Section I: The Great Chinese Dynasties (Pages 242-248)

1. This section is about: How the Sui and Tang Dynasties reunified China and achieved a golden age of culture. China’s tremendous economic growth during the reign of the Song rulers. Section I: The Great Chinese Dynasties(Pages 242-248) A

2. We’re moving back to Southeast Asia – including China (which we already know a little about). China is the main country in this part of the world (they dominated the area for over 1000 years). Because they were so successful, the other areas of the region were heavily influenced by the Chinese and their culture. What do we already know about China? Mon_______ Rel_______ Cu_________ Ma____ Po____ and The _______ A

3. Look at page 244: • Main Ideas – what are 3 dynasties in this section? • Active Reading: Point of View (let’s read that) • What’s a recent “point of view” issue in your life? • Another thing you’ll see with China is: when rulers change, everything can change. 1 A

4. After the Han Dynasty (earlier section in our book), China had almost constant struggles and wars for about 300 years (everyone wanted China’s resources). Buddhism was growing at that time. They had some problems with Daoism and Confucianism, but they eventually each existed -together. The Sui and Tang Dynasties (Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Shinto) A

5. The Sui Dynasty • Sui Wendi (and his son) tried to re-unify and “restore the glory” of the Chinese Empire. • They increased the power of the government, built roads and canals (trade and national unity), repaired the Great Wall. • Some people were mad at him, because this cost so much money, and he was assassinated in 618. 2 A

6. Tang Tai Zong: conquered new territories – which he made tributary states (conquered areas which had to pay China money). Two of these areas were Korea and Japan. Read the quote on page 245 (textbook) that comes from Tai Zong. Why does he value direct access to information? -The Tang Dynasty (626 -)-Tang Expansion 3 A

7. In China: Tang emperors restored the “civil service” system. • This meant the citizens had a part in the government, including keeping records, issuing a new code of laws, and keeping track of people (including a census). • This helped with land re-distribution. The wealthy had to give some of their land to the poor (who could then take care of themselves and pay taxes). • It‘s also a time of China’s only woman empress (married to the emperor, who got sick, and she took over). She was very cruel: she executed anyone who challenged her authority. A

8. During this time, their population increased a lot – many moving south and growing rice (still wheat in the north). Roads and canals improved trade, travel, and communication (the biggest was “The Grand Canal.” Large Cities started growing (Changan – 2 million people). Many foreigners visited – who also brought ideas of Christianity and Islam. Prosperity of the Tang 4 A

9. …the mid 700s. There were border wars and struggles for power. Revolts started breaking out and China broke into a bunch of smaller territories, which had disagreements with each other. The Tang lasted until… A

10. Tai Zu unified China and began a dynasty which lasted until 1279. But, he reduced the size and role of the military. Others came in (several wars) and even forced China to pay tribute to them. These wars cost a lot of money (China was spending 80% of it’s money on it’s own defense), so something had to be changed. The Song Dynasty (960 - ) A

11. In 1069, the emperor appointed Wang Anshi to reform the government. He looked for ways the government could make more money. He gave low cost loans to peasants (the interest went back to the government). The prices of products were regulated (controlled). He reformed the military and improved the civil service system (had to pass a test). Some people opposed him though and he was removed from office. In 1125 and 1126, the Chinese were overtaken by people from the north and Song China never recovered. The Reforms of Wang Anshi 5 6 A

12. Song Prosperity • The Song Dynasty was a golden age for the Chinese economy, technology, and the arts. • Farms improved: developed rice that could be grown twice a year (more food and few farmers needed to produce it). • Gunpowder first used as a weapon. • New methods for casting iron. • Ceramic and Porcelain industry improved. • Abacus starting to be used. • Improvements in shipbuilding. • Development of a magnetic compass. • Better roads and canals (trade, travel, and communication). 7 Compass web site Do the rest on your own A

13. New wealth encouraged the Arts Porcelain became finer. Multi-storied buildings Pagodas first built. Landscape painting became a major art form for the Tang and Song. Literature improved (romance and adventure). Better education and better printing methods helped literature. Culture and Prosperity (the Arts) under the Tang and the Song A

14. Social Order (Tang/Song) • The emperor: head of government • Aristocrats • Wealthy landowners (gentry) • Peasants (most of the population - often worked in the army or in the mines) – some cities grew rapidly. Talented peasant boys could go to school, study, become a civil servant, and their family may move up in status. • Merchants – lower than peasants, because they didn’t produce anything. • It helped to become educated: you could get civil service jobs. • Any time the government was having a rough time, the Chinese made reforms. Were often absentee landlords who owned land, but just rented it out A

15. Their status declined. Women were considered inferior to men. Foot-binding began to be a custom. But… women had it rough at this time in China A

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17. This is the last slide for today Make sure page "A" is completed A