1. Period of Disunion Sui, Tang, and Song dynasties
China Reunifies Ch. 7.1
Period of Disunion
Sui, Tang, and Song dynasties

2. Han Dynasty (Preceded By Qin Dynasty)
Han Dynasty (Preceded By Qin Dynasty) * A golden age for a united China (206B.C.E.-220C.E.)
Rise to Power-
the basis for united Chinese government was established during the Han Dynasty when people living in northern and southern China were unified
Han called China “Zhao Guo” or “The Middle Kingdom” because they believed they were the center of the “civilized” world
Government-
Emperor was called “Son of Heaven” because the Chinese believed that the gods chose the Emperor and his family to be the political and religious leaders.
This diving choice was called “The Mandate of Heaven”.
Belief Systems-
Han emperors governed according to Confucian political principles which stressed hard work, loyalty, and respect.
Daily Life-
Many Chinese today call themselves “the people of the Han”because they consider the Han period a “golden age” for a united China.

3. Period of Disunion ( )
After the Han dynasty fell there was a time of disorder.
Government:
Control of government changed as the rival kingdoms were ruled by military leaders.
Belief System:
Buddhism spread because it promised an escape from suffering
Daily Life:
There was cultural blending as some Chinese adopted nomads culture, and some nomads adopted Chinese culture.
New types of art, music, food and clothing were created
War was common and nomadic people settled in Northern China

4. Sui Dynasty (“sway”) (589-618C.E.)
Rise to Power
In 589 Yang Jian (jee-en) conquered the south and reunified China for the first time in 400 years.
He was later called Wen Di, meaning “civic” or “polished” Emperor
Government
Wen Di and his son Yang Di (his son) are remembered in Chinese history for their harsh rule.
Forced many peasants to fight in army or to work on extensive public works projects
Belief Systems
Wen Di was a Buddhist, also encouraged practice of Buddhism Confucianism, and Daoism
Daily Life
Grand Canal completed in A.D. 610 and connected the yellow River in the north with the Yangzi River in the south.
Rebuilding of the Great Wall first established by the Qin Dynasty( B.C.E.), provided security from northern raiders

5. Tang Dynasty( C.E.) *Economic development and growth; many inventions and discoveries *Ruled for over 300 years
Rise to Power
in 618, Li Shi Min captured Changan and Luoyang and overthrew old government, making himself Emperor Dai Zong in 626
Government
under Wu Zhao, China’s only empress, the Tang ruled one of
the most geographically extensive empires in Chinese history
government composed of departments, each with its own area
bureaucrats upheld Confucian ideals by acting as artists and
Politicians
Belief Systems
Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism flourished, though Buddhism was repressed during the reign of Emperor Wu Zong
Daily Life
equal-field system limited power or rural aristocracy
scholar class became new ruling elite
land reform gave some peasants a chance to gain wealth

6. Empress Wu…

7. Wanted: Former Empress Wu
Vicious & ruthless methods of ruling
Murdering the emperor’s wife
Strangling her daughter
Exiling family members under no crime

8. For these great accomplishments we do honor her
This plaque is commemorating the great Empress Wu for her wonderful achievements and contributions to China during her respective rule
Under her rule she was able to unite China and create a prosperous empire. She welcomed foreigners which brought new ideas and religions, like Buddhism into China. Empress Wu’s most important contribution was when she changed the government from a military aristocracy to a more scholarly bureaucracy.
For these great accomplishments we do honor her