1. The Two Golden Ages of China
World History I
November 12, 2013

2. The Tang Dynasty The Tang dynasty was founded by emperor Tang Taizong
He was a successful conqueror, he made many government reforms, and he was educated
They conquered much of Central Asia and forced neighboring lands into being tributary states
Under the Tang, the government was unified and strong
Education
New Legislation
Land Reforms
Trading

4. Decline of the Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was in power until the mid-700s
The An-Shi Rebellion destroyed the prosperity of the empire
Led by An Lushan, he wanted to form the Yan dynasty and takeover the Chinese Empire
An first won, but the Tang restored their power
After the rebellion, there was no strong leader, and the dynasty ended

5. The Song Dynasty
In 960, a scholarly general reunited much of China and founded the Song dynasty
East Asia, under the Song, was dominated by wealth and culture
Farming began to center on rice
With a surplus of crops, farmers were able to focus on other things, such as education and the arts
Foreign trade flourished, and China did a great deal of business with Southeast Asia and Africa

7. Chinese Society Scholar – Officials Gentry Peasants Merchants
Highly educated
Studied law, government, history, & philosophy
Influenced government
Gentry
Wealthy landowning class
Study Confucian philosophy
Peasants
A majority of the population
Self governed
Many were farmers
Merchants
The lowest class
These were traders in market towns

8. Chinese Culture & Inventions
The family was an important aspect of society
Men were in control
Women were supposed to be submissive to men
They were below men in society
Reinforced by footbinding

9. Chinese Culture & Inventions
Prosperity of the Tang and Song Dynasties allowed for new innovations
Mechanical Clock
Gunpowder
Block Printing
Moveable Type