Tang+and+Song

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Summary of Tang and Song

Both the Tang and Song dynasty together ruled from about the early 7th century to the late 13th century and successful brought a spark back the the Chinese Civilization that was gone for so long. After the Sui dynasty the Tang dynasty rose to power and successful restored the empire. They conquered many surround lands in central Asia and Afghanistan which indirectly made their enemies, the nomadic people under their rule. with more land conquered came more responsibility to their empire. the Great Wall was prepared and a new military class emerged along with a scholar gentry class. the scholar gentry class became the well educated officials of the empire. these official were products of the new educational movement going on in the Tang dynasty. more civil exam were given by the Ministry of Rites but the success in the exams were not due to talent but due to social status in society that was later seen in the Song dynasty as well. Since the masses didnt get much recognition they turned to pure land Buddhism that seemed like a peaceful refuge. The elites and the officials however turned towards Zen Buddhism where there was a natural appreciation of nature and beauty. Buddhism though led to the downfall of the Tong Dynasty which gave room for the Song dyansty to emerge. Unlike Empress Wei, emperor Xuanzong took more interest in economic and political reforms rather than religion and intellectual projects. oppositions were crushed and alliances made through nomadic people led to regional leaders which lead to tax revenue. also the invention of the junk ships and the introduction of the the canal and new crops help self sufficent economy as well as long term trade. Unlike the Tong dyansty the Song dynasty focused on more Neo-Confucian religion but they did share the same idea of improving education and the bereaucracy with civil service exams and well educated people.