The Middle Kingdom: Early Chinese History and the Song Dynasty

Introduction

• Topic: Chapter 7 - Middle Kingdom (China)
• Focus: Understanding the large population and technological advancements of China

Reasons for Large Population

• Food Availability: Sufficient food supply enables a larger population
  • More food = More children = More labor

Geographic Isolation

• Natural Barriers:
  • North: Gobi Desert
  • South: South China Sea
  • East: East China Sea, Yellow Sea
  • West: Himalaya Mountains
• Effect: Limits trade with outside world, retains inventions within China

Importance of Rivers

• Yellow River and Yangtze River:
  • Essential for agriculture
  • North: Drier, grows wheat and millet
  • South: Humid, grows rice

Development of Writing

• Purpose: Initially for communication with gods, later for trade and financial transactions
• Features: Both phonetic and pictographic elements
• Significance: Literacy is crucial for record-keeping, effective governance, and preservation of knowledge

Key Dynasties

1. Shang Dynasty
2. Zhou Dynasty
3. Qin Dynasty
4. Han Dynasty
5. Song Dynasty
   • Divided into Northern and Southern Song

Song Dynasty

• Focus: Science and Technology
• Agricultural Advances: Upsurge in rice cultivation
  • High yield crops, multiple harvests per year
  • New farming tools: Early plow and paddle chain water lifting device
• Irrigation and Canals:
  • Grand Canal connects north and south
  • Significant for transport and economic development

Impact of Agriculture

• Population Growth: More food supports a larger population
• Urbanization: Migration from farms to cities, leading to trade and manufacturing

Education and Science

• Civil Service Exam: Focus of education
  • Limits scientific development
  • Most educated individuals enter government service
• Technology vs. Science: Advanced technologies developed without corresponding scientific advancements
  • Example: Transportation, irrigation systems

Conclusion

• Technological Leadership: Despite limited scientific progress, China was a world leader in technology during the Song era and beyond.