Download 12.1 Tang and Song China

Tang and Song China
The Tang Dynasty Expands
China

Tang Rulers Create a
Powerful Empire

Tang Dynasty (618907) begun by brilliant
emperor Tang
Taizong.


Wu Zhao—only women in
China to assume title of
emperor.
Tang rulers expand and unify
the empire, and strengthen
the government.
Tang Political Accomplishments




Extended boundaries
Brought Chinese influence to Korea
Created civil service exams
Growth of bureaucracy cuts power of nobles
Tang Economic
Accomplishments



Increased trade on the Silk Road
Traded tea with Southeast Asia
New inventions: gunpowder, porcelain,
mechanical clock, paper money
Tang Cultural Changes




Spread of Buddhism
Increase in social mobility
Movement to cities
Decline in women’s status

The Tang Lose Power


Tang rulers increase taxes in mid-700s,
causing hardship.
Attacks on empire increase; in 907 the last
Tang emperor is killed.
Song Dynasty Restores China

Turmoil Followed by Strong Rule





In 960, Taizu reunites China, and proclaims Song
Dynasty (960-1279).
Song rulers unable to recapture lands lost in the west
and north.
In 1100s, Jurchen people arise in Manchuria and set
up their own empire.
In 1127, Song rulers are forced south; build new
capital at Hangzhou.
Southern Song empire lasts from 1127 to 1279.
Astronomical Clock
Song Political Characteristics

Ruled mainly Southern China
Song Economy



Introduced fast-growing rice that contributed
to population growth
Used paper money
Advances in sailing technology such as the
magnetic compass lead to the growth of
ocean trade
Song Culture


New height in artworks
Large population growth, especially in
cities

A Golden Age of
Poetry and Art


Tang period produces
great poetry, including
works by Li Bo, and Tu
Fu.
Song period known for
brilliant painting.
Changes in Chinese Society

Levels of Society



Power of noble families fades.
Wealthy scholar-officials form new upper
class, called the gentry.
Urban middle class below gentry in social
structure

The Status of Women



Status of women always lower than men
in China.
The status falls even lower during Tang
and Song periods.
Foot binding of upper-class girls becomes
a new custom.