Politics of the Sui Dynasty: The 29 year Sui Dynasty built the Grand Canal and began the restoration of the Great Wall. This required over-taxation of the peasants.A rebellion in 618 ended the dynasty. The country returned to a focus on establishing a legal code.
The political structure has endured. A central government system united China under a new system. Political unity returned as nomads and nobility were brought together under state control and the bureaucracy was rebuilt. (Craig, et al, 2010). The central government was known as the “System of Three Cabinets and Six Departments” (Sui Dynasty, n.d.). The three cabinets were a legislative policy making branch, a deliberation branch and an executive branch. Departments covered other political needs (personnel, income, formal procedures, justice and the law, and the political workings of the government).The Sui government has been the framework for all governmental systems which have followed.The complicated local governmental systems needed simplification. In addition, terms of office and residency requirements were determined for local officials.
Society of the Sui Dynasty: With the ruling nomads, scholars and scholarly pursuits had been unpopular. The Sui Dynasty brought back education and appreciation of the arts.
Economics of the Sui Dynasty: Responsibility with regards to taxes, land ownership, the census, and standardization of the value of the money strengthened the economy.
Politics of the Tang Dynasty: Military force helped the Tang Dynasty to extend the empire’s borders and influence. Power was shared by the scholarly-elite and imperial families (Craig, et al, 2010) and imperial unity was restored reducing aristocratic rule. A Bureau of Censors was established to oversee all officials. Advancements for civil service were done by examination. Emphasis was placed on knowledge of Chinese literature and Confucian classics.
Society of the Tang Dynasty: Wise governing, national strength, international trade and a strong economy established a stable social order. An open door policy was in place and there was a lack of corruption (Chinese Culture, n.d.)
Economics of the Tang Dynasty: The dynasty faced economic stress due to the focus on the arts and pleasurable existence. Political weakening of power led to further economic distress.
Politics of the Song Dynasty: The policy of examination based on knowledge of Chinese literature and Confucian classics did not create a class of equality during the Song Dynasty. Although a member of the lower classes might succeed in the examinations, the highest positions were given to members of prominent families.The quality of government employees improved with better salaries and as a result of passing examinations.
Society of the Song Dynasty: The revival of Confucian attitudes was prevalent replacing the popular Buddhism. Male dominance was strengthened, and emphasis on rituals and obligation reinforced class, gender and age distinctions (Craig, et al, Chapter 12). This period is remembered for the accomplishments in science, technology, literature, and the fine arts (Craig et al, Chapter 12). With the invention of paper, the literacy level was high.
Economics of the Song Dynasty: Art and technological advances flourished. Due to the canals, rice growing regions became prominent.Trade with other countries was reopened. Exports were traded for luxurious items from the West. Credit was developed and early forms of banks were opened. Paper money was invented. A solid agrarian culture strengthened the economy. Large estates were divided to allow for equal distribution of farming land.
References
* C.E. – Common Era, aka B.C.E. used in order to not offend non-Christians when denoting the time after the birth of Christ
Chinese Culture, (n.d.). Retrieved December 2012 from
Craig, Albert, Graham, William, Kagan, Donald, Ozment, Steven, Turner, Frank, World Civilizations, The Global Experience (AP Edition), (2011), Pearson Education Online, Retrieved December 2012 from
Sui Dynasty, (n.d.). Retrieved December 2012 from
Overall, the chaos which had resulted from the split of China into six dynasties (220-589 C.E.*) was resolved and peace restored during the Sui, Tank and Song dynasties. The Chinese world, long under the rule of the non-Chinese nomads was ready for innovations and reforms in their government, culture, agriculture and technology. As a result of reform, tremendous growth and prosperity was brought to China. The country began to focus on the southern and eastern coastal regions away from the Yangtze valley in the north thus changing the economic and social aspects of the country.