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

Introduction to Song Dynasty

• Period: Around the year 1200
• China was a dominant power in the ancient and post-classical world

Maintenance and Justification of Power by Song Dynasty

Revival of Confucianism

• Confucianism became the official Chinese State philosophy during the Han Dynasty (200 BCE)
• Society viewed as hierarchical: fathers > sons, husbands > wives, rulers > subjects
• Filial piety: Emphasis on honoring one’s ancestors and parents
• Neo-Confucianism: Revival during Tang Dynasty, carried into Song; blended with Buddhist and Taoist ideas
• Historical continuity and innovation: Emphasized traditional Confucian ideas with new elements

Role of Women

• Women’s rights restricted; property became husband’s; forbidden to remarry if widowed or divorced
• Practice of foot binding among elite women as a status symbol

Imperial Bureaucracy

• Expansion during Song Dynasty to enforce emperor’s dictates
• Civil Service Examination based on Confucian classics ensured qualified bureaucratic staffing (merit-based)
• Increased competency and efficiency of government administration

Cultural Influence of Song China

Influence on Korea

• Tributary relationship acknowledging Chinese supremacy
• Adoption of Confucian principles and civil service system
• Cultural influence mainly on Korean elite

Influence on Japan

• Voluntary adoption of Chinese cultural traits due to geographical separation
• Adoption of Chinese imperial bureaucracy and Buddhism
• Selective cultural borrowing

Influence on Vietnam

• Similar relationship to Korea; participated in tributary system
• Adoption of Confucianism, Buddhism, Chinese literary techniques
• Women less marginalized (e.g., female deities, no foot binding)

Buddhism in Song China

• Originated in South Asia; arrived in China by Han Dynasty
• Main tenets: Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path
• Three Branches:
  • Theravada Buddhism: Original form, focused on monks
  • Mahayana Buddhism: Available to all, emphasized compassion, Buddha worship
  • Tibetan Buddhism: Featured mystical practices
• Chan Buddhism: Distinct Chinese version influenced by Song Dynasty

Song Economy

Key Features

1. Commercialization

   • Production surplus for the World Market
   • Use of paper money, credit, promissory notes

2. Iron and Steel Production

   • Large-scale production for warfare, trade, and agriculture

3. Agricultural Innovations

   • Introduction of Champa rice from Vietnam (drought-resistant, double-crop)
   • Led to population growth

4. Transportation Innovations

   • Expansion of the Grand Canal for cheaper trade
   • Improved navigation with magnetic compass and new shipbuilding techniques (e.g., junks)

To continue studying, review other topics or refer to additional resources such as the AP World Heimler Review Guide for comprehensive exam preparation.