China - Sui, Tang, and Song

China - Sui, Tang, & Song DynastiesSui 589-618

Tang 618-907Song 960 -1279

Background After the fall of the Han Empire (220 c.e.)

Northern China was invaded by nomadic groups -who assimilated Chinese culture and influenced Chinese culture.

No leader in southern China was strong enough to control the entire region -30 dynasties in about 300 years claimed the Mandate of Heaven.

For 350 years, regional rule was the political reality.

CHANGES Buddhism spread & changed Migration of people into southern China Destruction of old growth forests and

animal species

China during the Sui, Tang, & Song Dynasties

Sui 589-618Tang 618-907

Song 960 -1279

Economic Revolution in Tang & Song China

Agricultural production improvedcrop specialization intensified with

improved infrastructure, iron implements, & printing.

RESULT – Population dramatically increased

Grand Canal

ECONOMIC REVOLUTION

INDUSTRY increased in manufacturing Metals Silk Porcelain

Producing goods for the market instead of local consumption became common

TRADE Indian Ocean trade

increased with control over coastal Southern China

Silk Road trade increased

Commercial developmentsBanking and Credit systemGovernment issued paper money.

Commercial developmentsTang and Song China had some of the

largest cities in the world. (Population over a million in some increases industry and trade.)

Technology and InnovationFirst chain driven mechanism - the clock

(1088)Gunpowder

Technology and InnovationPaper production and block printing

techniques were invented and then advanced—moveable type.

Boat building and navigational technology was more advanced than the rest of the world.

Other Advancements included:Song Chinese were the first to use

fractions in computations and equations.Solar year was accurately measured.Doctors in Song China compiled and

printed medical texts.

CONTINUITIES from the Classical Period through the Sui, Tang, & Song Dynasties.

Confucianism remained a foundation of government, social structure, and family.

Agriculture remained the foundation of the economy.

Strong central government continued with a powerful emperor (mandate of heaven) & scholar-bureaucracy (examination system).

Gender RolesWomen’s status remained low

(despite attempts at reform by several empresses).

The Song Period saw women at a very low social status.Evidence: Seclusion, lack

of property rights, polygamy and use of concubines, exclusion from education, &FOOTBINDING.

Written language was separate from spoken languages

The social class structure & patriarchy remained relatively constant.

Social Classes (continuities)Landowners (landed gentry) Scholar-bureaucrats (scholar gentry) &

military leaders Merchants and artisans were still in the

lower classes.

Interaction with nomadic groups to the North continued to influence the politics, economy, and culture of China.

Chinese cultural influence on its neighbors remained strong.