A quick intro to the Tang and Song dynasties:
[SB, CUL, SOC] Influences on the Tang Dynasty
[SB] Political
- Taizong, the second emperor, built a capital at Chang'an, following the Han dynasty.
- Also like the Han dynasty, bureaucracy was critically based on merit, rather than just the power of the family.
- Taizong adapted Confucianism into his leadership, placing high value on education like the Han dynasty.
- Buddhism played a dominant role in Tang dynasty China, its influence evident in poetry and art of the period.This is also majorly influenced by the Han.
- The equal-field system from the Sui dynasty, which was the system used to govern the distribution of land, was heavily implemented. This ensured that the social problems caused by the concentration of landed property in the Han dynasty were avoided.
- A person could move about social ladder depending on education like in the Han dynasty. By going through the Confucian school system and becoming a bureaucrat, one's social class would improve. Although everyone had a chance, it was still more likely for wealthier families to have high positions because they could afford tutors and for the kids to just study and not work.
- Patriarchal society and ancestor worship like in the Han dynasty became much more valued.
[SB, CUL, SOC] Influences on the Song Dynasty
[SB] Political
- Like Shihuangdi unified China into the Xia dynasty in the classical period, Song Taizu was able to unify China once again after the anarchy that followed the fall of the Tang dynasty.
- The Song approach of administration created a very strong centralized imperial rule, like its predecessors.
- Like the Tang dynasty and the Han dynasty before it, the Song dynasty also promoted Confucianism and encouraged people to take the civil service exams and become bureaucrats.
- Buddhism was severely persecuted against in the time between the Tang and Song dynasties, but after the Song were established, the religion grew once again.
- Again, because of the value of bureaucracy by merit, the social class of a person could be changed by taking the civil service exam and being a bureaucrat. But, like the previous dynasties, the competition wasn't fair between all classes.
- Patriarchal society and ancestor worship like in the Han dynasty became much more valued.
Works Cited
Bentley, Jerry H., and Herbert F. Ziegler. "The Resurgence of Empire in East Asia." Traditions & Encounters: A Global Perspective on the past. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2000. 330-35. Print.
"Chinese Dynasties Of The Tang And Song - Lessons - TES Teach." TES Teach with Blendspace. N.p., n.d. Digital image. 13 Oct. 2016.
"How to Be Happy, Confucian Style - PsyBlog." PsyBlog. N.p., 20 Sept. 2010. Digital image. 13 Oct. 2016.
Imperial Examination System in Imperial China. Digital image. Bbsapworld. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2016.
"Chinese Dynasties Of The Tang And Song - Lessons - TES Teach." TES Teach with Blendspace. N.p., n.d. Digital image. 13 Oct. 2016.
"How to Be Happy, Confucian Style - PsyBlog." PsyBlog. N.p., 20 Sept. 2010. Digital image. 13 Oct. 2016.
Imperial Examination System in Imperial China. Digital image. Bbsapworld. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2016.