chapter 13 Flashcards
the resurgence of empire in east asia
Who was Yang Jian?
He was an ambitious ruler in northern China who embarked on a series of military campaigns and founding the Sui dynasty to bring China under centralized imperial rule in the late sixth century.
How did Yang Jian rise to power?
- Turkish ruler appointed him duke of Sui in northern China
- Patron died, left seven year-old son as heir
- Yang Jian forced his abdication and took the throne/”mandate of heaven” for himself
- Sent military expeditions into central Asia and southern China
What did the emperors of the Sui dynasty emphasize?
- enormous demands on subjects in building strong, centralized government
- elaborate construction projects that relied on conscripted laborers
Who initiated construction of the Grand Canal?
Supposedly the first emperor initiated the project, and Sui Yangi, the second emperor of the Sui, completed work on the canal
What was significant about the Grand Canal?
- Series of artificial waterways that connected north and southern China
- paid enormous dividends for the future and integrated economies of north and south China, establishing economic foundation for political and cultural unity
- principal conduit for internal trade
In what direction did most of the rivers in China flow?
West to east
Why did the Sui dynasty fall?
Discontented subjects from all of Sui Yangdi’s projects involving conscripted laborers prompting rebellions to break out. Eventually a disgruntled minister assassinated Sui Yangdi in 618.
About how long did the Sui dynasty last?
589-618 CE, a little less than 30 years
How long did the Tang dynasty reign?
618-907 CE, almost 300 years
Who was Tang Taizong?
ambitious and ruthless second emperor of the Tang dynasty
What was the capital of the Tang dynasty?
Chang’an
What were the three policies that helped to explain the success of the early Tang dynasty?
- maintenance of a well-articulated transportation and communications network
- distribution of land according to the principles of the equal field system
- reliance on bureaucracy based on merit
(all three of which originated in the Sui dynasty, but applied more systematically by Tang)
How did Tang Taizong come to power?
Ruthlessly; Killed both of his brothers, and pushed his father (supposedly the first Tang emperor) aside
What was the equal-field system?
Allotment of land to individuals and their families according to land’s fertility and recipient’s needs
What was the purpose of the equal-field system?
1) ensure equitable distribution of land
2) avoid concentration of landed property that had caused social problems during Han dynasty
