Which statement explains a way in which power shifted as a result of the development of the scholar elite class during the Song Dynasty?
Responses
The scholar elite became unpopular with the common people.
The scholar elite began to replace military leaders in controlling the government.
The scholar elite lost their power to military leaders’ growing influence.
Influential families were able to take power from military leaders.
The scholar elite began to replace military leaders in controlling the government.
The correct statement is: The scholar elite began to replace military leaders in controlling the government.
The statement that explains a way in which power shifted as a result of the development of the scholar elite class during the Song Dynasty is: "The scholar elite began to replace military leaders in controlling the government."
To understand how this power shift occurred, it is important to have a basic understanding of the Song Dynasty and the role of the scholar elite class. The Song Dynasty, which lasted from 960 to 1279 CE, was a period of significant cultural and intellectual development in China. The scholar elite played a crucial role during this time as they were educated individuals who excelled in civil examinations and were selected to serve in the government.
During the Song Dynasty, power was traditionally held by military leaders who controlled the government and held high-ranking positions. However, there was a shift in power dynamics with the rise of the scholar elite. As a result of their extensive education and merit-based selection process, the scholar elite began to replace military leaders in controlling the government.
The civil service examinations, which became the primary means of appointing officials during the Song Dynasty, allowed the scholar elite to ascend to positions of power. These examinations tested individuals on their knowledge of Confucian classics, poetry, and administrative matters. By excelling in these exams, the scholar elite could secure high-ranking positions in the government, gradually encroaching on the authority previously held by military leaders.
This change in power dynamics was not immediate, and there were likely periods of both resistance and cooperation between the scholar elite and the military leaders. However, over time, the influence and control of the scholar elite increased, leading to a significant shift in power away from the military leaders and towards the educated scholar class.
Overall, the gradual replacement of military leaders by the scholar elite in controlling the government is an important aspect of the power shift that occurred during the Song Dynasty as a result of the development of the scholar elite class.