China possessed the biggest popsicle of power in the time period of 1200-1450
How Song rulers maintained and justified their power
1. Carried over a Revival of Confucianism
2. Increasing use of an imperial bureaucracy
Confucianism
Official Chinese state philosophy, taught that human society was hierarchical by nature
Filial piety
Practice of honoring one's ancestors and parents
Neo-Confucianism
Revival of Confucianism with influence from Buddhist and Taoist philosophical ideas
Neo-Confucianism demonstrates historical continuity between ancient China and the Song period
Women in Song China under Confucianism
Legal rights restricted, property became husband's, forbidden to remarry if widowed or divorced
Practice of foot binding prevalent among elite
Imperial bureaucracy
Governmental entity that carries out the will of the emperor, staffed through civil service examinations based on Confucian classics
Cultural influence of Song China on other states
Korea
Japan
Vietnam
Tributary relationship
Korean officials visiting Song court to acknowledge China's power and pay tribute
Japan adopted Chinese cultural traits voluntarily, not due to threat of invasion
Vietnam adopted Confucianism, Buddhism, Chinese literary techniques and civil service examination system, but women were not as marginalized as in China
Buddhism
Belief system originated in South Asia, with features like Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Karma and rebirth
Theravada Buddhism
Original form of Buddhism, restricted mainly to monks
Mahayana Buddhism
Emphasized Buddhist teachings were available to all, and emphasized compassion
Tibetan Buddhism
Emphasized more mystical practices like lying prostrate and elaborate imaginings of deity
Chan Buddhism
Chinese distinct version of Buddhism
Factors contributing to Song economic prosperity
1. Widespread commercialization of the economy
2. Expansion of iron and steel production
3. Agricultural innovations like Champa rice
4. Transportation innovations like the Grand Canal and improved ship design
Champa rice was drought resistant and could be harvested twice a year, leading to population explosion
Perfection of the magnetic compass and new ship building techniques facilitated increased sea trade and economic prosperity