Introduction to the Song Dynasty (1200-1450)

● The Song Dynasty was a significant period in Chinese history, marked by cultural,
economic, and political developments.
● The dynasty was founded by Emperor Taizu of Song, who usurped the throne of the
Later Zhou dynasty.
Maintaining and Justifying Power
● The Song rulers maintained and justified their power through two main ways:
1. Revival of Confucianism:
● Confucianism became the official Chinese state philosophy during the
Han Dynasty (200 BCE).
● It emphasized a hierarchical society, with unequal relationships between
fathers and sons, husbands and wives, and rulers and subjects.
● The philosophy taught that the greater entity should treat the lesser entity
with concern and benevolence, while the lesser entity should obey.
● Filial piety, or honoring one's ancestors and parents, was a key aspect of
Confucianism.
● The revival of Confucianism during the Song Dynasty was influenced by
Buddhist and Taoist ideas, making it "neo-Confucianism."
2. Imperial Bureaucracy:
● The bureaucracy was a governmental entity that carried out the will of the
emperor.
● Eligible men had to take and pass a civil service examination to get a job
in the bureaucracy.
● The examination was heavily based on Confucian Classics, which helped
to maintain the power of the Song rulers.
Cultural Influence
● The Song Dynasty had significant cultural influence on various states around it,
including:
1. Korea:
● Korea maintained a tributary relationship with China, acknowledging
China's power.
● Korean officials would visit the Song Court and acknowledge China's
superiority.
● Korea adopted some aspects of Chinese culture, such as the civil service
examination system and Confucian principles.
2. Japan:
● Japan was influenced by Chinese culture, but voluntarily adopted certain
traits.
● Japan adopted the Chinese writing system and aspects of Chinese
Buddhism.
3. Vietnam:
● Vietnam had a similar relationship with China as Korea, maintaining a
tributary relationship.
 ● Vietnam adopted Confucianism, Buddhism, and the civil service
examination system from China.
● However, Vietnam did not adopt foot binding, and women had a higher
status in Vietnamese society.
Economy and Prosperity
● The Song economy was prosperous, with four main contributing factors:
1. Widespread commercialization:
● China produced more goods than it needed to survive and sold the
excess on the world market.
● The use of paper money, credit, and promissory notes facilitated trade.
2. Iron and steel production:
● China's iron and steel industry exploded during this period.
● Large-scale manufacturers and home-based artisans produced enough
iron and steel for war, trade, taxation, and agriculture.
3. Agricultural innovations:
● The introduction of Champa rice from Vietnam increased agricultural
output.
● Iron plows and rakes were widely used, and the population grew as a
result of increased food production.
4. Transportation innovations:
● The Grand Canal was expanded, linking the Yellow and Yangtze rivers
and facilitating trade.
● The perfection of the magnetic compass improved navigation, and new
shipbuilding techniques were developed.