Post+Classical+China
China and the World (500 - 1300)
Page 1
Overview of China's historical context and its interactions with the world during the period.
Page 2: China after the Han Dynasty
Political Disunity
Collapse of the Han dynasty led to fragmentation.
Migration southward due to natural causes and northern nomadic invasions.
By 1000 CE, 60% of China's population resided in southern regions.
Environmental impact: destruction of forests and land due to intensive agriculture.
Page 3: The Reunification of China
Sui Dynasty (589-618)
Achieved reunification through the Grand Canal construction.
Short-lived due to unpopular rule and failed military campaigns.
Page 4: Sui Dynasty Contributions
Land Equalization System
Implemented land redistribution.
Unified coinage and established a professional army.
Overworked and overtaxed populace.
Page 5: The Grand Canal
Geographical Importance
Major waterway connecting key cities and regions in China.
Page 6: Successors of the Sui Dynasty
Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) Dynasties
Centralized government structure with six major departments.
Revived Confucian examination system for official appointments.
Page 8: Tang Dynasty Highlights
Cultural and Technological Advancements
Golden Age of foreign relations and Buddhism.
High point of Chinese history with a perfected imperial examination system.
Page 10: Innovations of the Tang Dynasty
Technological Progress
Introduction of moveable type printing, porcelain, gunpowder, and mechanical clocks.
Enhanced safety along the Silk Road.
Page 11: Empress Wu Zetian
Significant Female Ruler
Only empress to rule alone, promoted Buddhism, and improved irrigation.
Appointed cruel ministers to eliminate opposition.
Page 12: Decline of the Tang Dynasty
Causes of Decline
Misrule, court intrigues, economic exploitation, and rebellions led to fragmentation.
Page 13: Song Dynasty Developments
Urban and Economic Growth
Rise of a merchant middle class and emphasis on education.
Introduction of the magnetic compass, enhancing maritime power.
Page 18: The "Golden Age" of China
Cultural Flourishing
Focus on arts, literature, and the revival of Confucianism mixed with Buddhist and Daoist elements.
Page 19: Economic Revolution
Agricultural Advancements
Adoption of fast-ripening rice from Vietnam led to rapid population growth.
Page 20: Urbanization
Population Movement
Significant migration to cities, with Hangzhou as a major urban center.
Page 21: Industrial Production
Iron Industry Boom
Production of armor, tools, and other goods.
Page 23: Women in the Song Dynasty
Patriarchal Shifts
Revival of Confucianism led to increased restrictions on women.
Page 24-27: Foot-Binding
Cultural Practice
Began in Tang China, involved painful foot binding to signify beauty and status.
Page 30-32: Women's Economic Roles
Changing Employment
Shift from textile production to other roles like restaurant operation and entertainment.
Expansion of property rights and education for women.
Page 33-37: China & Northern Nomads
Interactions with Nomads
Trade and military relations characterized by mutual dependency and conflict.
Tribute system established to manage relations.
Page 38-42: China and Korea/Vietnam
Cultural Exchanges
Adoption of Chinese cultural elements in Korea and Vietnam, leading to resistance and rebellion.
Unique cultural identities persisted despite Chinese influence.
Page 43-46: China and Japan
Voluntary Cultural Adoption
Japan's separation from China led to unique cultural development.
Adoption of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Chinese administrative practices during the Heian period.
Page 49: Feudal Japan
Political Structure
Emergence of a feudal system with the emperor as a figurehead and shoguns holding power.
Page 51: Women's Rights in Japan
Greater Autonomy
Japanese women enjoyed more rights compared to their Chinese counterparts.
Page 52-54: Major Chinese Innovations
Impact on Eurasia
Printing and gunpowder as significant contributions to global history.
Printing led to mass literacy and information exchange; gunpowder r