Chinese Empires The Tang and Song Dynasties The

Chinese Empires The Tang and Song Dynasties

The Han Dynasty • Had ruled China from 206 BC-220 AD • Dynasty collapsed and military leaders divided China into rival kingdoms

The Sui Dynasty • Built the Grand Canal – Connected northern and southern China • Increased trade • Allowed food from farms in the south to be sent to cities in the north – Forced millions of peasants to work on canal • Many workers died • Forced labor on public works projects angered peasants

The Tang Dynasty • Tang ruled China from 618 -907 AD – Started by Tang Taizong in 618 • Expansion and contact with Japan led to increased foreign trade and economic prosperity

Tang Government • Established a strong central government – Government workers were required to pass civil service exams – Schools were built to prepare civil service workers – Ideals of Confucianism reflected in government

The Song Dynasty • China entered into a period of disorder after the collapse of the Tang – Lasted for 53 years – “The Period of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms” • The Song Dynasty reunited China in 960 AD. – Ruled for 3 OO years

Tang and Song Social Order • Established a strict social order – Gentry • Wealthy landowners • Some become civil servants – Peasants • farmers – Merchants

Status of Women Under the Tang and Song • Women were considered inferior to men • Foot binding – Goal was to create small feet (“lotus”) by restricting the growth of the foot • 3 -4 inches long • Done between ages 3 -11

Tang and Song Achievements • Expanded Trade – Traded with India, Persia, and the Middle East along the silk road – Became expert shipbuilders and became a naval power • The Chinese Junk

Tang and Song Achievements • Made improvements in farming which increased food productive • Fast ripening rice could be harvested 2 -3 times a year • New methods of farming – Lead to population increases and increased trade

Tang and Song Golden Age • China entered a golden age during both the Tang and Song dynasties

Tang and Song Golden Age • Technological Innovations – Moveable type and block printing – Paper Money – Porcelain – Gunpowder – Magnetic Compass

Tang and Song Golden Age • Art – Landscape painting – use of calligraphy • Artistic handwriting

Tang and Song Golden Age • Architecture – Pagodas