Middle Kingdom: China's Early History and Technology

Introduction

• Focus: Modern-day China, also known as the Middle Kingdom.
• Key Question: Why does China have such a large population?
  • Answer: Ability to feed a large population.
  • More food leads to higher birth rates, supporting a bigger population.

Early Chinese History

• Geographical Isolation: Contributed to unique development.
  • Barriers: Northern: Gobi Desert.
  • Barriers: Southern: South China Sea, East China Sea, Yellow Sea.
  • Barriers: Western: Himalaya Mountains.
• Result: Limited spread of inventions and discoveries abroad.
• Important Rivers: Yellow and Yangtze Rivers.
  • Northern region: Dry, growing wheat and millet.
  • Southern region: Humid, ideal for rice cultivation.

Development of Writing

• Purpose: Communicate with gods and ancestors, not initially for trade.
• Elements: Mandarin uses both phonetic and pictographic elements.
• Importance: Literacy for record-keeping, rule, and preserving knowledge.

Dynastic History Overview

• Shang
• Zhou (Jo)
• Qin (Chin)
• Han
• Song
  • Divided into Northern and Southern Song.

Song Dynasty

• Focus: Science and Technology (Golden Age).
• **Key Innovations in Agriculture:"
  • Surge in rice cultivation.
    • High yield per acre.
    • Development of new rice varieties.
    • Multiple harvests per year.
  • New agricultural tools:
    • Plough.
    • Paddle-chain water lifting device.
• Impact: Large population, better nutrition, urbanization.
• Canal System: Grand Canal for transportation and trade.
  • Importance comparable to the Erie Canal in the USA.**

Urbanization and Economic Development

• Migration: Shift from rural to urban areas.
• Economic Growth: Increase in trade and manufacturing due to population shift to cities.

Lack of Scientific Development in Song China

• Education System: Focus on civil service exams, not scientific inquiry.
• Mandarins: Government service over scientific endeavors.
• Result: Technological development separated from scientific discovery.
• Comparison: Contrast with the scientific revolution in Europe, driven by universities and new ideas.

Conclusion

• Song Era: Achievements in technology established China as a world leader.
• Technology vs. Science: Advances were mostly technological, not scientific.