Aim: Why would the Tang and Song Dynasty’s be considered a Golden Age for China?

Tang Rulers Create a Powerful Empire Tang Dynasty ruled for nearly 300 years (618-907) Tang emperor who began achievements was Tang Taizong Under Tang rulers, the Empire expanded Areas included Northern & Western lands Extended influence to Korea Rulers strengthened central gov’nt To manage large empire, Tang restored China’s vast bureaucracy Did this by reviving civil service examinations Only wealthy could afford necessary education Rulers imposed crushing taxes 2

The Song Dynasty Restores China After fall of Tang Dynasty, rival warlords divided China into separate kingdoms 960: Taizu reunited China and proclaimed himself first Song emperor China remained stable, powerful, & prosperous Song rulers tried to buy piece with northern enemies- Ultimately failed Despite some military struggles, Song saw rapid economic growth Cities grew from trade with Chinese in the north, Nomads of Central Asia, and people of western Asia & Europe 3

An Era of Prosperity & Innovation During both dynasty’s China’s population nearly doubled and had become the most advanced Advancements included Movable type- Printer could arrange blocks of individual characters in a frame Gunpowder- led to explosive weapons Invention of porcelain, mechanical clock, paper money, & magnetic compass Foreign trade flourished Tang armies guarded the Silk Road which linked to the West 4