China During the Tang & Song Dynasties

1. China During the Tang & Song Dynasties China under Tang dynasty, 700 China under Song dynasty, 1142

2. I. Beyond Ancient China • 220 – Han dynasty collapses • For 350 years afterwards, more than 30 dynasties attempt rule • 589 – Emperor Wendireunites China, beginning the short-lived Sui dynasty • Restored strong centralized government • Won critical support of neighboring nomadic military commanders • Lowered taxes, built granaries to ensure a reserve food supply • Son, Yangdi, assumes throne in 604 • Focused on Confucian-based education system, brought back examination system for incoming bureaucrats • Construction of Grand Canal– increased trade/economy • Led a life of extravagance, assassinated in 618 CHALLENGE QUESTION!

3. II. Tang Dynasty (618-907) • China was saved from political and social turmoil by Li Yuan and son, Tang Taizong • Founded the Tang dynasty • Reconquered northern and western lands lost after fall of Han, expanded deep into central Asia • Restoration/expansion of bureaucracy • Expanded civil service exam – established Ministry of Ritesto oversee training of bureaucrats • Open to all men, but only wealthy could typically afford the necessary education • Education/position in gov’t became more important than nobility • Scholar-gentry class became more dominant and powerful than old aristocratic families

4. II. Continued… • Empress Wu • First and only woman to assume the title of Emperor in China • Began by ruling behind the scenes of her husband and sons • Used harsh tactics, secret police to put down opposition • Promoted Buddhism throughout empire • Thought Buddhism would bring legitimacy to reign • After Wu, severe backlash against Buddhism by Confucian and Daoist scholars • Decline of Tang dynasty • Had trouble controlling vast empire • Nomadic invasions, economic distress, internal rebellions • Last emperor of Tang dynasty forced to resign in 907

5. III. Song Dynasty (960-1279) • China once again divided after Tang dynasty • Emperor Taizu (Zhoa Kuangyin) reunited much of China, proclaimed himself first Song emperor • Smaller empire than Tang, no control over western lands, lost northern lands • Nomadic peoples of north a constant problem • Eventually pushed south of Huanghe (Yellow River) • Continued focus on Confucianism • Neo-Confucians – argued that virtue was obtained through learning • Despised foreign philosophical systems, such as Buddhism • Social harmony arose from keeping place and rank, strictly patriarchal

6. III. Continued… • Slow decline • Northern nomadic invaders and lack of military focus began to take its toll • 11th century, imperial advisor Wang Anshi brought sweeping reforms in an attempt to keep dynasty from collapsing • Issued cheap loans and irrigations projects to encourage agricultural expansion • Taxed landowners and scholar-gentry class • Used money to build-up military • Late 11th century, neo-Confucians gained power in gov’t, reversed Anshi’s reforms CHALLENGE QUESTION!

7. III. Continued… • Slow decline continued… • Economy began to deteriorate, social unrest increased • Territory pushed south by northern kingdoms, became known as Southern Song dynasty • Lasted another 150 years, but eventually fell to the Mongols

8. IV. Advances in Technology & Knowledge • During Tang & Song era, many innovations and advancements occurred • Junks– large Chinese ships, used for trade, establishing tribute systems • Movable type – movable, carved blocks could be arranged for printing • Gun powder – originally for fireworks, led to bombs, canons, etc. • Improved cultivation of rice and other agricultural improvements lead to population growth • Trade takes a more prominent role in society • Silk Roads, later ocean routes increase trade/contact • Paper money (flying money) reduced risk for merchants • Helped economy and spread of culture

9. V. Big Social Changes • China becomes more urban • Ten cities with over 1 million people • Changes to social classes • Scholar-gentry – larger upper-class emerges • Passing civil service exam ensured special social status (jinshi) • Could wear certain clothing, exempt from corporal punishment • Family name still greatly influenced positions and success • “Middle class” – merchants, skilled artisans, minor officials • Peasant farmers still represented largest class • Status of women declined • Neo-Confucians pushed for male dominance of family and society • Feet binding – became sign of wealth, prestige

10. CHALLENGE QUESTION #1 Discuss the importance of Emperor Wendi’s accomplishments. Why was each one key to unifying China once again? • 3-4 complete sentences BACK

11. CHALLENGE QUESTION #2 Why do you think the Neo-Confucians actively opposed Anshi’s reforms? What historical context can you apply to your reasoning? • 3-4 complete sentences BACK

12. Exit Ticket • What did the Sui dynasty do that helped bring China back to prominence? • What role did the Neo-Confucians play in society? • What innovations took place during the Tang & Song era? • Describe and explain at least one social change from the Tang & Song era.