Notes- Imperial China

Notes- Imperial China

KC 3.2.I. Continuity and Innovation of State Forms

Rise of Imperial China Centralized imperial

rule will return to China during the 6th century under the Sui, Tang, and Song Dynasties.

During this time period:

- Rapid economic development

- Spread of Buddhism - Chinese culture spreads to Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and central Asia

The Sui Dynasty Reunification by Yang Jian in 589 Yang Jian unified China much like Shi Huangdi 800

years prior The Sui will: a. Construct palaces and granaries b. repair the Great Wall c. Have high taxes and compulsory (forced) labor services

The Sui dynasty

Built the Grand Canal which was a waterway linking the Yellow and Yangzi Rivers

Nearly 2,000 kilometers(1,240 miles) long and connected northern & southern China

Rice & other food products could be transported north

The fall of the Sui

Causes

High taxes and forced labor

Rebellions in N. China

Military reverses and discontent in Korea led to revolt

against the Sui

Assassination of EmperorSui Yangdi

The Tang Dynasty

Era of stability and prosperity under Emperor Tang Taizong

Extensive network of transportation and communication System based on roads, horses, and human runners

Equal Field System: land redistribution policy, allotted land according to

needs; purpose was equitable distribution over concentration to avoid social problems

The Tang Dynasty Bureaucracy of merit

through civil service exams (Confucian influence)

Foreign Relations a. China is the Middle Kingdom and center of civilization b. Tributary system became diplomatic policy: subordinate lands had to bring gifts and perform a submission ritual prostration before the emperor.

The Tang decline Casual & careless leadership Rebellion of An Lushan and large scale

peasant rebellions The Uighars (Chinese Muslims) become the de

facto rulers The equal field system deteriorated

The Song Dynasty Song Taizu is the

founder Weaknesses: 1. Financial problems 2. Very little military education 3. External Pressures: semi-nomadic Khitan and nomadic Jurchen both from Manchuria (Northern China)

Economic Development of Tang and Song Fast- ripening rice

increased food supplies New agricultural

techniques increase population Iron plows, harnessed oxen

(north), harnessed water buffaloes (south), enriched soil with manure, use of dikes, dams, canals, animal & human-powered pumps & waterwheels

Urbanization and commercialized agriculture

Economic Development of Tang and Song Porcelain diffused rapidly Advanced metallurgy technology iron & steel tools

& weapons Gunpowder is used and diffused throughout

Eurasia Printing is developed from wood block to movable

type Magnetic compasses with a south- pointing needle

are developed (naval technology)

Economic Development of Tang and Song A market economy emerges with the increase

of merchants Credit and paper money develop China’s economic surge is fueled by

economic growth

Cultural Change during the Song and Tang

Neo-Confucianism Zen BuddhismFocuses on the idea that human nature is moral, rational and essentially good

Emphasized the spiritual side of Confucianism

Asserted that mental discipline could achieve salvation

Focuses on meditation

Derived from India and Tibet