China after the Han Dynasty
Agenda
Bell Ringer: What dynasty did we leave off on with China?
What were major characteristics of that dynasty?
1. Reading Quiz
2. Lecture: Traditional China, before the Mongols.
3. Tang Dynasty primary source, Effective Government
4. Song Dynasty, History of China
5. Discussion, What is the best strategy for the Song
Dynasty?
HW: Read Chapters 9-10
Sui Dynasty
• Changes national
doctrine from
Confucianism to Daoism
and Buddhism.
• Grand Canal is
constructed.
• Allowed for additional
trade routes and rapid
troop movements.
• Tyrannical Ruler in Sui
Yangdi, Dynasty falls
after his death.
Tang Dynasty
• China is expanded
through Himalayas.
• Influence of
Buddhism effects art,
philosophy.
• Rulers are militaristic,
and easily
distracted…
Decline of the Tang
• Internal Corruption and
various distractions.
– Xuanzong dominated
by his concubine…
– Her protégé briefly
seizes parts of China.
• Border disputes led to
unrest among the military,
who had little support
from government.
• Possible drought..
The Song Dynasty
• Emperors started out
moving the capital to avoid
aggression from outsiders.
• Had similar economic
expansion and cultural
achievement.
• Failure to build a military
that could fight northern
invaders led to paying
tribute instead.
• They formed an alliance
with the Mongols, and
continued to pay tribute until
1279 AD
Neo-Confucianism
• State Confucianism
becomes dominant during
the Song period.
– Grand Council
– Civil Service Exams
• Issues
– Exams only given in
capital city, and
aristocrats prepared
the exams.
– Minor changes under
the Song