Japanese cultural development was influenced by proximity to China.

Shinto and Buddhism coexisted as religious traditions in the Japanese culture.

Essential Knowledge

· 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

· 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

River valleys were the “cradles of civilization.” Early civilizations made major contributions to social, political, and economic development.

Language and writing were important cultural innovations because they facilitated the preservation and spread of knowledge.

• Hebrews settled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River Valley (part of the Fertile Crescent in Southwest Asia).  Origins of Judaism • Abraham • Moses  Beliefs, traditions, and customs of Judaism • Belief in one God (monotheism) • Torah, which contains the written records and beliefs of the Jews • Ten Commandments, which state moral and religious conduct • Covenant  Spread of Judaism • Exile • Diaspora

River valleys were the “cradles of civilization.” Early civilizations made major contributions to social, political, and economic development.

Old Kingdom - New Kingdom