Homework C-1 due tomorrow. Current events poster project due Monday, May 23.

Aim #1: How did the Sui, Tang and Song dynasties rise to power? Dynasties we have already talked about: Shang → Zhou → Qin → Han (ancient/classical dynasties): 1650 B.C. – 220 A.D. Dynasties we are going to talk about now: Sui → Tang → Song → Yuan (Mongol rule) → Ming (golden age dynasties): 581 A.D. – 1644 A.D.

I. The Sui Dynasty (581-618) in 220 A.D. For 350 years, A. Han Dynasty collapses in 220 A.D. For 350 years, China is divided. B. The Sui dynasty (581-618) united northern and southern China, built the Grand Canal (connecting the Yellow and Yangtze rivers) created a foundation for economic and territorial growth in China.

II. Tang Dynasty (618-907) A. The Tang Dynasty will build on this, rule China for 300 years. They establish their capital in Chang’an. Bring peace to the northwest part of China and expand China’s power north of the Himalayan mountains into Tibet.

II. Tang Dynasty (618-907) B. Government and Economic Accomplishments 1. Restore the Civil Service Examinations. What were these? What information did you have to know? Who was allowed to take them? What was the purpose of this system? 2. Civil Service Exams lead to the rise of the Gentry: Large upper class that gained status through education and civil service positions instead of land. 3. Tang took land from the aristocrats, gave it to the peasants.

III. Song Dynasty (960-1279) Tang, China is again unified A. Shortly after the fall of the Tang, China is again unified under the Song Dynasty B. Song have a strong, united government in the south, but lose control of the north to nomadic tribes and other groups.

The Silk Road