1. 8-1 China Reunified

2. Three Dynasties Han dynasty came to an end in 220, and China fell into chaos China had many civil wars Sui Dynasty Unified China Built Grand Canal; linked Huang He and Chang Jiang Rivers (connected North and South China) The emperor was cruel; he was murdered and the dynasty ended

3. Tang Dynasty Lasted 300 years Tried to create more stable economy by giving land to peasants and breaking up power of large estates Government corruption Rebellions led to collapse of the dynasty Song Dynasty Ruled during period of economic prosperity Had problems from the start (Mongols) Had to move imperil court south The Mongols overthrow Song and make a new dynasty

4. Government and Economy During these 3 dynasties, China’s economy grew in size and complexity Agriculture flourished, and manufacturing and trade increased Learned to make steel (Tang); used to make swords Introduced cotton Created gunpowder (Tang) China exported tea, silk + porcelain

5. Chinese Society 1200, Marco Polo described the capital city Hangzhou as the wealthiest city on earth Invented new forms of entertainment (playing cards, chess, paddle-wheel boat, horseback riding) Invented block printing – communication Chinese women had no power Female children were less desirable and were sometimes killed during famine or poor family A girl’s parents have to provide dowry (money, goods, or property) to the husband