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East Asia's Song Dynasty Influence (1200-1450)

Oct 9, 2024

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

Introduction

  • Focus on East Asia from 1200-1450, with China as a central power.
  • Emphasis on the Song Dynasty's maintenance and justification of power.

Song Dynasty's Rule

Methods of Power Maintenance

  1. Revival of Confucianism

    • Originated during Han Dynasty (200 BCE).
    • Society viewed hierarchically: fathers > sons, husbands > wives, rulers > subjects.
    • Filial piety emphasized to honor ancestors, aiding loyalty to the emperor.
    • Neo-Confucianism: influenced by Buddhist and Taoist ideas, showing both continuity and innovation.
    • Women's Subordination:
      • Restricted rights, property transfer to husbands, no remarriage for widows.
      • Practice of foot binding as a status symbol.
  2. Imperial Bureaucracy

    • Government officials enforced emperor's will across China.
    • Civil service examination based on Confucian classics ensured merit-based staffing.
    • Increased bureaucracy's scope enhanced governance efficiency.

Cultural Influence

Regional Influence

  1. Korea

    • Tributary relationship with China, adopting some cultural elements.
    • Civil service exams and Confucian principles, but with greater marginalization of women.
  2. Japan

    • Adopted Chinese cultural traits voluntarily.
    • Influenced by Chinese bureaucracy and Buddhism.
    • Selective in cultural adoption.
  3. Vietnam

    • Similar tributary relationship as Korea.
    • Adoption of Confucianism and Buddhism, with higher status of women than in China.
    • No practice of foot binding.

Buddhism in East Asia

  • Originated in South Asia, spread to China by Han Dynasty.
  • Theravada Buddhism: Focus on monks and cycle of birth and death.
  • Mahayana Buddhism: Available to all, emphasized compassion.
  • Tibetan Buddhism: Mystical practices, including prostration.
  • Chinese Chan Buddhism developed during Song Dynasty.

Song Dynasty Economy

Economic Prosperity Factors

  1. Commercialization

    • Excess goods sold on world market.
    • Use of paper money, credit, and promissory notes.
  2. Iron and Steel Production

    • Large scale manufacturing for armor, coins, tools.
  3. Agricultural Innovations

    • Iron plows and rakes.
    • Introduction of Champa rice (drought-resistant, harvested twice a year) led to population growth.
  4. Transportation Innovations

    • Expansion of the Grand Canal reducing trade costs.
    • Magnetic compass and shipbuilding innovations enhanced sea trade.

Conclusion

  • Song Dynasty was influential culturally and economically in East Asia during 1200-1450.
  • For further study, refer to AP World Heimler Review Guide.