1. Tang and Song China

2. The Tang Dynasty Expands China • Tang Rulers Create a Powerful Empire • Tang Dynasty (618-907) begun by brilliant emperor Tang Taizong.

3. Wu Zhao—only women in China to assume title of emperor. • Tang rulers expand and unify the empire, and strengthen the government.

5. Tang Political Accomplishments • Extended boundaries • Brought Chinese influence to Korea • Created civil service exams • Growth of bureaucracy cuts power of nobles

6. Tang Economic Accomplishments • Increased trade on the Silk Road • Traded tea with Southeast Asia • New inventions: gunpowder, porcelain, mechanical clock, paper money

7. Tang Cultural Changes • Spread of Buddhism • Increase in social mobility • Movement to cities • Decline in women’s status

8. The Tang Lose Power • Tang rulers increase taxes in mid-700s, causing hardship. • Attacks on empire increase; in 907 the last Tang emperor is killed.

9. Song Dynasty Restores China • Turmoil Followed by Strong Rule • In 960, Taizu reunites China, and proclaims Song Dynasty (960-1279). • Song rulers unable to recapture lands lost in the west and north. • In 1100s, Jurchen people arise in Manchuria and set up their own empire. • In 1127, Song rulers are forced south; build new capital at Hangzhou. • Southern Song empire lasts from 1127 to 1279.

11. Astronomical Clock

12. Song Political Characteristics • Ruled mainly Southern China

13. Song Economy • Introduced fast-growing rice that contributed to population growth • Used paper money • Advances in sailing technology such as the magnetic compass lead to the growth of ocean trade

14. Song Culture • New height in artworks • Large population growth, especially in cities

15. A Golden Age of Poetry and Art • Tang period produces great poetry, including works by Li Bo, and Tu Fu. • Song period known for brilliant painting.

17. Changes in Chinese Society • Levels of Society • Power of noble families fades. • Wealthy scholar-officials form new upper class, called the gentry. • Urban middle class below gentry in social structure

18. The Status of Women Status of women always lower than men in China. The status falls even lower during Tang and Song periods. Foot binding of upper-class girls becomes a new custom.