Changes in the Sui, Tang, and Song Dynasty
China’s development had started at a very early point in human history and continued to grow through millennium until the collapse of the Han Dynasty in 221. When China reunified it experienced political, social, and economical changes over a period of 700 years and 3 dynasties. Those dynasties were the Sui, Tang, and Song.
The Sui dynasty contributed the first official use of an essential political system. Within this dynasty, a transportation system was developed that improved shipping, communication, and emergency assistance. The Tang dynasty attempted to integrate some additions to their political system in order to improve chances for better qualified candidates. Within this dynasty, culture greatly enhanced and technology continued upward. The Song dynasty accomplished some of the most important aspects of the three dynasties. Among these accomplishments came a system to develop an even higher qualified base of political officials, agricultural advances for the economy, and an important emphasis on family values.
The Sui dynasty lasted only 38 years. Opportunities for improvements and expansion were opened and advancement was underway. Yang Jian, the first emperor of the Sui dynasty, attempted to bring unification within his people. Unlike his predecessors, he did not utilize Confucianism as the official doctrine; instead, the emperor used Daoism and Buddhism. The emperor then established monasteries and positioned the monks as political advisers. Three departments and six ministries, that began previously, were first officially used during the Sui dynasty. These administrative offices included the three departments of the Secretariat, the Chancellery, and the Department of State Affairs. The six ministries were in charge of justice, personnel, revenue, rites, war, and works. Yang Jian was responsible for the construction that began for a new canal that was 1400 miles long. When he died, his son, Sui Yangdi, became emperor and continued the construction of the Grand Canal. This canal made is possible for quicker shipments and communications, as well as speeding up troops that were going to help a troubled province. Although the Sui dynasty did not last long, the groundwork for the following dynasty, the Tang dynasty, had been achieved.
The Term Paper on The Sui, Sang, Tang Dynasties
... influence this political system had was profound and worked extremely well. The decline of the Sui Dynasty started from the second monarch, Emperor Yang, who ... launched by Huang Chao again severely attacked the Tang regime. In 907, the last Tang emperor, Emperor Ai was forced to abdicate by Chancellor ...
The Tang dynasty lasted just short of 300 years. During these years, many changes and advancements were abroad. Confucianism arose again and bureaucrats were appointed based on civil service examinations. These exams used Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucian texts. Chinese culture exploded during the Tang dynasty. This expansion was largely influenced by Buddhism and inspired art, literature, philosophy, religion, and politics. Students and monks from Japan even arrived in China to study their ways. The economy boosted when technology was advanced. The Tang dynasty perfected the manufacturing of steel, therefore, producing sickles, swords, and suit of armor. Cotton was introduced and gunpowder was invented. Power was briefly seized by one of the emperor’s associates, who had been sentenced to death; yet, the government of the Tang dynasty was greatly damaged and recovery was virtually impossible. Border troubles and rivals overthrew the Tang dynasty during their weakness and chaos, once again, took over until a new dynasty, the Song dynasty came into power.
The Song dynasty is considered to be one of the more successful dynasties. Lasting just over 300 years, the Song dynasty encountered more problems in the beginning than their predecessors. Political candidates were, like the Tang dynasty, appointed based on examination results. However, these exams consisted of three levels and were solely Confucian-based. With each level of exam that was passed, a higher political position could be attained. Training academies were established for students to study before attempting any exam. Although districts were governed by their magistrates, villagers would choose to settle disputes amongst themselves or with the village elders. The Song dynasty grew with more agricultural prosperity with the development of the chain pump for irrigation and the introduction of fast-growing rice, which allowed for the farmers to produce two harvest seasons as opposed to only one. With the reinstated Confucian tradition, obeying one’s parents and seeing to the needs of each parent were among the most important of all moral obligations.
The Term Paper on The Major Change in Sui, Tang Song Dynasty
The Major Change in Sui, Tang Song Dynasty What are the major changes in political structures, social, and economic life in The Sui, Tang, and Song Dynasty. Well during the ... to gain support from nomads. He restored Confucian education and examination system of bureaucrats. Yangdi lost support of nomads by supporting ...
The Sui dynasty, the Tang dynasty, and the Song dynasty played an essential plot in the development of the dynasties to come. Each of their predecessors paved the way for the development of their cultures. The Buddhism used in the Sui dynasty greatly influenced the culture of the Tang dynasty. The first official use of a political system by the Sui dynasty created a commencement for the implementation of examinations by the Tang dynasty. The political examinations developed by the Tang dynasty made it possible for the Song dynasty to find the best qualified political leaders of their time. The Sui dynasty, the Tang dynasty, and the Song dynasty are essential to the history of China, as well as the future.
References
Duiker, William J., and Jackson J. Spielvogel. World Civilizations 1. mason, oh: cengage learning, 2009. Print.
