Download World Chapter 7

Unit: Asian Civilizations
Lesson Title: China Reunifies
(See textbook pages 166 - 169)
Historians divide Chinese history into periods
ruled by dynasties (ruling families.)
One of the major dynasties, the Han Dynasty, was a
time of great prosperity (wealth) and stability.
But just like the Roman Empire, when the Han
Dynasty collapsed, China split into several kingdoms
ruled by military leaders. This period was known as
the Period of Disunion (from 220 – 589).
After centuries of political confusion and
cultural change China was brought together
again for about 700 years.
Yang Jian was a northern leader
in China who conquered the
south and unified the region.
He created the Sui Dynasty.
The Sui Dynasty only lasted from 589-618
but its leaders restored order to China.
For example, leaders during the Sui Dynasty
began the Grand Canal, a canal linking northern
and southern China.
Pictures of the Grand Canal today.
The canal is 1,114 miles long today!
• How would a canal help unify China?
In class reading activity
Read “The Tang Dynasty”
(pages 167-168).
Answer these questions:
1. How long did the Tang
Dynasty last?
2. List 3 reasons the Tang Dynasty was considered the
golden age of Chinese civilization.
3. Who was Empress Wu? (Read her biography, p. 169)
After the Tang Dynasty fell, China entered
another period of disorder that lasted 53 years
from 907 to 960.
This short period is known as the Five Dynasties
and Ten Kingdoms.
The Song Dynasty followed and reunited China,
lasting about 300 years until 1297.
The Song Dynasty was also a time of great
accomplishments in China like the Tang.
As China experienced changes in
dynasties, its culture was also changing.
Buddhism, which had come to China during the Han
Dynasty, started to expand rapidly during the
Period of Disunion after the Han Dynasty fell.
Buddhism had a great impact on China. It remains one
of the world’s main religions today.
In class reading activity #2
Read the handout, “What is Buddhism?”
Answer these questions:
1. What is enlightenment in Buddhism?
2. According to the Four Noble Truths, how can we end
suffering?
3. Which one of the teachings of the Eightfold Path do you
think would be the most difficult to follow? Why?
In class reading activity #3
Read “The Age of Buddhism”on pages 168-169.
Answer these questions:
1. Why did people turn to Buddhism during the Period of
Disunion?
2. What influence did Buddhism have in China?
Right Side Notebook Activity
Create a bumper sticker about the main ideas of
Buddhism. Include a picture or symbol and a short phrase.