Tang and Song China Tang and Song China

The Tang Dynasty Expands China Tang Rulers Create a Powerful Empire Tang Rulers Create a Powerful Empire Tang Dynasty ( ) begun by brilliant emperor Tang Taizong. Tang Dynasty ( ) begun by brilliant emperor Tang Taizong.

Wu Zhao—only women in China to assume title of emperor. Wu Zhao—only women in China to assume title of emperor. Tang rulers expand and unify the empire, and strengthen the government. Tang rulers expand and unify the empire, and strengthen the government.

Tang Political Accomplishments Extended boundaries Extended boundaries Brought Chinese influence to Korea Brought Chinese influence to Korea Created civil service exams Created civil service exams Growth of bureaucracy cuts power of nobles Growth of bureaucracy cuts power of nobles

Tang Economic Accomplishments Increased trade on the Silk Road Increased trade on the Silk Road Traded tea with Southeast Asia Traded tea with Southeast Asia New inventions: gunpowder, porcelain, mechanical clock, paper money New inventions: gunpowder, porcelain, mechanical clock, paper money

Tang Cultural Changes Spread of Buddhism Spread of Buddhism Increase in social mobility Increase in social mobility Movement to cities Movement to cities Decline in women’s status Decline in women’s status

The Tang Lose Power The Tang Lose Power Tang rulers increase taxes in mid-700s, causing hardship. Tang rulers increase taxes in mid-700s, causing hardship. Attacks on empire increase; in 907 the last Tang emperor is killed. Attacks on empire increase; in 907 the last Tang emperor is killed.

Song Dynasty Restores China Turmoil Followed by Strong Rule Turmoil Followed by Strong Rule In 960, Taizu reunites China, and proclaims Song Dynasty ( ). In 960, Taizu reunites China, and proclaims Song Dynasty ( ). Song rulers unable to recapture lands lost in the west and north. 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 1100s, Jurchen people arise in Manchuria and set up their own empire. In 1127, Song rulers are forced south; build new capital at Hangzhou. In 1127, Song rulers are forced south; build new capital at Hangzhou. Southern Song empire lasts from 1127 to Southern Song empire lasts from 1127 to 1279.

Astronomical Clock

Song Political Characteristics Ruled mainly Southern China Ruled mainly Southern China

Song Economy Introduced fast-growing rice that contributed to population growth Introduced fast-growing rice that contributed to population growth Used paper money Used paper money Advances in sailing technology such as the magnetic compass lead to the growth of ocean trade Advances in sailing technology such as the magnetic compass lead to the growth of ocean trade

Song Culture New height in artworks New height in artworks Large population growth, especially in cities Large population growth, especially in cities

A Golden Age of Poetry and Art A Golden Age of Poetry and Art Tang period produces great poetry, including works by Li Bo, and Tu Fu. Tang period produces great poetry, including works by Li Bo, and Tu Fu. Song period known for brilliant painting. Song period known for brilliant painting.

Changes in Chinese Society Levels of Society Levels of Society Power of noble families fades. Power of noble families fades. Wealthy scholar-officials form new upper class, called the gentry. Wealthy scholar-officials form new upper class, called the gentry. Urban middle class below gentry in social structure Urban middle class below gentry in social structure

The Status of Women The Status of Women Status of women always lower than men in China. Status of women always lower than men in China. The status falls even lower during Tang and Song periods. The status falls even lower during Tang and Song periods. Foot binding of upper-class girls becomes a new custom. Foot binding of upper-class girls becomes a new custom.