AP World History: Developments in East Asia (1200-1450)

Introduction

• Focus on Song Dynasty in China around the year 1200.
• China was a significant power in the ancient and post-classical world.

Song Dynasty's Power Maintenance

Confucianism Revival

• Revival of Confucianism from the Tang Dynasty.
• Confucianism: Official Chinese state philosophy since the Han Dynasty.
• Society viewed as hierarchical (e.g., fathers > sons, rulers > subjects).
• Filial piety emphasized, reinforcing obedience to superiors and emperor.
• Neo-Confucianism: Adaptation of Confucianism incorporating Buddhist and Taoist ideas.

Role of Women

• Women were subordinate in Confucian hierarchy.
• Legal rights restricted, property became husband's, remarriage forbidden for widowed/divorced women.
• Foot binding as a status symbol for elite men, implying economic stability.

Imperial Bureaucracy

• Bureaucracy carried out the emperor's will.
• Civil service examination based on Confucian classics ensured qualified bureaucratic staff.
• Merit-based bureaucracy improved governance efficiency.

Cultural Influence on Neighboring States

Korea

• Maintained tributary relationship with China.
• Adopted civil service exams and Confucian principles.
• Cultural influence mostly on elite.

Japan

• Voluntary adoption of Chinese cultural traits.
• Influenced by Chinese bureaucracy and Buddhism.
• Adopted Chinese writing system.

Vietnam

• Tributary system similar to Korea.
• Adopted Confucianism, Buddhism, literary techniques, and civil service exams.
• Women were less marginalized than in China.

Buddhism in China

• Originated in South Asia; spread to China by Han Dynasty.
• Summary of Buddhism: Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path.
• Theravada Buddhism: Emphasized monastic life, limited to few.
• Mahayana Buddhism: Available to all, emphasized compassion, Buddha as a god-like figure.
• Tibetan Buddhism: Mystical practices.
• Chan (Zen) Buddhism: Distinct Chinese form.

Economic Prosperity in Song China

Commercialization

• Surplus goods sold on the world market.
• Introduction of paper money, credit, promissory notes.

Iron and Steel Production

• Large-scale manufacturing and artisanal production.
• Used for armor, coins, tools.

Agricultural Innovations

• Introduction of Champa rice from Vietnam: Drought-resistant, two harvests a year.
• Led to population growth.

Transportation Innovations

• Expansion of Grand Canal linking major rivers.
• Magnetic compass improved navigation, facilitated sea trade.
• Shipbuilding advancements (e.g., junks with water-tight bulkheads, stern-mounted rudders).