1. Tang and Song China
(Tang)
(Song)

2. After the fall of the Han
Mass chaos
Sui dynasty re-unites China (temporarily) in late 500s
Built the Grand Canal
What do you think it was used for?

3. Origins of the Tang Followed the Sui dynasty in early 580s
Founded by Li Yuan in 618
Combined with son Tang Taizong, laid foundation for China’s golden age
Expanded empire into North China, Korea, and as far west as Afghanistan

4. Restoration of Bureaucracy
Increased power of scholar-gentry bureaucrats over aristocrats
Bureaucrats educated in Confucianism
Exams became more difficult and expanded; those who passed most difficult exams called jinshi
Could rise in social status by performing well on exams

5. How do you think the exam worked?
First, brainstorm some words that you think describe EOC testing.
Let’s share some!
Now, write down guesses to each question below:
How long do you think the exam lasted?
What do you think the conditions were like for testing? (where did they take it, what was the place like, etc.)
What do you think was the % that passed?
How old do you think the average person taking the exam was?

6. Civil Service Exam Procedures
Exam lasted between 24 and 72 hours.
Candidates were locked in individual cells with a board for a table and a bucket for a toilet.
If a candidate died during the exam, the test officials would roll his body in a mat and throw it over the test compound wall, rather than allowing relatives to come into the examination zone to claim it.
Only 1 in 300 candidates passed.
There was so much to study that most people did not take the exam for the first time until they were 30.

7. Examination Hall

8. Religious Changes Mahayana Buddhism Hinayana Theravada
Mostly followed by commoners
Sometimes called the “Greater Vehicle”
Emphasizes the ability to reach nirvana for ALL beings
Today-53.2% of Buddhist population
Zen Buddhism
Sect of Mahayana
Elite members
Incorporates Daoism, emphasizes self-control and meditation
Hinayana
Original Buddhist beliefs
“Lesser Vehicle”
Theravada
Very strict on doctrine/monastic life
Today-35.8% of Buddhist population

9. Religious Influence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RozWiUA-GCk
Where does Zen Buddhism eventually spread to?
Zen Buddhism emphasizes meditation. Let’s do a meditation together!

10. Fall of Tang & Rise of Song
More on me later!
Empress Wu ruled from
755- An Lushan leads revolt against Tang due to corrupt emperors
Nomads (originally Tang allies) exploited political weaknesses to gain power
High taxes
Song dynasty founded by Emperor Taizu

11. Emperor Wu: Crazy Lady or Cutthroat Emperor??
Empress Wu started as a concubine of a Tang Dynasty emperor before seizing power for herself
She insisted on being called Emperor, as she believed her power was not below that of any man
She was a Buddhist

12. Song Dynasty Superiority of Confucianism and Daoism over Buddhism
Neo-Confucianism
Personal morality is highest goal for humans
Upheld patriarchy
Less open to outside ideas
Eventually fall to Jurchen invaders and later, the Mongols

13. Achievements of Tang and Song China
Building of the Grand Canal- linked major Chinese cities for trade and communication
Expansion of trade along Silk Roads
Exported manufactured goods, imported luxury items
Paper money first used during Tang era
Song capital at Hangzhou was most sophisticated city in the world
Inventions such as….

14. What is it??
A seismograph-measures earthquakes

15. What is it??
Playing cards

16. What is it??
Gunpowder/guns-used for…?

17. What is it??
Clock-powered by water

18. What is it??
Paper money-trade is more efficient

19. What is it??
Land mines-used for…?

20. What is it?? Moveable type-increased ability to print books
Effect on literacy??

21. What is it??
Magnetic Compass-helps who…?

22. What is it??
Abacus-used for counting/trade

23. What is it?? Porcelain-luxury item on Silk Road
What do you think it’s nicknamed??

24. Technology Advertisement
You are an entrepreneur in China during the Tang/Song dynasties. You have recently invested in a business that has produced a wonderful technological innovation. Your goal is to sell your new piece of technology by telling people the positive impact it will have on their lives! To do this, you have decided to create an advertisement. Here’s what you’ve decided to include:
Your company’s name and logo
A picture of your wonderful new product
A description of how your product works
Why should people buy it? Describe the positive impact it will have on their lives.
Remember, companies sell products by making catchy ads! Add color, be creative, and think outside the box!

25. Let’s grade them!
Look at the fact sheets for both dynasties. Then give them an A, B, C, D, or F for the categories below:
Unity/power/size: _____
Technology: _____
Art/Architecture: _____
Government structure: ____
Overall: ______

26. Technology Ad Writing Assignment
For whichever item you chose, you are going to conduct some brief research and write a 3-paragraph response to the questions below:
How did your product develop (i.e. how did it get to China, how was it invented/made)
What was the use of your product? (provide details)
How did your product improve/help Chinese society?
You may use your phones, class notes, and the textbook to help with your research. Your paragraphs should be thorough, well-researched, and contain facts.