Chapter 8 Summary

China throughout history was a key world power. In world of third-wave civilizations, China created a world order favorable to itself in East Asia. Buddhism through trade took root in China. Collapse of Han dynasty in 220 created a period of political fragmentation in China. Northern nomads launched incursions into China. China was reunited under the Sui Dynasty briefly. This dynasty created an extension to the canal system. Tang and Song Dynasties established patterns of Chinese life which endured into the modern age. This was the "golden age" of arts, literature, ceramics. During Song Dynasty, there was a rise in Neo-Confucianism. They created six major ministries. Personnel, finance, army, justice and public works. There also was a censorate, which exercised surveillance over rest of the government. Tang Empire was based on the system of meritocracy. During Tang and Song dynasties, China had experienced a very rapid population growth. China in this time also developed a system of waterways, canals, rivers and lakes to supply it's cities. However, Song Dynasty China had much less freedom for it's women. Patriarchal restrictions on life of women began to grow. Raids by nomads made life much more difficult. Male behavior was described more an more by calligraphy, scholarship, painting and poetry. Foot binding tradition also developed during this time. Northern nomads were also drawn like a magnet to China. Nomadic tribes however often raided China and took tribute from it.