seen as potential agents of Western imperialism and destabilization. Additionally, the shogunate sought to assert its authority and preserve traditional Japanese values by enforcing strict measures against Christianity, including persecution, forced apostasy, and the expulsion of foreign missionaries. 60) How did the Chinese response to a growing population and food shortage compare to the responses of France and the Ottoman Empire? Answer: The Chinese response to a growing population and food shortage differed from that of France and the Ottoman Empire in several key aspects. In China, the government implemented measures such as the construction of granaries, the promotion of agricultural innovation, and the encouragement of land reclamation to address food shortages and ensure social stability. Additionally, policies such as population control through family planning and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices aimed to alleviate demographic pressures and improve food security over the long term. In contrast, France and the Ottoman Empire faced similar challenges of population growth and food scarcity but responded differently. In France, efforts to address food shortages primarily focused on agricultural reforms, such as the introduction of new crops, improvements in farming techniques, and the expansion of arable land through land clearance programs. Additionally, the French government intervened in the grain market by regulating prices and implementing policies to alleviate hunger during times of scarcity. Similarly, the Ottoman Empire implemented various strategies to cope with food shortages, including the establishment of state-controlled granaries, the construction of irrigation systems to improve agricultural productivity, and the encouragement of urban migration to relieve pressure on rural resources. However, unlike China, the Ottoman response was constrained by factors such as limited central authority, regional disparities in agricultural development, and the empire's dependence on international trade for food supplies. Test Bank for World History in Brief: Major Patterns of Change and Continuity Peter N. Stearns 9780205896301, 9780134085623
