China Until The Mongols

The Sui Dynasty ( ) The Han dynasty falls in 220 (400 years!) o China splits up into rival kingdoms o Starts a 350 year “Period of Disunion” Invasions from northern nomads Northern Chinese head south for safety = interesting cultural developments China is reunited by a Northern ruler named Wendi o Starts the Sui Dynasty

Wendi recentralized Chinese government Biggest achievement was the Grand Canal o 1,000 mile waterway that connected Northern and Southern China o Still around today (but much bigger!)

Fall of the Sui Wendi’s son was a terrible leader o Yangdi forced millions of peasants to work (unpaid) on the canal o Also lived a crazy lavish lifestyle o Led to a peasant rebellion again the Sui Dynasty. o Yangdi is assassinated in 618.

Next up, the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) Another Chinese Golden Age Chinese Influence spreads o Chinese gov’t serves as the model for all of East Asia

Regain parts of western China Start to directly influence Korea Increased contact with Japan Also the AGE OF BUDDHISM o During the time of disunion many people turned to Buddhism o Becomes the state religion of the Tang

The Tang Decline 750’s things go downhill o Nomads o Peasant rebellions o Weak rulers o 907 the Emperor is killed = end of the Tang

The Song After the Tang China is divided for 50 years o Reunites under the Song in 960 o Lasts about 300 years Restore the central government Neo-Confucianism MOST ADVANCED SOCIETY IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!

Song Territory Song never regain western/northern lands Buy peace with invading nomads – Large “gifts” (really bribes) In 1120 the Jurchen (nomads) conquer Northern China and start the Jin Empire o Song continues as the Sothern Song – last 250 years.

Cultural Achievements of the Tang and Song Literature and Arts o Tang produced some of China’s greatest poets, painters, and artisans Tang / Song = Ceramics, porcelain o These luxury goods drive much of China’s world trade

Clearing Rain Du Fu The sky's water has fallen, and autumn clouds are thin, The western wind has blown ten thousand li. This morning's scene is good and fine, Long rain has not harmed the land. The row of willows begins to show green, The pear tree on the hill has little red flowers. A hujia pipe begins to play upstairs, One goose flies high into the sky. Clearing Rain

INNOVATIONS OF THE TANG Gunpowder Magnetic Compass Wood Block Printing

PAPER MONEY pioneered by the Tang