Tang and Song ChinaTang and Song China

The Tang Dynasty Expands The Tang Dynasty Expands ChinaChina

Tang Rulers Create Tang Rulers Create a Powerful Empirea Powerful Empire Tang Dynasty (618-Tang Dynasty (618-

907) begun by 907) begun by brilliant emperor brilliant emperor Tang Taizong.Tang Taizong.

Wu Zhao—only women in Wu Zhao—only women in China to assume title of China to assume title of emperor.emperor.

Tang rulers expand and Tang rulers expand and unify the empire, and unify the empire, and strengthen the strengthen the government.government.

Tang Political Tang Political AccomplishmentsAccomplishments

Extended boundariesExtended boundaries Brought Chinese influence to KoreaBrought Chinese influence to Korea

Created civil service examsCreated civil service exams Growth of bureaucracy cuts power of Growth of bureaucracy cuts power of

noblesnobles

Tang Economic Tang Economic Accomplishments Accomplishments

Increased trade on the Silk RoadIncreased trade on the Silk Road Traded tea with Southeast AsiaTraded tea with Southeast Asia New inventions: gunpowder, porcelain, New inventions: gunpowder, porcelain,

mechanical clock, paper moneymechanical clock, paper money

Tang Cultural ChangesTang Cultural Changes

Spread of BuddhismSpread of Buddhism Increase in social mobilityIncrease in social mobility Movement to cities Movement to cities Decline in women’s status Decline in women’s status

The Tang Lose PowerThe Tang Lose Power Tang rulers increase taxes in mid-700s, Tang rulers increase taxes in mid-700s,

causing hardship.causing hardship. Attacks on empire increase; in 907 the Attacks on empire increase; in 907 the

last Tang emperor is killed.last Tang emperor is killed.

Song Dynasty Restores Song Dynasty Restores ChinaChina

Turmoil Followed by Strong RuleTurmoil Followed by Strong Rule In 960, Taizu reunites China, and proclaims In 960, Taizu reunites China, and proclaims

Song Dynasty (960-1279).Song Dynasty (960-1279). Song rulers unable to recapture lands lost in Song rulers unable to recapture lands lost in

the west and north.the west and north. In 1100s, Jurchen people arise in Manchuria In 1100s, Jurchen people arise in Manchuria

and set up their own empire.and set up their own empire. In 1127, Song rulers are forced south; build In 1127, Song rulers are forced south; build

new capital at Hangzhou.new capital at Hangzhou. Southern Song empire lasts from 1127 to 1279.Southern Song empire lasts from 1127 to 1279.

Astronomical ClockAstronomical Clock

Song Political Song Political CharacteristicsCharacteristics

Ruled mainly Southern ChinaRuled mainly Southern China

Song EconomySong Economy

Introduced fast-growing rice that Introduced fast-growing rice that contributed to population growthcontributed to population growth

Used paper moneyUsed paper money Advances in sailing technology such as Advances in sailing technology such as

the magnetic compass lead to the the magnetic compass lead to the growth of ocean tradegrowth of ocean trade

Song CultureSong Culture

New height in artworks New height in artworks Large population growth, especially Large population growth, especially

in cities in cities

A Golden Age of A Golden Age of Poetry and ArtPoetry and Art Tang period Tang period

produces great produces great poetry, including poetry, including works by Li Bo, and works by Li Bo, and Tu Fu.Tu Fu.

Song period known Song period known for brilliant for brilliant painting.painting.

Changes in Chinese SocietyChanges in Chinese Society

Levels of SocietyLevels of Society Power of noble families fades.Power of noble families fades. Wealthy scholar-officials form new upper Wealthy scholar-officials form new upper

class, called the gentry.class, called the gentry. Urban middle class below gentry in Urban middle class below gentry in

social structuresocial structure

The Status of WomenThe Status of Women Status of women always lower than Status of women always lower than

men in China.men in China. The status falls even lower during The status falls even lower during

Tang and Song periods.Tang and Song periods. Foot binding of upper-class girls Foot binding of upper-class girls

becomes a new custom.becomes a new custom.