Overview
This lecture covers key political, social, cultural, and economic developments in East Asia from 1200–1450, with a focus on the Song Dynasty in China and its influence on neighboring states.
The Song Dynasty: Maintenance and Justification of Power
- The Song Dynasty carried forward a revival of Confucianism, creating a hierarchical, obedience-based society.
- Filial piety—honoring one's parents and ancestors—was emphasized to promote loyalty to the emperor.
- Neo-Confucianism blended traditional Confucianism with Buddhist and Daoist ideas, representing both continuity and innovation.
- Song rulers expanded the imperial bureaucracy, staffed by officials selected through a Confucian-based civil service exam.
- Bureaucratic jobs were awarded by merit, improving administrative efficiency and stability.
Social Structure and Gender Roles
- Confucian hierarchy placed women in subordinate roles with limited legal rights, including property loss upon marriage and restrictions on remarriage.
- Foot binding became a symbol of elite female subordination and family status.
Chinese Cultural Influence on Neighbors
- Korea maintained political independence but followed a tributary system and adopted Confucianism, the civil service exam, and bureaucratic structures.
- Japan selectively borrowed from Chinese culture, adopting elements like bureaucracy, Buddhism, and the writing system, mainly through voluntary adoption.
- Vietnam also participated in the tributary system and adopted Confucianism, Buddhism, and Chinese administration, but allowed greater rights for women compared to China.
Buddhism in East Asia
- Buddhism spread from South Asia to China, adapting into local forms.
- Theravada Buddhism (from Sri Lanka) focused on monastic life and personal enlightenment.
- Mahayana Buddhism (East Asia) broadened access, emphasized compassion, and made the Buddha an object of devotion.
- Tibetan Buddhism added mystical practices.
- Chan Buddhism (Chinese Buddhism) became a distinct form during the Song Dynasty and coexisted with Confucianism.
Song Dynasty Economy and Innovations
- Commercialization increased, with paper money and credit systems enabling broader trade.
- Iron and steel production grew, supporting military, trade, and agriculture.
- Agricultural advancements included the introduction of Champa rice (drought-resistant, two harvests per year), leading to a population boom.
- Transportation innovations, such as Grand Canal expansion, magnetic compass refinement, and improved ship design (junks), increased regional and maritime trade.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Confucianism — A Chinese philosophy emphasizing hierarchy, order, and proper relationships.
- Neo-Confucianism — An updated version of Confucianism incorporating Buddhist and Daoist elements.
- Filial piety — Respect and devotion to one's parents and ancestors.
- Imperial bureaucracy — A system of government officials who implement the ruler’s will.
- Civil service exam — A test based on Confucian teachings used to select government officials.
- Foot binding — The practice of tightly binding girls’ feet as a status symbol in elite Chinese society.
- Tributary system — A relationship where neighboring states acknowledge Chinese supremacy in exchange for trade and political autonomy.
- Theravada Buddhism — A branch of Buddhism focused on monastic life and personal enlightenment.
- Mahayana Buddhism — A branch of Buddhism emphasizing universal salvation and compassion.
- Champa rice — A fast-maturing, drought-resistant rice variety from Vietnam, boosting Chinese food production.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the characteristics and impacts of Neo-Confucianism, the civil service exam, and the Song Dynasty economy.
- Know examples of Chinese influence on Korea, Japan, and Vietnam for potential exam questions.
- Study the differences between Theravada, Mahayana, and Chan Buddhism.