A Reunited China Mr. Koch World History A Forest Lake High School

Tang and Song Dynasties considered “golden ages”

Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 AD) Almost 400 years between collapse of Han Dynasty (220) and rise of reunited China of Tang Dynasty (618)* –Spread empire by conquering parts of Central Asia –Established tributary states Vietnam, Tibet, Korea Independent, but concede supremacy, give tributes *(initially reunited in 589 by Sui) 1 st Tang Emperor Li Yuan

Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 AD) Restored uniform government Land reform – redistributed to peasants Built canals – improved trade/transportation

Song Dynasty (960 – 1279 AD) Reunited much of China in 960 (smaller than Tang Dynasty) Not as strong militarily, but expanded economy, trade, and culture –Especially developed south (North under frequent attack)

Chinese Society Gentry – wealthy landowning class –Made up most of scholar-officials They could afford to study Confucian teachings to pass civil service exam Peasants – self-sufficient farmers –Majority of population –Social mobility possible (although not necessarily common) Merchants –Many became very wealthy, but considered lower than peasants