Developments in EAST ASIA [AP World Review Unit 1 Topic 1]

Developments in East Asia: The Song Dynasty (1200-1450)

Introduction to the Song Dynasty

• The course begins with an overview of developments in East Asia, focusing on the Song Dynasty in China from 1200 to 1450.

• Emphasizes China's significant influence during this period, highlighting its status as a major power.

Maintaining and Justifying Power

Confucianism's Role

• Discussion on how Song rulers maintained their authority through the revival of Confucianism, which had been the state philosophy since the Han Dynasty around 200 BCE.

• Confucianism established a hierarchical society where relationships were defined by unequal power dynamics (e.g., fathers over sons).

Filial Piety and Social Order

• Key concept of filial piety emphasized honoring ancestors and parents, which was used to promote loyalty to the Emperor.

• The revival of Confucian ideals post-Han Dynasty led to societal stability but also reinforced gender inequalities.

Neo-Confucianism

• Introduction of Neo-Confucianism, blending traditional Confucian ideas with Buddhist and Taoist influences, showcasing historical continuity and innovation during the Song period.

Gender Inequality Under Song Rule

Women's Subordination

• Women were placed in subordinate roles within society; legal rights were restricted under Confucian principles.

• Examples include property rights transferring to husbands upon marriage and restrictions on remarriage for widows or divorced women.

Foot Binding Practice

• Foot binding became a symbol of status among elite families; it involved physically altering young girls' feet, leading to severe mobility issues as a means of demonstrating wealth.

Bureaucratic Governance

Imperial Bureaucracy Expansion

• The second method for maintaining power involved expanding an imperial bureaucracy that enforced the emperor's will across China.

Civil Service Examination System

Song Dynasty Bureaucracy and Cultural Influence

The Role of Merit in Bureaucracy

• Song rulers maintained their power by staffing the bureaucracy with qualified individuals, ensuring jobs were awarded based on merit rather than connections, contrasting with practices from the Han Dynasty.

• This meritocratic system increased the competency and efficiency of bureaucratic functions, which was crucial for tax collection and governance.

Cultural Influence on Neighboring States

Korea's Tributary Relationship

• Korea maintained a tributary relationship with China, allowing it to remain politically independent while acknowledging Chinese supremacy through ceremonial visits to the Song Court.

• This relationship facilitated cultural exchange; Korean elites adopted aspects of Chinese culture, including a similar civil service examination system and Confucian principles that influenced family structures.

Japan's Voluntary Adoption of Culture

• Unlike Korea, Japan adopted Chinese cultural traits voluntarily without the threat of invasion. Major cultural borrowing occurred between the 7th and 9th centuries CE.

• Japanese society reorganized its power structure based on observations from China's imperial bureaucracy, adopting Buddhism and the Chinese writing system selectively.

Vietnam's Unique Adaptation

• Vietnam had a similar tributary relationship with China but retained political independence. Vietnamese elites also embraced Confucianism and Buddhist practices.

• Despite adopting these influences, women in Vietnam experienced less marginalization compared to their counterparts in China; notable female figures emerged in Vietnamese history.

Buddhism's Evolution in East Asia

Introduction to Buddhism

• Buddhism originated in South Asia but spread to China during the Han Dynasty. Its core teachings are encapsulated in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Branches of Buddhism

• Theravada Buddhism emphasizes individual escape from suffering through monastic life but is accessible only to a select few monks.

• Mahayana Buddhism emerged as a more inclusive branch that emphasized compassion and made Buddha an object of devotion available to all practitioners.

Tibetan Buddhism

• As Buddhism spread into Tibet, it evolved further into Tibetan Buddhism, which incorporated mystical practices alongside traditional doctrines.

Conclusion: The Role of Traditional Ideas vs. New Influences

The Economic Prosperity of Song Dynasty China

Overview of Chan Buddhism and Economic Context

• The discussion begins with the development of Chan Buddhism in China, highlighting its distinct characteristics.

• Transitioning to the economic landscape, it is noted that the Song Dynasty experienced significant prosperity, although this trend began during the preceding Tang Dynasty.

Key Factors Contributing to Economic Growth

1. Widespread Commercialization

• China's economy became increasingly commercialized, producing more goods than necessary for survival and selling excess on the world market.

• The adoption of paper money facilitated credit use and promissory notes, enhancing commercial activities.

2. Expansion of Iron and Steel Production

• By the 11th century, both large-scale manufacturers and home-based artisans significantly increased iron and steel production.

• This surge supported military needs (armor), trade (coins), and agricultural tools.

3. Agricultural Innovations

• Innovations such as iron plows improved agricultural efficiency.

• The introduction of Champa rice from Vietnam was pivotal; it was drought-resistant and could be harvested twice a year, effectively doubling output.

4. Population Growth Implications

• Increased food supply led to a population explosion in China, which was already the most populous state globally at that time.

5. Transportation Innovations

• Enhancements in transportation included expanding the Grand Canal for cheaper regional trade.