What features are associated with the dynasties of the Tang (618–907) and Song (960–1279)?
economic problems and political violence
prosperity, stable government, and advances in farming
development of government bureaucracy
overseas conquests and colonization
Some features associated with the dynasties of the Tang (618–907) and Song (960–1279) include:
1. Economic Problems and Political Violence: Both dynasties faced periods of economic instability, such as the An Lushan Rebellion during the Tang Dynasty and the Huang Chao Rebellion during the late Tang and early Song periods. These upheavals led to a decline in central control and contributed to political violence.
2. Prosperity, Stable Government, and Advances in Farming: Despite the aforementioned challenges, the Tang and Song dynasties saw periods of relative stability and economic prosperity. There were advancements in agriculture, including the widespread use of fast-ripening rice during the Song Dynasty, leading to increased agricultural productivity.
3. Development of Government Bureaucracy: Both dynasties established a strong central government bureaucracy to maintain control over their vast territories. The Tang Dynasty implemented a system known as the "Three Departments and Six Ministries," while the Song Dynasty further developed this bureaucratic structure.
4. Overseas Conquests and Colonization: During the Tang Dynasty, China established control over various regions in Central Asia, such as present-day Xinjiang and Tibet. They also embarked on maritime expeditions, including missions to the Korean Peninsula and Japan. The Song Dynasty, while not known for extensive overseas conquests, did undertake naval expeditions and established trading relationships with regions such as Southeast Asia.
It is important to note that these features varied in significance and occurrence throughout the duration of each dynasty, and different emperors and periods within each dynasty had varying degrees of success in implementing these features.