Song+Dynasty2

=Song Dynasty (960-1279)=

After the fall of the Tang Dynasty, China was, for years, politically unstable. Then, in 960, a general named Zhao Kuang-yin seized power, and started a dynasty that would run strong for over 300 years.



Zhao Kuang-yin had been a leading general of the previous dynasty, Hou Zhuo. In 959, emperor Shi Zong died, leaving a 7 year old heir. Kuang-yin, like many others, believed that the people needed a stronger leader than what a child could provide. In 960 there was a rumor that the northern Khitan were going to invade the Hou Zhuo. Zhao Kuang-yin was assigned to direct the counter attack. He set off with his troops. The next morning, under the direction of Kuang-yin's brother and secretary, the troops surrounded their general's tent and, cheering, dressed him in yellow robes, declaring him their emperor. They marched back to the capital of Kaifeng and peacefully usurped the throne.

In the years to come, the Song would conquer many cities in southern China, and make peace deals with the stronger nations up north. Zhao Kuang-yin would reign for 16 years over a prosperous China. For more information on Zhao Kuang-yin, use [|this link].

Zhao Kuang-yin took power away from the military by replacing military governors with civilian officials. He established a centralized bureaucracy with an examination system. These exams were taken by persons wishing to gain office in the civil service system. Of course, because a civilian had to be literate to take the exam, it excluded many of the lower class citizens.
 * Political**

Kuang-yin also established centralized tax collection. The tax collection system was so efficient that, at the height of the dynasty, the Song had an income that was 3 times that of the Tang's at their height. Paper money was developed to spread trade far and wide along the efficient system of canals and roadways being built. These new freedoms allowed for more foreign trade as well. Foreign ships from as far away as Africa found themselves docking at the Song Dynasty's ports.
 * Economics**

During the Song Dynasty, there were many technological advances. Paper currency, gun powder, and the compass were some. Iron and steel became main materials of construction. The Chinese also had the best ships in the world, with as many as 4 decks, 6 masts, and a dozen sails on one. These ships could carry 500 men and were more agile than those of the Europeans.
 * Trade/Technology**

The development of printing and typography was important to the development of the culture. Written texts became readily available, and the literacy rate increased dramatically. Education became centralized to the upper class. Another intellectual advancement was in medicine. The first autopsy was performed in 1145 on the body of a southern Chinese captive.
 * Intellectual**

The population of the Song Dynasty grew to a number of 100 million by 1127. There was a movement toward urban life during this time. Cities became more populated and boasted a lively street life with markets, shops, and restaurants. But this move away from agriculture lead to a decline in the status of women, as in the cities, there was not as much of a need for women to work. There began a practice of binding a girl's feet at a young age, causing deformations as she grew and making a woman dependent upon a man.
 * Social**

Another reason for the decline of women's status could be the revitalization of Confucianism. Buddhism had flourished in the former Tang Dynasty, and the Song combined the old ideas of Confucianism with some inspiration from Buddhist beliefs to develop Neo-confucianism. The only problem with this might have been the lack of support for the military. Neo-confucianism believed in diplomacy before war, so the Song Dynasty sported a weak military, eventually leading to their downfall.
 * Religion**

In 1125, the northern steppe, ruled by the Liao, was conquered by the Jin ("Golden") Empire. Shortly after, the Jin moved south and captured Kaifeng. The Song fled further south and established a new capital at Hangzhou. They ruled here for another 150 years until they were conquered by the Mongols.
 * Decline of the Song**

For more information about the Song Dynasty, click [|here.]

Bibliography "The Northern and Southern Song Dynasties." Emuseum. 2009 Minnesota State University. 28 Jan 2009. .

"The Song Dynasty in China." Asian Topics in World History. 2004, Columbia University. 27 Jan 2009. .

Images "Song Dynasty Map." 2005. Online Image. Chinatown Connection. 28 Jan 2009. .