Developments in East Asia (1200-1450)

Introduction

• China (Song Dynasty) was a dominant power in ancient and post-classical world.
• Focus: How the Song Dynasty maintained and justified its power.
• Suggested resource: AP World Heimler review guide.

Maintenance and Justification of Power

Revival of Confucianism

• Historical Background: Official state philosophy since the Han Dynasty (~200 BCE).
  • Society as hierarchical: fathers > sons, husbands > wives, rulers > subjects.
  • Filial piety: honoring ancestors and parents.
• Neo-Confucianism: Revival with influence from Buddhism and Taoism.
  • Demonstrates historical continuity and innovation.

Role of Women

• Women subordinated under Confucianism.
• Legal restrictions: Women’s property became husband’s, restrictions on remarriage after widowhood or divorce.
• Foot Binding: Symbol of subordination, prevalent among the elite.

Imperial Bureaucracy

• Large bureaucracy to enforce emperor’s will.
• Civil Service Examination: Based on Confucian texts, ensured merit-based placement.
  • Promoted competency and efficiency.

Cultural Influence

Korea

• Tributary Relationship: Korean officials acknowledged Chinese supremacy.
• Adoption of Chinese civil service exams and Confucian principles.

Japan

• Voluntary Adoption: No threat of invasion.
  • Overhaul of power structure similar to China’s imperial bureaucracy.
  • Adoption of Chinese Buddhism and writing system.

Vietnam

• Tributary System: Acknowledged Chinese supremacy.
• Adoption of Confucianism, Buddhism, civil service exams.
  • Women less marginalized, some female deities and higher societal roles.

Buddhism

• Originated in South Asia, spread to China by Han Dynasty.
• Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path: Key principles.
• Branches of Buddhism
  • Theravada: Emphasis on monk practices and escaping birth-death cycle.
  • Mahayana: Teachings available to all, emphasis on compassion, Buddha as devotional figure.
  • Tibetan: Mystical practices, distinct to Tibet.
• Chan Buddhism: Unique Chinese version of Buddhism.

Song Economy

Economic Growth

• Commercialization: Excess goods sold on World Market, use of paper money, credit, promissory notes.

Iron and Steel Production

• Both large-scale and home-based production.
• Significant for armor, coins, agriculture tools.

Agricultural Innovations

• Introduction of Champa Rice: Drought-resistant, two harvests per year, led to population growth.

Transportation Innovations

• Grand Canal: Linked Yellow and Yangtze Rivers, cheaper trade.
• Navigation and Shipbuilding:
  • Magnetic compass, improved navigation.
  • New shipbuilding techniques: water-tight bulkheads, stern-mounted rudders.