1.1

From the Ming Dynasty's "Prohibition Ordinance" (1368-1644), there was an emphasis on the restoration of morality and proper enforcement of ordinances.
Essential Question: How did developments in China and the rest of East Asia between c. 1200 and c. 1450 reflect continuity, innovation, and diversity?

Leading example of diversity and innovation in Afro-Eurasia and the Americas during the 13th century.
Characterized by:
  - Great wealth
  - Political stability
  - Fine artistic and intellectual achievements
Neo-Confucian teachings supported government structures and formed social class and family systems.
Notably developed the greatest manufacturing capabilities in the world.

Transition from Tang to Song: The Song Dynasty replaced the Tang Dynasty in 960 and ruled for over three centuries.
- Loss of Northern Territories: The Song lost northern lands to invading pastoralists from Manchuria, leading to the formation of the Jin Empire.
- Smaller Region but Prosperous Reign: Although governing a smaller area than the Tang, the Song showed prosperity, especially in the arts.

Expanded imperial bureaucracy characterized by appointed officials executing policies.
Continuity of this bureaucratic feature since the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.E.-207 B.C.E.).
Provided strength early in the dynasty but became a weakness due to necessary increases in governmental costs.

Emperor Song Taizu's achievement: Expanded education for lower economic class youth.
Civil service exams, based on Confucian texts, were crucial for obtaining bureaucratic positions.
System recognized as a meritocracy, although poorer individuals remained underrepresented.
Growth in bureaucracy led to increased costs and depletion of surplus wealth by the end of the Song.

Tang Dynasty promoted agricultural development, improved roads, canals, trade, and fostered technology which aided the Song's economic expansion.
The Grand Canal: Extends over 30,000 miles, contributing to the world's most populous trading area.

Gunpowder origin in previous dynasties; the Song Dynasty innovated in its application with the creation of the first guns, promoting global spread via Silk Roads.

Introduction of Champa rice from Vietnam, allowing for two crops annually and expansion into previously unfavorable cultivation areas.
Innovations included:
  - Manure use for soil enrichment
  - Elaborate irrigation systems
  - Heavy plows enabled cultivation of unusable lands
Resulted in significant food abundance and population growth from 25% to 40% of global population.

Industrial production soared; discovery of coal allowed for increased production of cast iron and steel.
Proto-industrialization involved rural manufacturing beyond local consumption, creating products for market production.
Artisans produced goods like porcelain and silk, activating trade networks particularly by sea.

The Song Dynasty altered public project funding, promoting growth by paying workers, thus circulating more money.
The tributary system involved foreign states paying tribute to the emperor, solidifying China's power and stimulating regional trade.

Significant population growth in urban areas with cities like Chang'an, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou emerging as vibrant marketplaces.
Class Structure: Emergence of the scholar gentry, a bureaucratic class educated in Confucian philosophy.
- Other classes include farmers, artisans, and the low-status merchants.

Foot binding became a symbol of status among aristocratic families, constraining women’s mobility and role in public life.
Women's status improved slightly with government support for the poor and public hospitals.

Widespread availability of printed materials due to advances in woodblock printing; oldest printed work is from the 7th century.
Increased access to literature for the privileged educated classes; Confucians were dominant in literature production.

Buddhism entered China via the Silk Roads, gaining prominence in the Tang Dynasty, supported by influential monks like Xuanzang.
Types of Buddhism:
  - Theravada Buddhism: Focused on personal growth, prevalent in Southeast Asia.
  - Mahayana Buddhism: Emphasis on universal service, dominant in China and Korea.
  - Tibetan Buddhism: Known for chanting.
Chan (Zen) Buddhism arose through syncretism with Daoist beliefs, enhancing its popularity.

Increased prominence of Buddhism created tension with Tang bureaucratic authorities; monasteries faced closures despite continuing popularity among the populace.
Song Dynasty displayed a more friendly attitude towards Buddhism, influencing Confucians to adapt its ideals.

Cultural Adoption: Japan adopted elements of Chinese culture through figures like Prince Shotoku Taishi; experienced limited direct influence due to geographic separation.
Emergence of unique cultural expressions, including the world's first novel, The Tale of Genji.
Feudal Society: Characterized by landowning aristocracy (daimyo) engaging in combat for land; samurai and peasants formed rigid class structures.
Bushido vs Chivalry: Honesty and loyalty contrasted with the European code of chivalry.
Governance differed significantly from China's centralized bureaucracy.

Proximity to China facilitated cultural and governmental adoption; tributary relationships led to significant emulation of Confucian and Buddhist practices.
Landed aristocracy retained substantial power, hindering full meritocratic bureaucratic access.

Cultural exchanges and adaptations were more adversarial, exhibiting resistance to Chinese imposition.
Greater independence in gender roles and social structures compared to China, resulting in a distinct cultural identity despite adoption of meritocracy.

Vietnamese rebels successfully resisted Chinese contexts, indicating a robust sense of independence and guerilla warfare acumen.