World History: Chapter 14 - The Resurgence of Empire in East Asia

Introduction

• Post-Han Dynasty: 350+ years of disruption.
• 6th Century Onwards: Centralized imperial rule returns.
• Sui and Tang Dynasties: 589-1279 CE, period of economic prosperity.
• Influence: China as the Middle Kingdom impacts surrounding territories.

Characteristics of the Era

1. Economic Development: Advanced agricultural practices, technological innovations, and trade networks (Silk Roads).
2. Spread of Buddhism: From India to East Asia, becoming the most popular faith.
3. Chinese Influence: Social organization and economic impact on Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and Central Asia.

Post-Classical Chinese Dynasties

• Sui Dynasty (589-618 CE):
  • Consolidation: Led by Yang Jian, massive building projects including the Grand Canal.
  • Conscripted Labor: System causing resentment among peasants.
  • Grand Canal: Promoted trade between North and South China.
• Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE):
  • Tang Taizong: Strong ruler, law and order, civil service exams, transportation and communication systems.
  • Equal Field System: Redistributed land based on family size and land fertility.
  • Military Expansion: Tributary relationships and kowtow ritual.
  • Decline: Internal discontent, military failures, and rebellion.
• Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE):
  • Emphasis: Administration, industry, education, arts.
  • Song Taizu: Former military leader, meritocracy, civil service favor.
  • Weaknesses: Bureaucratic inefficiency, military inadequacy.
  • Economy: Technological advancements, urbanization, and market economy development.

Agricultural and Economic Developments

• Fast-Ripening Rice: From Vietnam, allowing two crops per year.
• Technological Innovations: Iron plows, draft animals, soil fertilization, improved irrigation, and terraced farming.
• Population Growth: Result of increased agricultural production.
• Urbanization: Cities like Chang'an and Hangzhou become populous.
• Social Structures: Ancestor worship and foot-binding.

Influential Figures

• Wu Zhao (626-706 CE): Only woman to claim imperial title, supported Buddhism, strengthened civil service.

Technological and Industrial Advancements

• Porcelain, Iron Production, and Gunpowder.
• Printing Techniques: Movable type and woodblock printing.
• Naval Technology: Compass, waterproof ships, rudders, canvas sails.
• Market Economy: Letters of credit, promissory notes, checks, and government monopoly on money production.

Cultural and Religious Changes

• Buddhism:
  • Popularity: Emphasis on personal salvation, decline in Confucianism.
  • Mahayana Buddhism: Greater Vehicle, teaching others, economic success through donations.
  • Conflicts: Text-based (Buddhism) vs. ethics and politics (Confucianism).
  • Adaptation: Dharma as Dao, Nirvana as wuwei, incorporation into family lifestyle.
• Neo-Confucianism: Blending Confucian ethics with Buddhist metaphysics.

Regional Influences

• Korea (Silla Dynasty): Recognizes Tang as emperor, adopts Chinese culture.
• Vietnam: Adapts Chinese culture and technology, asserts independence post-Tang.
• Japan: Influenced by Chinese administration and Confucian/Buddhist teachings, retains Shinto religion.
  • Heian Period: Emperor as figurehead, Fujiwara clan real power.
  • Shogun and Samurai: Decentralized power structure, warlord rule, military authority.

Key Features and Comparisons

• Compare Sui, Tang, and Song Dynasties:
  • Sui: Building projects, Grand Canal.
  • Tang: Civil service, equal field system, military expansion, decline.
  • Song: Bureaucracy, administration, education, economic development.
• Agricultural Developments: Fast-ripening rice, technological innovations.
• Technological and Institutional Developments: Printing, naval technology, market economy.
• Emergence of Market Economy: Credit systems, letters of credit, paper money.
• Buddhism and Neo-Confucianism: Popularity, blending with Confucianism.
• Chinese Influence in East Asia: Korea, Vietnam, Japan.
• Early and Medieval Japan: Heian Period, Shogun, and Samurai.

Writing Assignment

1. Political and Economic Anchors: Compare China, Byzantine, and Abbasid empires.
2. Population Growth: Developments promoting growth and economic advantages/disadvantages.
3. Religious Influence: Appeal of Buddhism, its blend with other systems, and spread from China.