10: Chinese Dynasties
- Page ID
- 72159
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 10.1: Technological Advancements under the Song
- This page discusses the Song dynasty's notable technological advancements, including civil engineering, metallurgy, and navigation. Key innovations featured movable type printing, enhancing knowledge dissemination, and advancements in gunpowder weaponry for defense. Improvements in cartography included standardized maps and navigational tools. Significant contributions from mathematicians introduced concepts like Pascal's triangle and the zero symbol.
- 10.2: The Mongol Invasions
- This page discusses the Yuan dynasty, founded by Kublai Khan in 1271 as the first foreign rule over China. It evolved from the Mongol Empire amid conflict with the Song dynasty. Kublai embraced Chinese customs, centralized governance, and claimed the Mandate of Heaven. The dynasty is noted for reuniting China post-Tang fragmentation, blending Mongol and Chinese systems despite facing civil unrest and external challenges.
- 10.3: Trade and Currency under the Yuan
- This page discusses the Yuan dynasty founded by Kublai Khan, highlighting its role in reviving the Silk Road and establishing Pax Mongolica for trade peace. It notes Marco Polo's observations of innovations like chao, a unified currency. The dynasty aimed to standardize currency while respecting local coinage, contributing to vibrant trade via both the Silk Road and Maritime Silk Road, which enhanced cultural and economic exchanges between East and West.
- 10.4: Decline of the Yuan Dynasty
- This page summarizes the decline of the Yuan dynasty, marked by struggles, disasters, and the Red Turban Rebellion. Emperor Toghun Temür's reliance on local warlords weakened central authority, leading to his flight in 1368 when the Ming dynasty rose. The remnants of the Yuan retreated to Mongolia, forming the Northern Yuan, which faced eventual defeat by the Ming and saw leadership transitions to descendants of Genghis Khan over the centuries.
- 10.5: Rise of the Ming Dynasty
- This page covers the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), established by Zhu Yuanzhang after the fall of the Yuan dynasty due to various issues, including ethnic discrimination and natural disasters. Zhu emerged as a prominent leader, capturing Nanjing and Beijing to declare the Ming. The dynasty is renowned for its strong navy, major construction projects, and stable governance rooted in Confucian ideals, alongside an effective civil service system.
- 10.6: The Economy under the Ming Dynasty
- This page discusses the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) in China, highlighting its economic growth and agricultural reforms initiated by the Hongwu Emperor, which included land distribution to peasants and reduced taxes. While these policies fostered a market economy and initial prosperity, issues like currency reliance on silver, bureaucratic corruption, and land encroachment posed challenges for peasants, who were nonetheless encouraged to cultivate and own land through supportive public policies.
- 10.7: The Role of Foreign Trade
- This page discusses the impact of the Ming dynasty's haijin policy on foreign trade, highlighting its initial restrictions and later reversals that benefited foreign intermediaries like the Portuguese and Spanish. It notes the economic changes from silver and New World crops, government support for infrastructure, and the subsequent rise of merchant power.
- 10.8: Art under the Ming Dynasty
- This page outlines the significant cultural advancements during the Ming dynasty, highlighting developments in literature, painting, and ceramics. The emergence of vernacular novels broadened literary appeal, while authors like Xu Xiake and Yuan Hongdao made contributions in travel writing and poetry. Visual arts saw innovation with renowned painters and new techniques, and Jingdezhen ceramics gained international acclaim.
- 10.9: Fall of the Ming Dynasty
- This page outlines the fall of the Ming dynasty, attributed to economic crises, famines, natural disasters, and weak leadership that fueled public discontent and peasant uprisings, particularly by Li Zicheng. The Manchu forces, led by Nurhaci, declared war, leading to the conquest of the Ming. The last emperor, Chongzhen, committed suicide as Beijing fell to rebels and Manchus, culminating in the establishment of the Qing dynasty in 1644.
- 10.10: Rise of the Tang Dynasty
- This page outlines the emergence of the Tang dynasty after the Sui dynasty's collapse due to military and civil strife, leading to the rise of Li Yuan as emperor in 618. The Tang period marked significant territorial expansion and cultural achievements, highlighted by figures like Empress Wu and Emperor Xuanzong, who presided over a golden age. However, the dynasty faced challenges from rebellion and a decline in central authority.
- 10.11: Trade Under the Tang Dynasty
- This page discusses the Tang dynasty's flourishing trade driven by the revitalized Silk Road and maritime activities, enhancing cultural and economic exchanges with regions like the Middle East and India. It highlights the introduction of new technologies and the export of silks and ceramics, along with the peak of cosmopolitan urban centers. Despite issues like banditry and piracy, foreign merchants played a vital role in the Tang economy, showcasing the era's dynamic trade networks.
- 10.12: Religion Under the Tang Dynasty
- This page discusses the Tang dynasty's promotion of Taoism, linking it with Buddhism, Confucianism, and folk traditions, while highlighting Buddhism's significant cultural impact. However, by the late 8th and 9th centuries, Buddhism experienced decline and persecution under Emperor Wuzong. The dynasty also acknowledged foreign religions, such as Nestorian Christianity. Overall, religion significantly influenced political power dynamics and public practices during this period.
- 10.13: The Literati
- This page discusses the Tang dynasty's civil service system that recruited scholar-officials through standardized exams, fostering governance and education based on Confucian values. Wu Zetian's reforms made the system more accessible to those from lower backgrounds, promoting meritocracy. However, the system struggled with corruption and inefficiencies in the military due to Confucian biases.
- 10.14: Decline of the Tang Dynasty
- This page outlines the decline of the Tang dynasty, emphasizing the An Lushan Rebellion that weakened central power and empowered regional governors. It highlights the political instability that followed, including the devastation from the Huang Chao Rebellion. The summary concludes with the usurpation of the throne by Zhu Wen in 907, leading to the fragmented era known as the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms.
- 10.15: Origins of the Song Dynasty
- This page details the Song dynasty (960-1279), a pivotal period in Chinese history initiated by Emperor Taizu. It was the first to issue banknotes and develop a permanent navy, seeing significant technological advances like gunpowder and the compass. The dynasty is divided into Northern and Southern periods, where it fostered cultural and intellectual growth in literature and philosophy while adapting military strategies in response to losses against the Jurchen Jin dynasty.
- 10.16: The Northern Song Era
- This page discusses the Northern Song Dynasty, founded by Emperor Taizu, which unified China and established a robust government. It faced military and diplomatic challenges from the Khitans and Tanguts, amid political rivalries over reforms by Wang Anshi. The Jurchen rebellion against the Liao sparked the Jin–Song Wars, leading to the loss of northern territories and a capital shift to Lin’an, signifying the onset of the Southern Song dynasty.
- 10.17: The Southern Song Era
- This page discusses the Southern Song dynasty's rise after the Northern Song's capture, highlighting its economic revitalization and military advancements, including the formation of China's first permanent navy. It covers the technological innovations during the Jin-Song Wars and the eventual conquest by the Mongols, leading to the Yuan dynasty's establishment under Kublai Khan in 1271 and the Song's defeat in 1279.
- 10.18: Culture Under the Song Dynasty
- This page highlights the Song dynasty's administrative sophistication and rich cultural life, characterized by public festivals, female participation in business, and diverse religious practices, including Daoism and Buddhism. The arts, especially landscape painting and literature, thrived alongside an emphasis on Confucian intellectual pursuits.