Heimler’s History: AP World History - China 1200-1450

Introduction

• Focus on China during 1200-1450.
• China was a major power in the world, similar to Texas.

The Song Dynasty (960-1279)

• Zhao Kuangyin: Unified regional kingdoms into the Song Dynasty.
• Built on Tang Dynasty innovations.
• Created a state structure lasting a thousand years.
  • Six departments: personnel, finance, rites, army, justice, and public works.
  • Censorate oversight to ensure proper conduct.

Influence of Confucianism

• Government and society structured hierarchically.
• Revival and expansion of the civil service exam.
  • Shifted power from hereditary aristocracy to scholarly leaders.

Economic Developments

• Emphasis on trade and commerce.
• Afro-Eurasia: Interconnected landmass of Africa, Europe, and Asia.
• Increased production for distant markets led to a commercialized society.
  • Example: Iron production rivaled Europe's 18th-century levels.

Financial Innovations

• Introduction of paper money due to insufficient precious metals.

Technological Advancements

• Gunpowder: Discovered by Daoist alchemists.
  • Initially used for fireworks, later for military applications.

Cultural Influence

• China's cultural and ideological influence on neighboring regions like Japan.
  • Example: Similar architecture between Japan's Heian and China's Chang’an.

Religious Influence

• Trade routes brought new religious influences, notably Buddhism.
  • Mahayana Buddhism from Vietnam, characterized by deities and veneration of relics.

Conclusion

• Song China was the wealthiest and most unified empire due to:
  • Large population and strong agriculture.
  • Innovations and a common language.
• Key takeaway: Don’t mess with China.