Two Golden Ages in China: Tang & Song Dynasties

Two Great Dynasties in China During the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties, China became the richest, powerful, most advanced country in the world.

Why it Matters: Inventions from this period such as printing & gunpowder dramatically changed history. Main Idea: Tang & Song China experienced an era of prosperity and technological innovation.

Tang Dynasty Accomplishments Rulers such as Li Yuan, the 1st emperor, expanded Chinese empire. -----How? Vietnam, Tibet, and Korea became tributary states (independent but had to show loyalty, pay taxes to China) Enlarged civil service system

Tang Dynasty Accomplishments Established land reform (redistributed land to peasants)- Think: Where have we seen this before?.... Effect of land reform: tax revenue from peasants Grand Canal was built- linked Yellow (Huang He) to Yangzi River)

Controlled less territory than the Tang Song Dynasty Controlled less territory than the Tang Economy expanded, especially in farming due to better irrigation and crop production Foreign trade exploded under both dynasties

Chinese Society Three main social groupings: Gentry (landowners) Peasants (farmers) Merchants (Businessmen)

Status of Women Most remained within the home but enjoyed great authority over family affairs. Absorbed into husband’s family after marriage. This reflects Confucian traditions.

Achievements of Tang/Song Mechanical clock Gunpowder (huge in warfare, empire-building) Block print, movable type Smallpox vaccine Landscape painting Poetry (Li Bo/ Li Bai- Tang poet)

Inventions of Tang and Song China

Most of these pieces have been found in the more affluent tombs of the Tang period

The Tang and Song Dynasties Compared Tang Only Song Only Both Expanded empire by establishing tributary states, adopted Buddhism Ruled smaller empire, developed into great sea power, created movable type Prospered due to trade, improved agriculture, great art & literature, created ordered society