Changes

About 50 years after the fall of the Tang dynasty, the Song dynasty united China again under centralized rule.  This dynasty governed for about 300 years, from A.D. 960 to 1279.  It emphasized education even more than the Tang dynasty did.  Art and literature thrived.  Paper money was invented during the Song dynasty.

About 50 years after the fall of the Tang dynasty, the Song dynasty united China again under centralized rule.  This dynasty governed for about 300 years, from A.D. 960 to 1279.  It emphasized education even more than the Tang dynasty did.  Art and literature thrived.  Paper money was invented during the Song dynasty.

The Song dynasty ultimately collapsed from too much bureaucracy and its weak military.  It was unable to fight off invading tribes like the Khitan and the Jurchen, which invaded north China and forced the Song dynasty to the south.  The Mongols then took over southern China in 1279, causing the complete end of the Song dynasty.

The Song dynasty ultimately collapsed from too much bureaucracy and its weak military.  It was unable to fight off invading tribes like the Khitan and the Jurchen, which invaded north China and forced the Song dynasty southward.   

 

The Mongols (whom we studied in the last lecture) then took over southern China in 1279, causing the complete end or demise of the Song dynasty.

===Culture, Trade and Religion under the Tang and Song Dynasties===

===Culture, Trade and Religion under the Tang and Song Dynasties===