1. KC 3.2.I. Continuity and Innovation of State Forms
Notes- Imperial China
KC 3.2.I. Continuity and Innovation of State Forms

2. Rise of Imperial China
Centralized imperial rule will return to China during the 6th century under the Sui, Tang, and Song Dynasties.
During this time period:
- Rapid economic development
- Spread of Buddhism
- Chinese culture spreads to Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and central Asia

3. The Sui Dynasty Reunification by Yang Jian in 589
Yang Jian unified China much like Shi Huangdi 800 years prior
The Sui will:
a. Construct palaces and granaries
b. repair the Great Wall
c. Have high taxes and compulsory (forced) labor services

4. The Sui dynasty
Built the Grand Canal which was a waterway linking the Yellow and Yangzi Rivers
Nearly 2,000 kilometers(1,240 miles) long and connected northern & southern China
Rice & other food products could be transported north

5. High taxes and forced labor
The fall of the Sui
Causes
High taxes and forced labor
Rebellions in N. China
Military reverses and discontent in Korea led to revolt against the Sui
Assassination of Emperor
Sui Yangdi

6. The Tang Dynasty
Era of stability and prosperity under Emperor Tang Taizong
Extensive network of transportation and communication
System based on roads, horses, and human runners
Equal Field System:
land redistribution policy, allotted land according to needs; purpose was equitable distribution over concentration to avoid social problems

7. The Tang Dynasty
Bureaucracy of merit through civil service exams (Confucian influence)
Foreign Relations
a. China is the Middle Kingdom and center of civilization
b. Tributary system became diplomatic policy: subordinate lands had to bring gifts and perform a submission ritual prostration before the emperor.

8. The Tang decline Casual & careless leadership
Rebellion of An Lushan and large scale peasant rebellions
The Uighars (Chinese Muslims) become the de facto rulers
The equal field system deteriorated

9. The Song Dynasty Song Taizu is the founder Weaknesses:
1. Financial problems
2. Very little military education
3. External Pressures: semi-nomadic Khitan and nomadic Jurchen both from Manchuria (Northern China)

10. Economic Development of Tang and Song
Fast- ripening rice increased food supplies
New agricultural techniques increase population
Iron plows, harnessed oxen (north), harnessed water buffaloes (south), enriched soil with manure, use of dikes, dams, canals, animal & human- powered pumps & waterwheels
Urbanization and commercialized agriculture

11. Economic Development of Tang and Song
Porcelain diffused rapidly
Advanced metallurgy technology iron & steel tools & weapons
Gunpowder is used and diffused throughout Eurasia
Printing is developed from wood block to movable type
Magnetic compasses with a south- pointing needle are developed (naval technology)

12. Economic Development of Tang and Song
A market economy emerges with the increase of merchants
Credit and paper money develop
China’s economic surge is fueled by economic growth

13. Cultural Change during the Song and Tang
Neo-Confucianism
Zen Buddhism
Focuses on the idea that human nature is moral, rational and essentially good Emphasized the spiritual side of Confucianism
Asserted that mental discipline could achieve salvation Focuses on meditation Derived from India and Tibet