Transcript Slide 1
IMPERIAL CHINA: KEY CHARACTERISTICS Han dynasty [206 BCE-220 CE] China’s “classical age” Confucianism became the basis of educational system Contemporary with Roman Empire Key Themes in Imperial China Mandate of Heaven – the role of the emperor HEAVEN (TI) ANCESTOR GOD OF THE EMPEROR Duties: -Son of Heaven -Priest -King -Maintain harmony NATURE “The buck stops EMPEROR Key Themes in Imperial China M of H DYNASTIC CYCLE ? ? ? “GOOD GOVERNMENT DEPENDS ON GOOD MEN” Why did dynasties decline? Key Themes in Imperial China Scholar-Gentry Elite Scholars – educated in the Confucian classics Gentry – landholders Four Classes Scholars Peasants Artisans Merchants Key Themes in Imperial China Examination System China as a “meritocracy” Scholarship was the way to the top! Initiated in 2nd century BCE and continued until early 1900s. “Cheat shirt” c. 19th C. Key Themes in Imperial China Chinese Culture-Centrism Sinicization Tang China: the tributary system RGH #30 Connected to central Asia and Rome over “Silk Roads” Sericulture China and Vietnam Vietnamese adaptation to Chinese culture, technology But ongoing resentment at political domination Assert independence when Tang dynasty falls in 10th century Heian Japan (794-1185 CE) Japanese emperor moves court to Heian (Kyoto) Yet emperor figurehead, real power in hands of Fujiwara clan Pattern in Japanese history: weak emperor, power behind the throne Helps explain longevity of the institution China and Early Japan Chinese armies never invade Japan Yet Chinese culture pervasive Imitation of Tang administration Establishment of new capital at Nara, hence “Nara Japan” (710-794 CE) Adoption of Confucian, Buddhist teachings Yet retention of Shinto religion Institution of the Shogun Civil war between Taira and Minamoto clans in 12th century Minamoto leader named shogun, 1185 CE Ruled from Kamakura, allowed imperial throne to continue in Kyoto Medieval Japan Kamakura (1185-1333 CE) and Muromachi (1336-1573 CE) periods Decentralized power in hands of warlords Military authority in hands of samurai Professional warriors The Spread of Buddhism and Hinduism Tang China: a regional power During the Tang period, Chinese philosophies, classic texts, ideas about government and city planning spread to Japan, Korea, Vietnam Layout of Nara, Japan, [710-784] The Sui and Tang dynasties, 589-907 C.E. The Song dynasty, 960-1279 C.E. Agricultural Economies of the Tang and Song Dynasties Developed Vietnamese fast-ripening rice, 2 crops per year Technology: iron plows, use of draft animals Soil fertilization, improved irrigation Water wheels, canals Terrace farming Population Growth 120 100 80 60 Millions 40 20 0 600 CE 1000 Result of increased agricultural production Effective food distribution system Transportation networks built under Tang and Song dynasties Urbanization Chang’an world’s most populous city: 2 million residents Southern Song capital Hangzhou: over 1 million 40º North Technology and Industry Porcelain (“Chinaware”) Iron production Gunpowder invented Earlier printing techniques refined Moveable type by mid11th century Yet complex Chinese ideographs make wood block technique easier Naval technology Compass Tea Emergence of a Market Economy Letters of credit developed to deal with copper coin shortages Promissory notes, checks also used Development of independently produced paper money Government claims monopoly on money production in 11th century Patriarchal Social Structures Increased emphasis on ancestor worship Elaborate grave rituals Extended family gatherings in honor of deceased ancestors Footbinding gains popularity Increased control by male family members Footbinding Footbinding “Three Inch Golden Lillies” Western example?