Sui Dynasty Changes
Introduction
This essay provides an overview of the changes that occurred in respect to the political structures, social and economic life during the reign of the Sui, Tang and Song, three of several Chinese dynasties that formed part of the rich and complex 5,000-year history of China.
Sui Dynasty
The Sui Dynasty lasted between 581 and 618 and was during that time led by three emperors. The Sui Dynasty was very much comparable to the Qin Dynasty, which lasted between 221 BC and 206 BC. During the Sui Dynasty the nation experienced great unification including various other economic and political advances (Brebner, 2009). The nation had earlier during the Northern and Southern Dynasties been greatly divided following the prolonged period …show more content…
During this time, enormous changes occurred and the Dynasty grew tremendously, transforming China into one of the most prosperous and powerful nation in the world. In particular, the military, economy, culture and politics were greatly advanced compared to other eras. The country arose from a dark period towards the end of Sui Dynasty when the country fell into chaos under the tyrannical leadership of Emperor Yang. There was the reopening of the northern Silk Road and the revival of trade. Political wise, the national strength recovered significantly between 627 and 649 (Menpes, 2006). Bureaucracy within the Chinese nation was restored during the era of the Tang Dynasty. Also on education, schools were opened to prepare students for service and this contributed greatly in the promotion of culture as students were taught Confucianism and poetry making this age a Golden age of Chinese literature. Social development, commerce and economy flourished considerably characterized by an increasing social order …show more content…
It lasted between 960 C.E. To 1279 C.E (Ebrey, 2010). New methods of farming were invented, including new irrigation techniques such as the dragon backbone pump and digging of underground wells. Further, the amount of farmland grew tremendously with wild lands such as those along the Chang Jiang being converted to cultivated lands. There was also the discovery of a new type of fast-ripening rice hence increasing output. New crops such as cotton were also grown while production of others was increased.
The development of mechanical clock operated with the help of running water added to the list of export commodities in China. Another important development to trade and the nation as a whole was the minting of paper currency replacing the bulky metal currency strings common with merchants (Morton & Lewis, 2005). This explains the resulting large scale commercial economy. China was also able to strengthen its sea power through the invention of the magnetic compass. As a result, there a soaring growth of trade routes along Southeast Asia and Pacific Ocean. The Song Dynasty also had various developments in arts and culture, helping to preserve the social and cultural fabric of the society (Menpes, 2006; Ebrey,
This essay provides an overview of the changes that occurred in respect to the political structures, social and economic life during the reign of the Sui, Tang and Song, three of several Chinese dynasties that formed part of the rich and complex 5,000-year history of China.
Sui Dynasty
The Sui Dynasty lasted between 581 and 618 and was during that time led by three emperors. The Sui Dynasty was very much comparable to the Qin Dynasty, which lasted between 221 BC and 206 BC. During the Sui Dynasty the nation experienced great unification including various other economic and political advances (Brebner, 2009). The nation had earlier during the Northern and Southern Dynasties been greatly divided following the prolonged period …show more content…
During this time, enormous changes occurred and the Dynasty grew tremendously, transforming China into one of the most prosperous and powerful nation in the world. In particular, the military, economy, culture and politics were greatly advanced compared to other eras. The country arose from a dark period towards the end of Sui Dynasty when the country fell into chaos under the tyrannical leadership of Emperor Yang. There was the reopening of the northern Silk Road and the revival of trade. Political wise, the national strength recovered significantly between 627 and 649 (Menpes, 2006). Bureaucracy within the Chinese nation was restored during the era of the Tang Dynasty. Also on education, schools were opened to prepare students for service and this contributed greatly in the promotion of culture as students were taught Confucianism and poetry making this age a Golden age of Chinese literature. Social development, commerce and economy flourished considerably characterized by an increasing social order …show more content…
It lasted between 960 C.E. To 1279 C.E (Ebrey, 2010). New methods of farming were invented, including new irrigation techniques such as the dragon backbone pump and digging of underground wells. Further, the amount of farmland grew tremendously with wild lands such as those along the Chang Jiang being converted to cultivated lands. There was also the discovery of a new type of fast-ripening rice hence increasing output. New crops such as cotton were also grown while production of others was increased.
The development of mechanical clock operated with the help of running water added to the list of export commodities in China. Another important development to trade and the nation as a whole was the minting of paper currency replacing the bulky metal currency strings common with merchants (Morton & Lewis, 2005). This explains the resulting large scale commercial economy. China was also able to strengthen its sea power through the invention of the magnetic compass. As a result, there a soaring growth of trade routes along Southeast Asia and Pacific Ocean. The Song Dynasty also had various developments in arts and culture, helping to preserve the social and cultural fabric of the society (Menpes, 2006; Ebrey,