Sui Dynasty, C.E. Benefits of the Dynasty 1. land redistribution policy: land in accordance with household numbers 2. Formalized the Confucian Exam system 3. Growth of Silk Road Trade 3. Established army of professional soldiers 4. Grand Canal Created Cost of the Dynasty 1. People were overworked and over taxed

Grand Canal

Tang Dynasty, C.E.  High point of Chinese history 1. Imperial examination system perfected 2. Liberal attitude towards all religions  Spread of Buddhism in China 3. Golden Age of foreign relations with other countries: Japan, Korea, Persia 4. New Technologies: porcelain – mechanical clock 5. Tea arrived in China from Southeast Asia 6. Trade routes thrived: Silk Road / Indian Ocean 7. Social mobility was possible through education

Chinese Class Structure 1.Gentry Class: scholars and government workers from wealthy landowning class. Exempt from land taxes, and dominated the money-lending system of China. (Foot-binding occurred at this level) 2.Peasants: The majority of Chinese. Worked land but could rise in social class through education and government service 3.Merchant Class: Lowest class because they profited from the labor of others. Gender: Women were given more respect and power.

Foot-Binding in Tang China  Broken toes by 3 years of age.   Size 5 ½ shoe on the right Firmly entrenched practice among the upper class by 1200 A.C.E.

Results of Foot-Binding

Tang Gov’t. Organization -Very well organized -Set the model for all future Chinese governments

Empress Wu Zetian,  Only Chinese Empress to rule alone  Constructed new irrigation systems  Buddhism was favored state religion  Financed building of many Buddhist temples

End of Tang Dynasty   Causes of decline   Misrule   Court intrigues   Economic exploitation   Rebellions   Made it possible for northern invaders to defeat them   Next 50 years saw fragmentation of China   Five northern dynasties   Ten southern kingdoms

Song Dynasty Achievements Song Dynasty Achievements 1.Military strength was 1.25 million men. Military leaders were educated specialists who were tested on military subjects, and paid a regular salary. (Not the best army) 2.Inventions: Gunpowder – moveable type – compass 3.Silk-Road trade suffered from nomads but internal trade and sea trade remained brisk 4.Rice harvest improved with 2 crops a year 5.First use of paper money

Song [Sung] Dynasty, C.E. 6. Creation of urban, merchant middle class 7. Neo-Confucianists wanted to purify Confucianism 8. Increased emphasis on education & cheaper availability of printed books

Song Rice Cultivation