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

Introduction

• Focus on the Song Dynasty in China.
• China as a major power in the ancient and post-classical world.

Song Dynasty Power Maintenance

Confucianism Revival

• Neo-Confucianism: Combination of Confucianism with Buddhist and Taoist ideas.
• Filial Piety: Emphasized honoring ancestors/parents to train subjects to honor the emperor.
• Hierarchical society emphasized: superiors treat inferiors benevolently; inferiors obey superiors.

Impact on Women

• Women relegated to subordinate positions; restricted legal rights.
• Practices like foot binding limited women's mobility; status symbol among elites.

Imperial Bureaucracy

• Expansion and increased use of imperial bureaucracy.
• Civil Service Examination: Based on Confucian Classics; promoted meritocracy.
• Ensured bureaucracy was staffed with qualified individuals, improving governance efficiency.

Cultural Influence on Neighboring States

Korea

• Maintained a tributary relationship with China.
• Adopted Chinese cultural elements like Confucian principles and civil service exams.
• Influence mostly on elite classes; women marginalized further.

Japan

• Voluntary cultural borrowing from China; influenced by Chinese imperial bureaucracy and Buddhism.
• Adopted Chinese writing systems; selected cultural traits voluntarily.

Vietnam

• Independent politically but part of tributary system.
• Adopted Confucianism, Buddhism, civil service exams, and Chinese literary techniques.
• Women had higher status than in China; resisted practices like foot binding.

Buddhism in China

• Originated in South Asia; spread to China by Han Dynasty.
• Theravada Buddhism: Monastic focus, close to original form, limited to monks.
• Mahayana Buddhism: Available to all, emphasized compassion, Buddha seen as god-like.
• Tibetan Buddhism: Mystical practices, distinct version in Tibet.
• Chan Buddhism: Chinese version, significant role despite Neo-Confucian emphasis.

Song Dynasty Economy

Economic Prosperity

• Began in the Tang Dynasty, flourished under the Song.

Key Factors

1. Commercialization: Excess goods sold on world market; use of paper money and credit.
2. Iron and Steel Production: Large-scale manufacturing supported military and trade.
3. Agricultural Innovations: Introduction of drought-resistant Champa rice; led to population boom.
4. Transportation Innovations: Expansion of Grand Canal, improved navigation (compass), advanced shipbuilding techniques (junks).

Conclusion

• China during the Song Dynasty as a significant cultural and economic power with lasting influence on neighboring regions.