China Reunites Today we are learning: *how Chinese rulers brought peace, order, and growth to China *how Buddhism became a major religion * about the Chinese government’s support of Confucian ideas

Rebuilding China’s Empire A.D. 200 – Han empire ends China has no central gov. for 300 years Warlords (military leaders running the government) fought each other Nomads conquered parts of northern China Koreans gained independence from China and built their own civilization

Sui Dynasty Wendi – General declared emperor reunited China (A.D. 581) founded the Sui dynasty Yangdi – Wendi’s son. Dreamed of expanding China’s territory. Achievements Rebuilt the Great Wall Building the Grand Canal (1,000 mile waterway linked northern, southern China) United China’s economy (an organized way in which people produce, sell, and buy things) Hardships Farmers forced to work on building projects and pay high taxes Farmers revolted, army took over, killed Yangdi End to the Sui dynasty

Tang Dynasty A.D. 618 – one of Yangdi’s generals took over Tang Dynasty formed Last A.D. 618 – A.D. 907 Capital – Changan Reforms Civil service exam restored, land given to farmers, and order in the country side under Taizong (most powerful emperor) Empress Wu – only woman to rule China alone. Very forceful Added more gov. officials Strengthened military forces

Tang Dynasty Accomplishments Problems Tang Problems Turks – took over Silk Road (damaged China’s economy) Revolts Tibet Farmers Disorder brings down dynasty (A.D. 907) Military leaders ruled (50 yrs.) Power regained in Asia Expansion Tibet invaded Controlled the Silk Road Korean Kingdoms Forced to pay tribute Took over Vietnam

A.D. 960 – a general declares himself emperor Song Dynasty A.D. 960 – a general declares himself emperor Dynasty rules from A.D. 960-1279 Accomplishments Problems Chinese civilization became the most advanced in the world Enlarged government bureaucracy, reformed civil service examination system Neo-Confucianism gained favor, emphasizing Confucian ethics, spiritual matters Not enough soldiers to control the empire Tibet broke away Nomads took over N. China *Capital moved to Hangzhou – on the coast near the Chang Jiang delta

Cultural achievements of the Tang and Song dynasties The Tang and Song dynasties were periods of great cultural achievement. Art and literature flourished, and many inventions and advances occurred in science and technology. Tang period produced some of China’s greatest poets Du Fu, Li Bo, two most famous Poems of Confucian ideals, joys of life Literature and Art Reached new heights Wu Daozi, murals celebrating Buddhism, nature Landscapes of great beauty Some used only black ink Painting Exquisite objects made from clay Tang: pottery figurines, often to go in tombs Song: excelled at making porcelain Admired, sought after worldwide Artisans

Inventions and Innovations Architecture Indian Buddhist temples influenced design of Chinese pagoda Featured roofs at each floor curving upwards at corners Inventions During Tang, Song periods, China became a world leader in technology, science Gunpowder major invention, used in fireworks, weapons Magnetic Compass Major Tang technical advance Uses Earth’s magnetic field to show direction Revolutionized sea travel, contributed to world exploration Printing Paper, ink invented earlier Tang period, developed woodblock printing Text carved into wood, coated with ink, pressed on paper

Buddhism in China A.D. 150 – missionaries from India brought Buddhism to China Time of suffering Han dynasty was weakening China envelops into a civil war Need for peace and comfort Tang rulers not Buddhist, but allowed it to be practiced. Supported building of temples Services Ran schools Room/food for travelers Monks – bankers, doctors Haters Wrong to accept $$$$ No marriage = no respect for family A.D. 845 – officials feared growth of Buddhism monasteries & temples destroyed Buddhism never recovered

Buddhism Spreads East A.D. 300 – Buddhists bring religion to Korea A.D. 600 – Korea is united into one country Buddhism grew even stronger Legend of how it spread to Japan: Korea’s king wrote to Japan’s emperor claiming: “This religion is the most excellent of all teachings” The letter also contained Buddhist writings and a stature of the Buddha