Asia Far East

1. Asia Far East 618 – 1800 Tang, Song, Ming & Qing Dynasties Mongolians, Japanese & Korea

2. Leaders and Accomplishments • Kao-tsu (618-626) • Each male was granted a piece of land in exchange for paying taxes • Created use of a money system = copper coins • Wrote laws that lasted until the Ming Dynasty • 626 His son, Tai-tsung, killed all his brothers and forced Kao-tsu to abdicate (give-up) the throne • Tai- tsung • Saved $ by decreasing size of government • Used money to build up a surplus of food incase of famine and to aid farmers in the event of a natural disaster • All government jobs had a test and interview process to get the most qualified and wise officials • Only major threat were the Turks, which were run out by 657 • Created wooden block printing • Created gunpowder (used gunpowder filled landmines against the Mongols) • Embraced multiple cultures and religions • Known for art and poetry The Tang Dynasty 618 - 907

3. Lands of the Tang Empire What does this land have to offer? Where would you expand to next and why based on the maps?

4. Internal rebellions and unrest caused the Tang Dynasty to fall • Led to battle for power in China, eventually the Song family takes over • Song Dynasty • Most economically successful dynasty, “Golden Age” • Was the most technologically advanced place in the world • Europe was in the “Dark Ages” • Rapid population growth • Required government officials be highly educated • Key traditions came about: rice, tea, feet binding, porcelain, compass • Rice: figured out how to ripen rice early allowing for 2-3 crops per year • Tea: became major export • Became successful seafaring traders with the Middle East (compass) “Maritime Silk Road” The SongDynasty 960 - 1279

5. Established the Royal Painting Academy • Neo-Confucians become dominate, focus was on peace, culture, art and trade • In the mid 1200’s Italian merchant, Marco Polo, visited Song Dynasty • Was very impressed! • Brought back… • Ice Cream • Paper Money • Coal • Eye Glasses • Actually spent a lot of time with the Mongolian leader Kublai Khan, was a trusted friend of his The SongDynasty 960 - 1279

6. Lands of the Song Empire • Weakness of the Song • Little to nomilitary • Paid “tributes” (blackmail) to keep enemies out • Lost Northern part of Empire in 1126 to the Mongolians • Instead of fighting back, moved capital and royal family to Hangchou • Ultimately fell to the Mongolians under the leadership of Kublai Khan

7. “If you're afraid - don't do it, - if you're doing it - don't be afraid!”  Genghis Khan DBQ January 9, 2014

8. The Mongolians An Interruption to Chinese Reign

9. The Mongolians were a series of clans (ruling families) that were unified for the 1st time under Temujin a.k.a. Genghis Khan “Strong Ruler” • Considered to be a military genius • Horseback skills were incredible of all his warriors • Used curved sabers, more efficient for killing on horseback • Gunpowder: bombs/grenades Neighbors to the North

10. Contributing Factors to Expansion Technology/Weapons Other Elements Took full control of Silk Route Tolerant of other faiths/culture Mongolian women were the business and economic leaders, allowed for men to be able to expand territory • Horsemen skills were crucial • Curved sabers • Lance and mace (W. Europe) • Gunpowder grenades and bombs (China) • Camel allowed for travel in extreme cold temps when too cold for horses