Political structure Social and Economic Changes within the Sui, Tang and Song Dynasties
China flourished as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan societies under the Sui, Tang and Song Dynasties. Officials governed effectively, economic development grew and farmers fed people, merchants and manufacturers prospered. Confucianism and Daoism was the government foundation, social structure and culture. Agriculture remained the foundation for the economy. Strong central government continued with powerful emperors and educated bureaucracy with the examination system. Landowners were at the top of the social class as well as the educated bureaucrats and military leaders. The merchants and artisans had a great deal of wealth but were…
There were many discoveries and inventions in medicine, engineering and science to include the gas cylinder, air conditioning and porcelain. The Tang government, economy and culture began and advanced on the Sui Dynasty foundation. Li Shimin, the duke’s son and most capable leader assumed the throne from 626-649 and ruled as Emperor Taizong. Just as the first Sui emperor, Emperor Taizong established a competent bureaucracy and used the same pattern of local administration. According to Pearson Education (2012), “China attained new heights in political stability, economics prosperity, military expansion, cultural sophistication and technological innovation” (p. 312). Because the state was bankrupt the administration was kept small and cheap. Land distribution system during the Sui Dynasty was adopted to give every taxable male a plot of land. Taxes from land allotment were a significate source of income to grow the economy. The Tang Dynasty also adopted the same system of taxations as the Sui Dynasty by building mints that produced copper coins .In addition to inventing wood block printing and gun powder, magnetic compass was also invented that greatly improved shipping navigational ability which had a positive effect on social and economic life styles. Goods produced from farms and handcraft along with common trade goods…
He established the Song Dynasty 960-1279 (Song dynasty. 2015) known for its intricate bureaucracy and Confucius style of learning. The Song dynasty time period is almost evenly divided between the Northern song 960-1127 and the Southern song from 1127-1279 eras. Under Song rule China was the richest and most populated country in the world. The Song dynasty was known for the development of cities for administrative purposes, but also as centers of trade, industry and maritime commerce. The mercantile class began to link the coastal provinces with the interior. Landholding and government employment were no longer the only means of gaining wealth and prestige. The development of paper money and unified tax system was the beginning of the Chinese industrial revolution. In 1078 China was producing 125,000 tons of iron per year; the iron was used to mass produce such things as plows, hammers, needles and pins. Trade with the outside world also expanded greatly at this point. Chinese civil and artistic life flourished during the Song dynasty. Customs such as foot binding in childhood for a very small foot as adults was a status symbol for affluent men showing that their wives could not work. Also the Chinese architectural styles such as the up turned corners on tiled roofs became popular during this…
