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

2. Tang Rulers Create a Powerful Empire
Tang Dynasty ruled for nearly 300 years ( )
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

3. 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

4. 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