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

Introduction to the Song Dynasty

• Began around 1200.
• China was a dominant power in the ancient and post-classical world.
• Focus on the Song Dynasty's maintenance and justification of power.

Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism

• Revival of Confucianism from the Tang Dynasty.
• Confucianism became the official Chinese state philosophy during the Han Dynasty (~200 BCE).
• Society seen as hierarchical:
  • Fathers > Sons, Husbands > Wives, Rulers > Subjects.
• Emphasis on filial piety (honoring ancestors and parents).
• Neo-Confucianism:
  • New implementation with Buddhist and Taoist influences.
  • Demonstrates historical continuity and innovation.

Role of Women in Song China

• Confucianism relegated women to subordinate positions.
• Restrictions on women's legal rights:
  • Property rights transferred to husbands.
  • Forbidden to remarry if widowed or divorced.
• Practice of foot binding as a status symbol, especially among elites.

Imperial Bureaucracy

• Bureaucracy: Government entity executing emperor's will.
• Civil Service Examination based on Confucian classics:
  • Meritorious staffing of the bureaucracy.
  • Increased competency and efficiency.

Cultural Influence of Song China

• Significant influence on Korea, Japan, Vietnam:
  • Korea: Tributary relationship, civil service exam, Confucian principles.
  • Japan: Voluntary cultural borrowing, Buddhism, Chinese writing.
  • Vietnam: Tributary system, Confucianism, Buddhism, but higher status for women.

Buddhism in China

• Originated in South Asia, spread to China by Han Dynasty.
• Basic Buddhism summarized in Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path.
• Variants:
  • Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka (close to original form).
  • Mahayana Buddhism in East Asia (compassion, Buddha as a god-like figure).
  • Tibetan Buddhism (mystical practices).
• Chinese Chan Buddhism developed.

Song Economy

• Economy boomed, building on Tang Dynasty trends.
• Commercialization:
  • Use of paper money, credit, promissory notes.
• Iron and Steel Production:
  • Increased production for armor, coins, tools.
• Agricultural Innovations:
  • Introduction of Champa rice (drought resistant, double harvest).
  • Population explosion due to increased food supply.
• Transportation Innovations:
  • Expansion of the Grand Canal.
  • Magnetic compass, improved shipbuilding techniques (junks).