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Sui, Tang, Song China - brief overview

During the Sui (589-618), Tang (618-907), and Song (960-1279) dynasties: - China reunified under the Sui dynasty and experienced political stability and strong central governments under the Tang and Song. - The economy grew significantly driven by advances in agriculture, industry, trade, and commercial developments like banking. - Culturally, there were achievements in art, literature, technology, and interactions with other cultures despite continuities like Confucian social structure.

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China -- Sui, Tang, & Song Dynasties Sui 589-618 Tang 618-907 Song 960 -1279
Background After the fall of the Han Empire (220 c.e.) Northern China was invaded by nomadic groups (who assimilated Chinese culture) No leader in southern China was strong enough to control the entire region (30 dynasties in about 300 years claimed the Mandate of Heaven).  For 350 years, regional rule was the political reality.
CHANGES In the 300 years between the Han and the Sui Dynasties –  Buddhism spread & changed  Migration of people into southern China  Destruction of old growth forests and animal species
Background By 589, the first emperor of the Sui dynasty had forcefully reunited northern and southern China once again. The foundations for the Tang & Song Dynasties were laid.
“A Golden Age” China during the Tang and Song dynasties had . . . political stability (strong central government) economic growth & change intellectual & artistic achievement
Grand Canal
China during the Sui, Tang, & Song Dynasties Sui 589-618 Tang 618-907 Song 960 -1279
CHANGES DURING THE TANG & SONG dynasties  Economic revolution, commercialization, and urbanization  Technological innovation  Cultural and Economic interaction with “outsiders” – spread of Chinese culture  Buddhism changed
Economic Revolution in Tang & Song China  Agricultural production improved & crop specialization intensified with improved infrastructure, iron implements, and printing. RESULT – Population dramatically increased
ECONOMIC REVOLUTION INDUSTRY increased in manufacturing  Metals  Silk  Porcelain  Producing goods for the market instead of local consumption became common
TRADE  Indian Ocean trade increased with Tang control over coastal Southern China  Silk Road trade increased
Commercial developments Banking and Credit system Government issued paper money.
Technology and Innovation  First chain driven mechanism - the clock (1088) Gunpowder Paper production and block printing techniques were invented and then advanced—moveable type.  Boat building and navigational technology was more advanced than the rest of the world.
CONTINUITIES from the Classical Period through the Sui, Tang, & Song Dynasties.  Confucianism remained a foundation of government, social structure, and culture (Daoism, too).  Agriculture remained the foundation of the economy.  Strong central government continued with a powerful emperor (mandate of heaven) & scholar-bureaucracy (examination system)
 Written language was separate from spoken languages  The social class structure & patriarchy remained relatively constant.
Social Classes (continuities) Landowners (landed gentry) were at the top of the social class system. Scholar-bureaucrats (scholar gentry) & military leaders were also in upper-class. Merchants and artisans could acquire a great deal of wealth - but were still in the lower classes.
 Interaction with nomadic groups to the North continued to influence the politics, economy, and culture of China.
 Chinese cultural influence on its neighbors remained strong.
Gender Roles  Women’s status remained low (despite attempts at reform by several empresses).  The Song Period saw women at a very low social status. Evidence: Seclusion, lack of property rights, polygamy and use of concubines, exclusion from education, & FOOTBINDING.
From Ning Lao T'ai-t'ai  “A girl's beauty and desirability were counted more by the size of her feet than by the beauty of her face. Matchmakers were not asked, 'Is she beautiful?' but 'How small are her feet?' A plain face is given by heaven but poorly bound feet are a sign of laziness.”
Other Advancements included: Tang and Song China had some of the largest cities in the world. Song Chinese were the first to use fractions in computations and equations. Solar year was accurately measured  Doctors in Song China compiled and printed medical texts
 In terms of advancements, innovations, and knowledge, China benefited from centuries of Chinese scholarship and technology.  Influences from other parts of the world (especially during the Tang period) also had a considerable effect.
Sui, Tang, Song China - brief overview