Overview
This lecture covers the political, cultural, and economic developments in East Asia from 1200 to 1450, focusing on the Song Dynasty's power, influence, and innovations.
Song Dynasty: Power and Governance
- The Song Dynasty maintained power through Confucianism and a merit-based imperial bureaucracy.
- Confucianism, revived as Neo-Confucianism, emphasized a hierarchical, orderly society.
- Filial piety (respect for parents and ancestors) reinforced obedience to the emperor.
- Neo-Confucianism combined Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist ideas, showing both continuity and innovation.
- The imperial bureaucracy grew, staffed by officials who passed rigorous civil service exams based on Confucian texts.
- Bureaucratic jobs were awarded by merit, increasing efficiency and competence.
Social Hierarchy and Gender Roles
- Confucianism placed women in subordinate roles, restricting their legal rights and property ownership.
- Practices such as foot binding symbolized elite women's subordination in society.
- Widowed or divorced women could not remarry under Song law.
Chinese Cultural Influence on East Asia
- Korea maintained political independence through a tributary relationship with China and adopted Confucianism and the civil service exam.
- Korean women were also highly marginalized, especially among elites.
- Japan selectively borrowed Chinese institutions, including the bureaucracy, Buddhism, and writing system, but adopted them voluntarily.
- Vietnam, also in a tributary relationship, adopted Confucianism and the exam system, but women kept higher status and foot binding was never practiced.
Buddhism in East Asia
- Buddhism, originating in South Asia, spread to China and evolved into different branches: Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan Buddhism.
- Mahayana Buddhism emphasized universal access and compassion, making Buddha an object of devotion.
- Tibetan Buddhism added mystical practices.
- Chan Buddhism was the distinct Chinese form.
- Confucianism remained dominant, but Buddhism significantly influenced society.
Song Dynasty Economic Innovations
- Commercialization increased, with excess goods sold in the world market and the use of paper money and credit.
- Iron and steel production expanded, aiding war, trade, and agriculture.
- Agricultural innovations included the introduction of Champa rice, which was drought-resistant and allowed multiple yearly harvests, leading to population growth.
- Transportation improvements included expanding the Grand Canal, the magnetic compass, stern-mounted rudders, and improved ship designs (junks), all boosting trade and prosperity.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Neo-Confucianism — A blend of Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist ideas, revived during the Song period.
- Filial Piety — Deep respect and obedience to parents and ancestors.
- Bureaucracy — A system where state officials implement government policy.
- Civil Service Exam — Exams based on Confucian texts to select government officials.
- Tributary System — States show respect to China in exchange for trade and stability.
- Foot Binding — Practice of tightly binding women's feet as a status symbol and means of subordination.
- Champa Rice — High-yield, drought-resistant rice from Vietnam adopted by Song China.
- Mahayana Buddhism — Branch of Buddhism accessible to all, focused on compassion.
- Chan Buddhism — Chinese form of Buddhism focused on meditation.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review class notes for key Song Dynasty policies and economic innovations.
- Study the differences between Mahayana, Theravada, and Tibetan Buddhism.
- Prepare examples of Chinese cultural influence on Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.