CHINA REUNIFIEDChapter 8, Section 1

The Sui (SWAY) Dynasty581-618

Sui Yandi Completed the Grand Canal A cruel leader-

Used forced labor High taxes Extravagant and luxurious lifestyle Military failures caused rebellion

Murdered and his dynasty came to an end.

The Grand Canal

Oldest and Longest Canal 6,000,000 laborers to complete

approximately, 3,000,000 of those people died from the sheer labor and hunger.

At that time, many believed the endeavor was a complete waste of human life and money, which was a huge contributor

to the downfall of this dynasty.  1,200 miles long. Connects the Huang He (Yellow River and

the Chang Jiang (Yangtze River)

Tang (TONG) Dynasty618-907

Reforms Restored the civil service examination. Tried to create a more state economy by:

Giving land to the peasants Breaking up the power of the large estates.

To restore power they: Brought peace to northwestern China. Chinese imperial court set up trade and

diplomatic relations with states of Southeast Asia.

Tang, continued

Their demise – Rulers were unable to prevent plotting and government corruption.

Tang Xuanzang

Became prey to rebellions. Hired Uighurs (WEE-GURZ), a tribal group to

fight for the dynasty.

Song (SOONG) Dynasty960-1279

Period of economic prosperity and culture achievement.

When their northern neighbors moved into China, the Song rulers moved the imperial court of Hangzhou (HONG-JOH).

During the 1200s---Here come the MONGOLS!

Government and Economy

Monarchy with large bureaucracy. Government Structure:

Provinces, districts, and villages Confucian ideals.

Economy grew in size Agriculture flourished Manufacturing and trade grew.

Worked to weaken the power of large landholders.

Chinese Society

Tang and Song Eras were an age of prosperity. Hangzhou, the capital city

Marco Polo Described the capital as one of the wealthies and largest

cities on Earth. New Forms of Entertainment for the rich. Vast majority still lived off the land in villages.

Social structure had changed. Landed Gentry

Scholar-gentry Wu Zhou (WOO-JOW)

Strangled her own daughter and then accused the empress of the crime.