Chapter 7, Section 1
Pages 166-169
Standard: 7.3.1
Objective:
 To have students learn that the Tang dynasty
restored China to greatness and influenced the
empire for hundreds of years.
Did you know?
 Most of China’s history is divided into
dynasties.
 The first dynasties ruled China for centuries.
 But when the Han dynasty collapsed in 220,
China plunged into disorder.
The Period of Disunion
 How long did the period of
disunion last?
 From 220 to 589.
 What was it?
 A time of war and disorder
that followed the end of the
Han dynasty.
 A mixing of cultures was a
result
The Sui, Tang & Song Dynasties
 China remained
unified for 700 years
after the period of
disunion.
The Sui Dynasty
 Info on the Sui:
 Yang Jian (YANG jee-EN) ended the Period of Disunion.
 Conquered southern China and created the Sui dynasty.
 Dynasty didn’t last long!
 Accomplishments:
 Restored order to China
 Began the Grand Canal linking northern & southern china
The Tang Dynasty
 Info on the Tang:
 Started by a former Sui official
who overthrew the gov.
 Lasted for nearly 300 years!
 Great rulers include Taizong
(TY-tzoong)

Helped to reunify China through…
 Reforming the military
 Creation of law codes
 Land reform system
 More info…
 Xuanzong (SHOO-AN-
tzoong) was another ruler
 Loved culture – especially
poetry!
 Only woman to rule China
= Empress Wu
 Intelligent and talented
After the Tang…
 Chaos for 53 years!
 Separate kingdoms competing for power
The Song Dynasty
 Info on the Song:
 China
reunified
again
 Dynasty lasted
for 300 years
Age of Buddhism
 Change was
happening in Chinese
religion as well
 Buddhism is one of
the world’s major
religions
 Originally came from
India
Spread of Buddhism
 Many Chinese turned to Buddhism during the Period
of Disunion
 Took comfort in the Buddhist teaching that people can
escape suffering and achieve a state of peace.
 Buddhism grew and spread with each dynasty
 To Korea and Japan
Influence of Buddhism
 Influenced culture
 Art
 Literature
 Architecture
Checking for Understanding!
1. What happened to China following the
collapse of the Han dynasty?
2. Use your map on pg. 167. Which dynasty
controlled the largest area?
3. Place the Chinese dynasties in the order in
which they ruled.