Chinese Civilization: Tang & Song Dynasties

Sui-Tang Era Fall of the Han dynasty = 589 CE Wendi unifies China under the Sui dynasty Wendi used alliances, intrigue, warfare to achieve goals Conquered Korea Yangdi murders his father Wendi to gain the throne Chinese Warlords were military leaders who run a government, and fought with each other while nomads conquered parts of northern China. Made educational and legal reforms Supported the Scholar-Gentry Military defeats and expensive building projects led to revolts and downfall Unites China’s economy – which is an organized way in which people produce, sell, and buy things.

Sui-Tang Cont Li Yuan followed Yangdi Founder of the Tang Dynasty Expanded China’s boundaries Set new capital at Changan

Scholar-Gentry and Exam System Most powerful Tang emperor was Taizong. Empress Wu added more officials to the government. She also strengthened China’s military system. Institutes reforms or changes that bring about improvements. Tang used scholar-gentry to create an effective bureaucracy Expanded Confucian-based examination system Administered by Ministry of Rites Provided qualified bureaucrats Jinshi = those who passed highest level exams Many gained positions through family connections, not merit

Buddhism in the Tang Era Buddhism experienced resurgence Mahayana Buddhism won many conversions Provided refuge from war and turmoil Members of the elite were attracted to Chan Buddhism (known as Zen) in West Empress Wu supported Buddhism Emperor Wuzong suppressed and Buddhism in mid-9th century Buddhism survived, but in a reduced state

Tang Decline and Rise of the Song Emperor Xuanzong (shyahn zawng) marks highpoint of the Tang Yang Guifei was his famous lover In 755 revolts became widespread, showing discontent with rule Nomadic incursions occurred regularly

Founding of the Song In 960, Zhao Kuangyin defeated most rivals after Xuanzong’s death Founded the Song dynasty Zhao could not conquer Liao Dynasty in the north Liao was founded in 907 by the Khitan, a nomadic people from Manchuria Smaller in territory compared to the Tang

Song Politics and Confucian Revival The Song favored scholar-gentry at expense of military Song empire was never as formidable as the Tang Tang supports the building of monasteries in China where the monks could meditate and worship. Confucian ideals were emphasized Zu Xi (Ju She) and the neo-Confucians revived ancient Confucian teachings Neo-Confucian thinking had great impact on all dynasties following the Song. It taught that life in this world was just as important as the afterlife. Followers were expected to take part in life and help others. Confucianism remains the central ideology until the 20th century and will later spread to Japan.

Government Government Schools Open to anyone of ability Allowed others a chance at office holding Paid Mongols and others in silk and other goods as a way to pacify would be attackers http://www.ancient-art.com/images/cc362a.jpg

Government Issued paper currency credited growth of commerce Civil Service recruited for higher posts from educated who passed three levels of imperial examinations Personal Property assessed for Taxation Trained Militia and supplied with Arms Strengthen Loyalty and Quality of Army

Cast iron Crossbow Gunpowder, Compass Porcelain Coal as fuel Technology Cast iron Crossbow Gunpowder, Compass Porcelain Coal as fuel Waterwheels Paper Currency Wheelbarrow Wallpaper

Technology Ships with water-tight compartments Waterwheels Incline Planes Canal Locks Gunpowder Mortars Improved Farming Techniques – Irrigation, fertilization, metal tools and proto-machines

Decline of the Song Signs of the Song’s decline: Tangut people’s kingdom of Xi Xia in the 11th century Cost of the military Wang Anshi’s reform failures

Decline of the Song (cont) In 1115, the Jurchens (nomads) overthrew the Liao dynasty Established the Jin Kingdom north of the Song empire Forced the Song to flee south Southern Song is formed Culturally radiant and artistic Fell to the Mongols

Song Dynasties

Tang and Song Prosperity Yangdi’s Grand Canal linked centers of Chinese civilization Made it possible to transport grain and food Tang conquests led to increased trade and contact Overseas contact made in junks (Chinese boats) Urban centers grew More people living in cities than any other civilization “Flying money” introduced Credit vouchers Other innovations: Coal, gunpowder, complex bridges, abacus

Agrarian Expansion of the Tang Movement of population south led to: Agricultural improvements Agricultural expansion Land reform Aided peasant quality of life Why? Southern China was/is more fertile Due to fertile valleys of the Yangtze and other river systems

Family and Society in the Tang/Song Women remained clearly subordinate to men Women in upper classes had increased opportunities Neo-Confucian scholars stressed male dominance Men were allowed to have concubines Some women forced into foot-binding

Scholarly and Artistic Achievement Tan and Song eras are remembered as a time of remarkable Chinese accomplishments Science Technology Literature Fine Arts Landscape paintings made famous Li Bo’s poetry is a good example of everyday themes intellectuals prized

Review: What was the dynasty that immediately followed the Qin-Han? Who started the Sui dynasty? What led to the downfall of the Sui?

Review (cont) Who founded the Tang Dynasty? Who did Pure Land Buddhism appeal to (what class)? Who founded the Song dynasty? Which was larger in territory, the Tang or Song?

Review (cont) What caused the Song dynasty to move or flee south? Define foot binding – what did it mean for Chinese women? What were some technological inventions of the Tang-Song era? Who caused the Southern Song to fall?