Developments In East Asia: Song Dynasty (1200-1450)

Flashcards covering Song Dynasty governance, economy, technology (gunpowder), agriculture (Champa rice), trade infrastructure (Grand Canal), social structure (scholar-gentry), and the tributary system during 1200-1450.

What dynasty was the most successful empire in the early 1200s?

Song dynasty.

Which philosophical movement influenced Confucianism broadly (and incorporated Buddhist ideas) during this period?

Neo-Confucianism.

Which power from Manchuria challenged the Song and contributed to its northern decline?

Invaders from Manchuria.

What system appointed officials to run the empire and carried out policies across Asia?

Bureaucracy (civil service) with state-appointed officials.

What test determined entry into the bureaucracy in Song China?

Civil service exam (based on Confucianism).

Why were Song finances considered weak despite commercial growth?

There were too many offices to staff and pay.

Which infrastructure projects boosted trade and transport in Song China?

Roads and canals, especially the Grand Canal.

What gunpowder-based innovation did the Song produce that spread widely?

First guns (gunpowder weapons).

What drought-resistant rice from Vietnam helped agricultural expansion?

Champa rice.

What was the impact of Champa rice on China's agriculture and population?

Expanded agriculture and population growth (roughly 40% increase).

What natural resources and metal industries did Song China develop?

Coal, iron, steel; manufacturing of equipment, bridges, and anchors.

What does proto-industrialization mean in the Song economy?

China produced more goods than it could sell, signaling a shift toward market production.

How did Song policy promote a commercial economy through infrastructure?

By building roads and canals to facilitate trade.

What is the tributary system?

Other states paid tribute to the Chinese emperor in money or goods.

What ritual was commonly performed when greeting the Chinese emperor?

Kowtow (bowing to the floor during greeting).

Who formed the most influential social class in Song society?

The scholar-gentry educated in Confucianism.

What was the typical ranking of Song social classes from top to bottom?

Scholar-gentry, farmers, artisans, merchants, peasants.

What did the Song government do to support the poor?

Provided for the poor.

What was Song China’s broader impact on global trade and the economy?

China became the world’s most commercialized society and shifted from local to market production.