China
589 - 1279 C.E.
Sui Dynasty Han Dynasty collapsed (220 C.E) Yang Jian unified China
Sui dynasty (589 – 618 C.E)
Strong Centralized government Tight political discipline Who does this remind you of?
The Grand Canal Connects Northern and Southern
China 1,240 miles Why was the canal significant for
China?
End of Sui Dynasty
Predictions? (Be Specific)
Dependence on high taxes Construction projects
Forced labor Construction projects
Military campaign in Korea Rebellions in 610s 618 Sui Yangdi
assassinated
Chinese Dynasties
Tang Dynasty
618 - 907 C.E.
Song Dynasty 960 - 1279 C.E.
Trade in Postclassical China
Agricultural innovations Fast-Ripening Rice Fertilizer
Economic innovations Paper Money “flying cash” Promissory notes
Exports Silk and Porcelain
Trade routes Grand Canal Silk Road Indian Ocean
Trade in Postclassical China Religion
Buddhism• Silk Road
Islam Zoroastrianism Christianity
Buddhism only one to gain popularity
Others mostly confined to foreign merchants
Tang Dynasty
618-907 C.E.
BeginningsGeneral Li Shimin founded
Tang dynastyNamed Taizong – “Great
Ancestor”
GovernmentChang’an
1 Million people, including foreigners who were traders and merchants
30 square miles
GovernmentCivil service exams
Supported by government schools
Forbidden to serve in native places “ rule of avoidance”
Limited to terms of 3 yearsMoved to different districtsReduced power of great families
GovernmentMilitary based on MilitiaRevenue system – based on land tax
Government monopoly on Salt, tea, and liquor
Rebuilt road and canal network with post stations
CultureGolden Age of Art and Literature
ArtGlazes on PotteryFocused on Human FigureMonochromatic
Dish in the Shape of a Leaf
Phoenix-headed ewer
Floral Medallions
Seated Buddha
Standing Court Lady
TechnologyCast ironCrossbowGunpowder,Compass Porcelain
Coal as fuelWaterwheelsPaper Currency
WheelbarrowWallpaper
ExpansionOverseas trade expanded with
absorption of Fujian and absorption of southeast coast
Reincorporated northern Vietnam, Xinjiang, and southern Manchuria
Incorporated Korea as a tributary state
CollapseRevenue base began to erodeImperial land grants to nobles
who avoided taxesPopulation grew more quickly
than land and money could provide
Began outlawing contact with other ethnicities
CollapseMilitary supported by mercenariesEunuchs’ power increasingRebellions
Country divided by generalsAttacked by groups in the north, taking control of including southern Manchuria
Ended in chaos and civil war
Song Dynasty
966-1279
BeginningsFollows Five
Dynasty Period and later Zhou Period
General Guo Wei rival of Later Zhou conquered middle Yangzi region of Chu
GovernmentIssued paper currency credited
growth of commerceCivil Service recruited for higher posts
from educated who passed three levels of imperial examinations
Personal Property assessed for Taxation
Trained Militia and supplied with ArmsStrengthen Loyalty and Quality of
Army
GovernmentGovernment SchoolsOpen to anyone of abilityAllowed others a chance at office
holdingPaid Mongols and others in silk
and other goods as a way to pacify would be attackers
CulturePaintings focusing on LandscapesHarmony between humans and
naturePatronized by Rich Urban MerchantsPopularization of Vernacular
Language
Summer Mountains
Chinese Song dynasty Henan jar
Glazed Clay Jar
TechnologyImproved
Farming Techniques – Irrigation, fertilization, metal tools and proto-machines
Ships with water-tight compartments
WaterwheelsIncline PlanesCanal LocksGunpowderMortars
Depletion of EmpireShrank in size,
gave up land including Taipei,
Abandoned TibetManchuria in Khitan
controlVietnam and Korea
more independent
Collapse of Northern SongAlliance with Jurchen against
KhitanUnimpressed with Song’s military
abilitiesCaptured capital of Kaifeng 1126Treaty with Jurchen fixed border
at Huai RiverPay annual tribute
Collapse of Southern SongAttacks by Jurchen and Mongols
Attacks by Jurchen take over Northern China
Song establish Southern Song Dynasty
Including Chinghis and Kubilai Khan
Mongols eventually take over Song China and establish Yuan Dyansty