AP World History: Developments in East Asia from 1200 to 1450

The Song Dynasty in China

• Time Period: Course begins around year 1200
• Historical Context: China was a significant power in the ancient and post-classical world.

Maintaining and Justifying Power

• Song rulers maintained and justified power through two primary methods:
  1. Revival of Confucianism:
  • Historical Continuity: Confucianism was the state philosophy since the Han Dynasty (~200 BCE).
  • Society Structure: Hierarchical society with unequal relationships (e.g., father > son, husband > wife, ruler > subjects).
  • Filial Piety: Practice of honoring ancestors and parents, laying the groundwork for respecting the emperor.
  • Neo-Confucianism: Song rulers carried Confucianism from the Tang Dynasty, but added influences from Buddhism and Daoism.
  2. Imperial Bureaucracy:
  • Civil Service Examination: Based heavily on Confucian Classics, ensuring that bureaucracy was staffed by the most qualified individuals.
  • Meritocracy: Bureaucratic positions based on merit, not connections.

Role of Women

• Subordinate Position: Women held inferior status under Confucian hierarchy; restricted legal rights and property ownership.
• Foot Binding: Prevalent among elite women as a status symbol; restricted physical mobility.

Cultural Influence

• Korea:
  • Political independence, but maintained a tributary relationship with China.
  • Civil service examination similar to China.
  • Adoption of Confucian principles, further marginalizing women.
• Japan:
  • Voluntarily adopted Chinese cultural traits, including Buddhism and the Chinese writing system.
• Vietnam:
  • Tribute system with China, adopted Confucianism and other cultural elements.
  • Higher status of women compared to China; no practice of foot binding.

Influence of Buddhism

• Origins in South Asia: Arrived in China by Han Dynasty.
• Branches of Buddhism:
  • Theravada Buddhism: Close to original form; restricted to monks.
  • Mahayana Buddhism: Accessible to all; made Buddha a figure of devotion.
  • Tibetan Buddhism: Emphasized mystical practices.
• Chan Buddhism: Chinese variant of Buddhism during the Song Dynasty.

Economic Prosperity in Song China

• Commercialization: Production of surplus goods for global market; use of paper money, credit, and promissory notes.
• Iron and Steel Production: Significant expansion, used for war, trading, and agricultural tools.
• Agricultural Innovations:
  • Champa Rice: Drought-resistant and harvested twice a year, leading to population growth.
• Transportation Innovations:
  • Grand Canal Expansion: Linked Yellow and Yangtze Rivers, facilitating trade.
  • Magnetic Compass: Improved navigation and sea trade.
  • Shipbuilding: Improved designs like junks with watertight bulkheads and stern-mounted rudders.

Conclusion

• Significant developments in East Asia, especially in China, from 1200 to 1450 laid the foundation for cultural continuity and economic prosperity.