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

Overview of the Song Dynasty

• Time Period: The Song Dynasty was a significant period in Chinese history, known for its power and influence from 1200 to 1450.
• Key Concepts:
  • The Song Dynasty is notable for maintaining and justifying its power through various means.
  • Revival of Confucianism played a crucial role in justifying the rule of Song rulers.

Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism

• Historical Background:
  • Confucianism was the state philosophy since the Han Dynasty (~200 BCE).
  • Society viewed as hierarchical: fathers > sons, husbands > wives, rulers > subjects.
  • Emphasized filial piety - the honoring of ancestors and parents as a way to cultivate respect for the Emperor.
• Revival:
  • With the fall of the Han Dynasty, Confucianism declined but was revived during the Tang (preceding Song) and carried into Song rule.
  • Neo-Confucianism: An updated version incorporating Buddhist and Taoist ideas, showing continuity and innovation.

Women's Role in Song China

• Subordination of Women:
  • Women's rights were restricted; property became husband's upon marriage.
  • Widowed or divorced women were forbidden to remarry.
  • Foot Binding: Practiced among elite, symbol of status, limited women's mobility, reducing their ability to perform labor.

Imperial Bureaucracy

• Bureaucracy Expansion:
  • Grew in the Song Dynasty to maintain rule across vast China.
  • Civil Service Exam: Based on Confucian Classics, ensuring merit-based staffing.

Cultural Influence on Neighboring States

• Korea:
  • Maintained a tributary relationship; adopted civil service exams and Confucian principles, marginalizing women's roles.
• Japan:
  • Voluntary adoption of Chinese culture, e.g., Buddhism, writing system.
• Vietnam:
  • Adopted Confucianism, Buddhism, civil service exams, but women had a higher status compared to China.

Buddhism in China

• Spread and Evolution:
  • Originated in South Asia, spread to China by Han Dynasty.
  • Variations:
    • Theravada Buddhism: Close to the original form, focused on monks.
    • Mahayana Buddhism: Available to all, emphasized compassion, deified Buddha.
    • Tibetan Buddhism: Emphasized mystical practices.
  • Chan Buddhism: Distinct Chinese version.

Song Economy

• Economic Prosperity Factors:
  1. Commercialization: Production of surplus goods for world market; introduction of paper money and credit.
  2. Iron and Steel Industry: Growth in production for trade and tools.
  3. Agricultural Innovations:
     • Introduction of Champa rice from Vietnam, leading to a population boom.
  4. Transportation Innovations:
     • Expansion of the Grand Canal, improvements in navigation with the magnetic compass, and shipbuilding advancements.

Conclusion: The Song Dynasty maintained a powerful and influential presence in East Asia through strategic use of Confucianism, bureaucratic expansion, and economic prosperity, influencing surrounding regions significantly.