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

Introduction to the Song Dynasty

• Timeframe: 1200-1450
• Significance: China was a major power in the ancient and post-classical world.
• Focus: How the Song Dynasty maintained and justified its power.

Maintaining and Justifying Power

1. Revival of Confucianism

• Historical Context: Confucianism became the state philosophy during the Han Dynasty (around 200 BCE).
• Philosophy: Society is composed of unequal relationships (hierarchical).
  • Fathers > Sons, Husbands > Wives, Rulers > Subjects.
  • Emphasis on filial piety - honoring ancestors and parents, which also translates to honoring the Emperor.
• Neo-Confucianism: A revival with influences from Buddhism and Taoism.
  • Illustrates historical continuity and innovation.

2. Use of Imperial Bureaucracy

• Bureaucracy: Governmental entity executing the emperor's will.
• Civil Service Examination: Based on Confucian classics, staffed by merit not connections.
  • Ensured competence and efficiency in bureaucracy.

Cultural Influence and Relations

Korea

• Political Independence: Maintained through tributary relationship with China.
• Cultural Adoption: Confucian principles, civil service examinations.

Japan

• Geographical Separation: Cultural traits adopted voluntarily.
• Cultural Borrowing: Power structure modeled after Chinese bureaucracy, adoption of Buddhism and writing system.

Vietnam

• Tributary System: Participation in China’s tributary system.
• Cultural Adoption: Confucianism, Buddhism, civil service exams.
  • Higher status of women compared to China.

Buddhism in China

• Spread from South Asia: Originated with the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path.
• Branches of Buddhism:
  • Theravada Buddhism: Emphasis on monastic life.
  • Mahayana Buddhism: Available to all, emphasized compassion.
  • Tibetan Buddhism: Mystical practices.
• Chan Buddhism: Distinct Chinese version.

Song Economy

Factors Contributing to Prosperity

1. Commercialization of the Economy: Production and sale of excess goods.

   • Introduction of paper money, credit, and promissory notes.

2. Iron and Steel Industry: Large-scale production for armory, currency, and tools.

3. Agricultural Innovations:

   • Introduction of Champa rice (drought resistant, double harvests).
   • Led to a population explosion due to increased food supply.

4. Transportation Innovations:

   • Expansion of the Grand Canal for cheaper trade.
   • Perfection of the magnetic compass and shipbuilding techniques (water-tight bulkheads, stern-mounted rudders).

Conclusion

• The Song Dynasty was a critical era of cultural and economic development in China, influencing neighboring regions significantly.
• The combination of Confucian philosophy, bureaucratic efficiency, cultural exchange, and economic innovation positioned the Song Dynasty as a formidable force in world history.