IMPERIAL CHINA: KEY CHARACTERISTICS

1. IMPERIAL CHINA: KEY CHARACTERISTICS

2. Han dynasty [206 BCE-220 CE] China’s “classical age” Confucianism became the basis of educational system Contemporary with Roman Empire

3. Key Themes in Imperial China • Mandate of Heaven – the role of the emperor HEAVEN (TI) ANCESTOR GOD OF THE EMPEROR MANDATE OF HEAVEN Duties: -Son of Heaven -Priest -King -Maintain harmony NATURE “The buck stops EMPEROR

4. Key Themes in Imperial China • DYNASTIC CYCLE YANG YIN M of H ? ? ? “GOOD GOVERNMENT DEPENDS ON GOOD MEN” Why did dynasties decline?

5. Key Themes in Imperial China • Scholar-Gentry Elite • Scholars – educated in the Confucian classics • Gentry – landholders • Four Classes • Scholars • Peasants • Artisans • Merchants

6. Examination System China as a “meritocracy” Scholarship was the way to the top! Initiated in 2nd century BCE and continued until early 1900s. Key Themes in Imperial China “Cheat shirt” c. 19th C.

7. Key Themes in Imperial China • Chinese Culture-Centrism • Sinicization

8. Tang China: the tributary system RGH #30

9. Connected to central Asia and Rome over “Silk Roads” Sericulture

10. China and Vietnam • Vietnamese adaptation to Chinese culture, technology • But ongoing resentment at political domination • Assert independence when Tang dynasty falls in 10th century

11. Heian Japan (794-1185 CE) • Japanese emperor moves court to Heian (Kyoto) • Yet emperor figurehead, real power in hands of Fujiwara clan • Pattern in Japanese history: weak emperor, power behind the throne • Helps explain longevity of the institution

12. China and Early Japan • Chinese armies never invade Japan • Yet Chinese culture pervasive • Imitation of Tang administration • Establishment of new capital at Nara, hence “Nara Japan” (710-794 CE) • Adoption of Confucian, Buddhist teachings • Yet retention of Shinto religion

13. Institution of the Shogun • Civil war between Taira and Minamoto clans in 12th century • Minamoto leader named shogun, 1185 CE • Ruled from Kamakura, allowed imperial throne to continue in Kyoto

14. Medieval Japan • Kamakura (1185-1333 CE) and Muromachi (1336-1573 CE) periods • Decentralized power in hands of warlords • Military authority in hands of samurai • Professional warriors

15. The Spread of Buddhism and Hinduism

16. Tang China: a regional power During the Tang period, Chinese philosophies, classic texts, ideas about government and city planning spread to Japan, Korea, Vietnam Layout of Nara, Japan, [710-784]

17. The Sui and Tang dynasties, 589-907 C.E.

18. The Song dynasty, 960-1279 C.E.

19. Agricultural Economies of the Tang and Song Dynasties • Developed Vietnamese fast-ripening rice, 2 crops per year • Technology: iron plows, use of draft animals • Soil fertilization, improved irrigation • Water wheels, canals • Terrace farming

20. Population Growth • Result of increased agricultural production • Effective food distribution system • Transportation networks built under Tang and Song dynasties

21. Urbanization • Chang’an world’s most populous city: 2 million residents • Southern Song capital Hangzhou: over 1 million

22. 40º North

23. Technology and Industry • Porcelain (“Chinaware”) • Iron production • Gunpowder invented • Earlier printing techniques refined • Moveable type by mid-11th century • Yet complex Chinese ideographs make wood block technique easier • Naval technology • Compass

26. Tea

27. Emergence of a Market Economy • Letters of credit developed to deal with copper coin shortages • Promissory notes, checks also used • Development of independently produced paper money • Government claims monopoly on money production in 11th century

28. Patriarchal Social Structures • Increased emphasis on ancestor worship • Elaborate grave rituals • Extended family gatherings in honor of deceased ancestors • Footbinding gains popularity • Increased control by male family members

29. Footbinding

30. Footbinding “Three Inch Golden Lillies”

31. Western example?