Political organization:
China:
During this time period, China was a Monarchy. China was an absolute monarchy although the power of the ruler was dependent based on his/her ability to consolidate the rule of other factors.
Japan:
During this time period, Japan was a Monarchy. Japan's emperor held the highest position in Japan society but did not have much political power, along with a weak government.
Southeast Asia:
Southeast Asia consists of many different nations, most being a monarchy. There were blended traditions of kingship from different eras.
Europe:
During this time period, Europe was a Monarchy. There were traditions of theocratic kingship which were based on Roman and Christian precedents.
Similarities/Differences:
A big similarity I noticed is that all of them had a Monarchy government. Something different I noticed is that in Japan, the emperor is the only Head of State in the world.
Economic Features:
China:
China started growing during the Tang and Song dynasty. They used Farming and trade to grow their economy.
Japan:
Japan’s merchants traded more with China and Korea, and artisans found plenty of daimyo to support their crafts.
Southeast Asia:
Settlers developed a tradition and culture of tool and artifact production, they also grew millet and wet rice that could be sold.
Europe:
Europe's economy was primarily farming but time later trade and industry became more important.
Similarities/Differences
A similarity is that trade and agriculture were very important to all these countries. A difference is that unlike the rest of them, Japan often made and sold art.
Cultural Elements:
China:
Some aspects of Chinese culture were pictographic characters for writing, tea culture, silk culture, and worship of heaven and rulers.
Japan:
Parts of Japanese culture were Shinto religion, architecture, distinctive art objects like haniwa figures, and literary classics like the world's first novel.
Southeast Asia:
Southeast Asia had many things like the Buddhist culture, influenced by Confucianism, art, music, and literature.
Europe:
Culture of ancient Europe is rooted in art, architecture, film, types of music, literature, and economics.
Similarities/Differences:
Something that was really popular between all countries is literature and types of art.
Religion:
China:
Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, were considered the three pillars of ancient Chinese society.
Japan:
Shinto was established as an official religion after Buddhism and Confucianism were introduced to Japan from Asia
Southeast Asia:
The official religions included Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism.
Europe:
Europe was predominantly polytheistic (Ancient Greek religion, ancient Roman religion, etc.)
Similarities/Differences:
I noticed all counties had mainly different religions and beliefs.
Population:
China:
During the Middle Ages, China had over 100 million people.
Japan:
During the Middle Ages, Japan had about 15 million people.
Southeast Asia:
During the Middle ages, Southeast Asia had about 283 million people.
Europe:
During the Middle Ages, Europe had about 90 million people
Similarities/Differences:
A difference is that most places had about 100 million or over, but Japan had significantly less.
The Types of Leadership
-In China, the words of an emperor were sacred and to be obeyed immediately. The emperor ruled under the “Mandate of Heaven” and if the emperor did not do a good job, the mandate could be taken away. Emperors must have several wives and only one was called the empress. Everyone in the society had to strictly behave and heavily worship because of this type of leadership.
-In Japan, the emperor was similar to a king but he was also a religious leader. The emperor began to lose power after several wars. During the feudal period of Japanese history, powerful families (Daimyo), Military power of warlords (Shogun), and their warriors (Samurai) ruled Japan. This type of leadership made way for different religions like Shinto and Buddhism to flourish.
-In Southeast Asia, local leaders realized the benefits of Hindu worship which led to the main beliefs of Hinduism. The ruler of Southeast Asia was the Khmer Empire because it effectively dominated all Mainland in Southeast Asia and during this time they developed a sophisticated monumental architecture. This leadership affected civilization through the spread of Hinduism.
-In Europe, new forms of political leadership were formed. Kings became the heads of centralized nation-states, which led to reducing crime and violence but making the ideal of a unified Christendom more distant. This leadership led to the spreading of Christianity and religion.
Explanation:
Please don't copy this but instead use it as an inspiration that you can go off because this took a lot of work
Anyway, I hope it helps! Have a Meowgical and Purrrfect day!
