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

Overview of the Song Dynasty

• Time Period: 1200-1450 CE
• Region: East Asia, primarily China
• Significance: Major cultural and economic influence in Asia

Song Dynasty's Maintenance and Justification of Power

Revival of Confucianism

• Historical Role: Confucianism was the state philosophy since the Han Dynasty (200 BCE)
  • Society is hierarchical (fathers > sons, husbands > wives, rulers > subjects)
  • Emphasized filial piety (honoring ancestors and parents)
• Neo-Confucianism: A new form of Confucianism integrating Buddhist and Taoist ideas
  • Continuity with the past but adapted to suit contemporary needs
• Impact on Women:
  • Subordinate role in society (e.g., foot binding, restricted legal rights)

Imperial Bureaucracy

• Structure: Government officials, carrying out the emperor's will
• Meritocracy: Civil service examinations based on Confucian Classics
  • Ensured only qualified individuals were in the bureaucracy
  • Promoted efficiency and competence

Cultural Influence on Neighboring States

Korea

• Tributary Relationship: Acknowledged Chinese superiority
• **Adopted Aspects: **
  • Civil service examinations
  • Confucian principles
  • Marginalized role of women among elites

Japan

• Geographic Separation: Voluntary adoption of Chinese traits
• Cultural Borrowing
  • Before 1200: Adoption of Chinese bureaucracy
  • Buddhism and writing system

Vietnam

• Tributary System: Similar to Korea
• Adopted Aspects:
  • Confucianism, Buddhism
  • Civil service examination system
• Women's Role: More prominent than in China

Buddhism in East Asia

• Origins: South Asia, spread to China by the Han Dynasty
• Core Beliefs: Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path
• Branches of Buddhism:
  • Theravada: Monastic focus, prevalent in Sri Lanka
  • Mahayana: Accessible to all, emphasis on compassion
  • Tibetan: Mystical practices, prevalent in Tibet
• Chan Buddhism: Developed within China, distinct Chinese form

Economic Prosperity during the Song Dynasty

Innovations and Practices

• Commercialization: Production of excess goods for the market
• Monetary Practices: Use of paper money, credit systems
• Iron and Steel Production: Essential for war, trade, and agriculture
• Agricultural Advancements:
  • Introduction of Champa rice (drought resistant, double harvest)
  • Led to population growth

Transportation Advances

• Grand Canal Expansion: Linked major rivers, facilitated trade
• Navigation Improvements:
  • Magnetic compass
  • Shipbuilding advancements (junks with water-tight bulkheads)

Conclusion

• The Song Dynasty represented a period of significant cultural, economic, and technological advancements in East Asia.
• Its influence extended to neighboring regions through cultural adoption and economic exchanges.