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

Were 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 _______

Look at page 244:Main Ideas what are 3 dynasties in this section?Active Reading: Point of View (lets read that)Whats a recent point of view issue in your life?Another thing youll see with China is: when rulers change, everything can change.

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

The Sui DynastySui 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.

-The Tang Dynasty (626 -)-Tang ExpansionTang 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?

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).Its also a time of Chinas 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.

Prosperity of the TangDuring 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.

The Tang lasted untilthe 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 Song Dynasty (960 - )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 its money on its own defense), so something had to be changed.

The Reforms of Wang AnshiIn 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.

Song ProsperityThe 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).Compass web site

Culture and Prosperity (the Arts) under the Tang and the SongNew wealth encouraged the ArtsPorcelain became finer.Multi-storied buildingsPagodas 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.

Social Order (Tang/Song)The emperor: head of governmentAristocratsWealthy 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 didnt 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

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