Political: Unit 3B APWH

Wendi born 541

541

Wendi was a member of a prominent Northern Chinese family. After seizing the throne from his son in law, he established the Sui dynasty with the help of neighboring nomadic allies. This was a significant change for China because it was the establishment of a new dynasty for the next few decades.

Li Yuan born 566

566

Li Yuan took over the empire after the death of Yangdi. He was the first emperor of the Tang dynasty. This shows change because it was the start of a new dynasty in China.

Yangdi born 569

569

Yangdi was the second ruler of the Sui dynasty. During his rule, many advancements were made such as the re-institution of the Confucian examination system and the construction of the Grand Canal. This shows continuity, as Yangdi was able to continue the rule of the Sui dynasty.

600-1450

Period: Jan 1, 600 to Dec 31, 1450

During this time period, changes regarding political practices were ubiquitous throughout the world as new civilizations formed and . While some civilizations were able to continue their political practices for long periods of time, there were still numerous accounts of change in politics, such as new governments, leaders, and conquests.

Taika Reforms 646

Jan 1, 646

In 646, the Japanese emperor introduced the Taika reforms, designed to revamp the Imperial administration along Chinese lines. Scholars struggled to master Chinese characters and the Japanese aristocracy struggled to master Confucian ways. The reforms eventually failed. This was a change for Japan during this time, as they attempted to undergo changes to become more like China.

Toltecs 968

Jan 1, 968

The Toltecs succeeded the Teotihuacan culture in central Mexico. The Toltecs first established their capital at Tula in 968. They were a very militaristic people and had a cult of human sacrifice. The establishment of this civilization showed change in central Mexico as new peoples flooded into the richer lands.

Bakufu 1185

Jan 1, 1185

During the mid 12th century, the most powerful families of Japan, Minamoto and Taira, were feuding for power in the bureaucracy. After the Minamoto defeated the Taira, they established the bakufu, or military government. The leaders in this government were known as shoguns. This was a significant change in Japan, as a new style of government was introduced.

Chinggis Khan elected khagan in 1206

Jan 1, 1206

As a youth, Chinggis Khan was thrust into power following the death of his father. His people refused to follow a boy, and he was later kidnapped and persecuted by a rival clan. After his escape, he was able to defeat them with the help of a chieftain who was once allies with his father. He was elected khagan, or supreme ruler, of the Mongols. This was a change that would prove to have a huge impact on their neighboring civilizations, as the Mongols conquered and attacked their lands.

Golden Horde under Batu invades Russia 1236

Jan 1, 1236

The Golden Horde Khanate under the rule of Chinggis Khan's grandson, Batu, invaded Russia in 1236 on their way to Eastern Europe. They were able to execute the only successful invasion of Russia during the winter to date. The princes of Russia refused to cooperate and were routed individually. This was a big change in history because it was the first time anyone had been able to invade Russia during the winter, and the Mongols had now taken over a big part of Russia.

Hulegu captures Baghdad 1258

Jan 1, 1258

Hulegu was the grandson of Chinggis Khan and ruler of the Ilkhan khanate. He was responsible for the capture and destruction of Baghdad. This was a change for the people of Baghdad, when 800,000 people were reported to have been killed, including the Abbasid caliph, thus ending the dynasty that had ruled the Islamic world since the 8th century.

Aztecs 1325

Jan 1, 1325

The Aztecs first settled an island on lake Texcoco and founded the city of Tenochitlan in 1325. With Tenochitlan as a secure base, Aztecs began to participate in regional politics. Human sacrifice played a huge role in their society. This was a change for central Mexico as new people settled in the area and began a new culture.