Chinese Dynasties

(600-1650)

I. Tang Dynasty: (618-907)

Lasted 300 years and became the richest and most powerful country in the world at that time.

1.Tang Taizong: (627-649) powerful Chinese ruler who accomplished many things:* Expanded the empire

*strengthened the government

*built roads and canals

*lowered taxes

*expanded bureaucracy

2. Decline of Tang Dynasty- 907 – due to government corruption, drought, and rebellion

Mandate of Heaven

II. Song Dynasty –-(960-1279) prosperous dynasty but was weakened by invaders and eventually conquered by the Mongols in 1279.

Chinese Inventions Time Period

Porcelain 700’sMechanical Clock

700’s

Block Printing 700’sGunpowder 800’sPaper Money 1020’sMagnetic Compass

1100’s

BlockPrinting

II. Ming Dynasty—(1364-1644) Peaceful and prosperous time for China

1. 1368—Ming Dynasty conquered Mongols and forced them out of China

2. Chinese attitude: Called themselves “Middle Kingdom” illustrating that they saw themselves as the center of the universe

a. This is ethnocentric – attitude that your race/culture is superior to everyone else’s.

3. Zheng He – 1405 - set out with fleet of ships to promote oversea trade and collect tribute [payment] from lesser lords

a. took 7 trips and traveled to Southeast Asia, India, Arabian Peninsula, and along coast of East Africa

4. 1500—Europeans try to establish trade routes with China

a. Chinese were uninterested in European attempts at trade and were untrusting of foreigners after Mongol invasion and rule

b. RESULT = Chinese severely restrict trade with Europe

TRADE

= Isolationism!

Mandate of Heaven