What major changes in political structures, social and economic life occurred during each of the following: The Sui dynasty, the Tang dynasty and the Song dynasty?
What major changes in political structures, social and economic life occurred during each of the following: The Sui dynasty, the Tang dynasty and the Song dynasty?
The Chinese civilization saw seminal developments in the society-economic and political sphere in the times when the Sui dynasty, Tang dynasty and the Song dynasty ruled the land. The respective transformations and advancements have been documented in the pages of history and have interested historians and people alike for their significant characteristics and chronology.
The Sui dynasty was responsible for the unification of the country which was inclusive of the minorities. The kings of the dynasty created the central government system which consisted of Three Councils and Six admissions. The agricultural prosperity boosted the economy of the kingdom. The taxes were moderated (Zutiao System) and the lands were distributed equally (Juntian System). There was rise in skills industry and the commerce thus prospered.
During the Tang dynasty, the reign of Emperor Taizong Li Shimin saw the country prosper socially and economically. The social order was made stable and the national boundaries were kept open for other countries. As Wu Zetian became the emperor, the state economy saw great development. Li Longji’s reign brought more prosperity in the sphere of politics, economy and culture. Chang'an City became the biggest and most flourishing metropolitan city in the entire world.
The Song dynasty was considered a period of ‘golden age’ after the prosperity during the Tang dynasty. The rule consolidated most parts of China into the empire. The society prospered and there was a spurt in cultural achievements. During this time, the productive technology for agriculture was greatly improved. Moreover, the division of labor became very detailed in the handicraft industry and there was huge development of commodity economy.
Thus, these three dynasties are very integral parts of the history of China and have huge roles in the chronological and cumulative development of the country. Their contribution laid the foundations for the future of the land and thus their paramount roles is of omnipotent importance to the study of Chinese history and culture.
References
Sui Dynasty. In TravelChinaGuide. Retrieved from
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/history/sui/
Tang Dynasty. In TravelChinaGuide. Retrieved from
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/history/tang/
Song Dynasty. In TravelChinaGuide. Retrieved from
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/history/song/
