How was the Song dynasty able to continue its prosperity despite threats from the north?

A. More productive farming created a surplus of food, which could be sold.
B. The government’s issuance of paper money created more wealth.
C. Technological innovations such as gunpowder and the compass led to industrialization.
D. The Great Wall and the Grand Canal allowed major cities to remain unoccupied.

i picked d

To determine why the Song dynasty was able to continue its prosperity despite threats from the north, we need to evaluate each option:

A. More productive farming created a surplus of food, which could be sold:
This option suggests that the Song dynasty's agricultural advancements allowed for increased food production, resulting in a surplus. The surplus could be sold, potentially contributing to the dynasty's economic prosperity. This option focuses on the economic aspect of the dynasty's prosperity.

B. The government’s issuance of paper money created more wealth:
According to this option, the Song dynasty issued paper money, leading to increased wealth. Paper money could have facilitated trade and economic activity, potentially contributing to the dynasty's prosperity. This option highlights the financial mechanisms that may have supported their continued prosperity.

C. Technological innovations such as gunpowder and the compass led to industrialization:
This choice suggests that technological advancements like gunpowder and the compass played a role in the Song dynasty's industrialization. Industrialization typically enhances economic development and can lead to increased prosperity. This option emphasizes the role of technology in supporting the dynasty's prosperity.

D. The Great Wall and the Grand Canal allowed major cities to remain unoccupied:
According to this option, the presence of the Great Wall and the Grand Canal helped protect major cities, allowing them to remain unoccupied during threats from the north. This idea suggests that defensive infrastructure enabled the dynasty to maintain its stability and economic activities.

Considering the options, it appears that multiple factors contributed to the Song dynasty's ability to continue its prosperity despite threats from the north. These factors likely included more productive farming, the issuance of paper money, technological innovations, and defensive infrastructure.

Therefore, a comprehensive answer would involve a combination of options A, B, C, and D.