Japanese cultural development was influenced by proximity to China.
Shinto and Buddhism coexisted as religious traditions in the Japanese culture.
Essential Knowledge
Location and place
· Mountainous Japanese archipelago (four main islands)
· Sea of Japan or East Sea between Japan and Asian mainland
· Proximity to China and Korea
Influence of Chinese culture
· Writing
· Architecture
· Buddhism
Shinto
· Ethnic religion unique to Japan
· Importance of natural features, forces of nature, and ancestors
· State religion; worship of the emperor
· Coexistence with Buddhism
Mongol armies invaded Russia, Southwest Asia, and China, creating an empire.
Essential Knowledge
The Mongols
· Nomadic herders
· Genghis Khan
· Golden Horde
· Mongols converted to local religions, such as Islam, after conquest
Mongol armies
· Invaded Russia, China, and Muslim states in Southwest Asia, destroying cities and countryside
· Created an empire