Overview
This lecture covers key developments in East Asia, especially China from 1200 to 1450, focusing on the Song Dynasty’s governance, culture, regional influence, religious trends, and economic prosperity.
The Song Dynasty: Power & Governance
- The Song Dynasty maintained power through Confucian values and a strong bureaucratic system.
- Confucianism emphasized a hierarchical society, filial piety, and submission to authority.
- Neo-Confucianism combined Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist ideas, marking both continuity and innovation.
- The imperial bureaucracy expanded, relying on civil service exams based on Confucian classics.
- Bureaucratic roles were awarded by merit, improving governmental competency and efficiency.
Social Hierarchy and Role of Women
- Confucian society placed women in subordinate positions, restricting their legal rights and autonomy.
- Practices like foot binding among elite women signaled social status and reinforced gender hierarchy.
Chinese Cultural Influence on East Asia
- Korea maintained a tributary relationship with China, adopting the civil service exam and Confucian principles, often marginalizing women even more than China.
- Japan adopted Chinese political structures, Buddhism, and writing systems, but selectively and voluntarily.
- Vietnam also engaged in tribute with China, adopting Confucianism and exams but preserved higher status for women and rejected foot binding.
Spread and Variations of Buddhism
- Buddhism, originating in South Asia, introduced the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path.
- Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka focused on monastic life; Mahayana Buddhism in East Asia was more accessible and compassionate.
- Tibetan Buddhism introduced mystical elements.
- Chan (Zen) Buddhism developed as a distinct Chinese form.
- Despite Confucian emphasis, Buddhism remained influential in Song society.
Song Dynasty Economic Innovations
- Commercialization increased, with surplus goods traded widely.
- Paper money, credit, and promissory notes enabled advanced commerce.
- Iron and steel production boomed, fueling war, trade, and agriculture.
- Introduction of Champa rice (drought-resistant, double-cropping) from Vietnam led to population growth.
- Expansion of the Grand Canal and maritime innovations like the magnetic compass and improved junks boosted trade and economic prosperity.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Confucianism — A philosophy emphasizing hierarchical social order and filial piety.
- Neo-Confucianism — A blend of Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist ideas, adapted for new eras.
- Bureaucracy — A government system staffed by officials who implement the ruler’s policies.
- Civil Service Examination — Exams based on Confucian texts, determining eligibility for bureaucratic roles.
- Foot Binding — Practice of tightly binding women’s feet as a symbol of status and subordination.
- Tributary System — Diplomatic trade practice where neighboring states acknowledged China’s superiority.
- Theravada Buddhism — Original, monastic-focused branch of Buddhism.
- Mahayana Buddhism — Branch of Buddhism offering broader access and stressing compassion.
- Champa Rice — Drought-resistant rice variety with high yield.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Unit 1 topics and key vocabulary for AP World History.
- Study examples of cultural and economic diffusion in the region.
- Prepare for questions about Confucianism, the bureaucracy, and dynastic continuity/innovation.