1. Sui, Tang, Song and Ming Dynasties

2. Sui Dynasty
After the Han Dynasty collapsed, Chinese military leaders split China into several rival kingdoms
They were finally reunited by Wendi, who restored order, created a unified law code, and reformed the government
His greatest achievement was the Grand Canal which connected northern and southern China.

3. Tang Dynasty
When Wendi was assassinated, a general in his army seized control and established the Tang Dynasty.
Capital in Chang’an
They improved the government by requiring Civil Service Exam in which people has to pass a written exam in order to work for the government
Tang rulers also created a flexible law code that became a model for Japan and Korea
The Tang expanded the empire increasing their exposure to other peoples which increased trade along the Silk Roads

4. Song Dynasty
After the Tang Dynasty, China was not reunified until the Song Dynasty
Under Song rule Chinese civilization became the most advanced in the world.
The Song created a capital at Kaifeng, resorted centralized government control, reformed the civil service exam
The new exam tested prospects on Confucianism
The Song were never able to regain the territories in the North or West

5. Ming Dynasty
Following the Mongol Dynasty’s collapse, the Ming Dynasty was founded
Emperor Hongwu worked to rebuild and unify China
He passed reduced taxes and passed reforms to improve trade
He also revived traditional Chinese culture
His successor, Yonglo, encouraged exploration and foreign leaders to visit China
Following the explorations the Ming’s closed their doors to all foreigners fearing the influence they had on Chinese culture
Added to the Great Wall of China

6. Chinese Cultural Achievements
Woodblock Printing- allowed for faster copying of texts by carving the texts out of wood and then covering it with ink to stamp onto a piece of paper
Movable Type- made printing much faster by creating individual letters that could be combined to make words
Paper Money- was used in order to improved trade because it was lighter and easier to use than coins
Gunpowder- was invented for fireworks and signals rather than weapons
Magnetic Compass- allowed for further sea travel