CHAPTER 12

Expansion of China

IN THIS CHAPTER

Summary: The political disorder following the collapse of the Han dynasty was reversed by the
establishment of centralized government under the Sui dynasty (589 to 618 CE). The brief period of
Sui rule was followed by the powerful Tang (618 to 907 CE) and Song (960 to 1279 CE) dynasties.
Although the era of the Tang was characterized by trade and agricultural expansion, that of the Song
produced significant technological advances. At the same time, the Song emphasized Chinese
tradition, including the patriarchal family and Confucian teachings.

Key Terms

abacus
bakufu
bushi
bushido
celadon
daimyo
flying money
footbinding
Gempei Wars
Grand Canal
junks
kowtow
Neo-Confucianism
samurai
scholar-gentry
seppuku
serf