«—[Preface]—»
The Tang Dynasty was the first peak period in Chinese history to develop a commodity economy. The development of the commodity economy in the Tang Dynasty not only promoted the prosperity of commerce and handicrafts, but also promoted the development of the city and the further development of the social economy.
This paper discusses the development background, characteristics and influence of the commodity economy of the Tang Dynasty, in order to gain a deeper understanding of the development of the commodity economy of the Tang Dynasty and its impact on Chinese history.
«—[Development Background and Emergence Conditions]—»
The Tang Dynasty was the first period of economic and cultural prosperity in Chinese feudal society. The development of the commodity economy in the Tang Dynasty was inseparable from the social and economic development at that time. With the development of the country's economy and culture, the commodity economy of the Tang Dynasty gradually grew.
1. Government support
The Tang Dynasty's emphasis on commerce and economic development was not only reflected in policy, but also in administrative management and military defense.
During the Tang Dynasty, many laws and policies related to commerce and economic development were formulated, such as the "Chang'an City Law", "Municipal Regulations", "Water and Land Commercial Law", etc., which provided guarantees and norms for commercial and economic development.
The Tang government also advocated and supported merchants to form chambers of commerce to promote commercial and economic development. Various chambers of commerce and business organizations are emerging, and these chambers of commerce are not only joint organizations between businessmen, but also important carriers of business culture and an important part of social culture.
In general, the attention and support of the Tang Dynasty government made great progress in the commercial and economic development of the Tang Dynasty. At the same time, the development and prosperity of commerce in the Tang Dynasty also promoted the progress and development of the economy, culture, science and technology of the Tang Dynasty.
2. Business development
A business intermediary is a person or institution that acts as a bridge in business activities
They facilitate smooth business transactions by providing a variety of services and resources. In the Tang Dynasty, the development of commercial intermediaries played a crucial role in promoting the development of the commodity economy.
Xingshang was a special kind of merchant in the Tang Dynasty
They are usually engaged in the trading activities of bulk commodities such as salt, iron, silk, etc. Traders move goods from the place of production to the market through a series of processes such as acquisition, transportation, storage and sale. Their presence made it easier for goods to circulate, while also promoting economic ties between different regions.
A trader is a merchant who specializes in the trading of commodities
In the Tang Dynasty, with the development of the commodity economy, the status of traders continued to increase. They make important contributions to socio-economic development by transferring commodities from producers to consumers through acquisition, storage, distribution and marketing.
In order to regulate trading behavior, the Tang Dynasty government formulated a series of laws and regulations, such as "Tang Law Shun Discussion" and "Tang Huiyi", which provided traders with a more standardized trading environment.
Cabinet was a financial institution in the Tang Dynasty
Mainly engaged in deposit and loan business. Cabinets are usually founded by merchants or wealthy households who earn the difference in price by absorbing idle funds from society and providing loans to those who need it.
The emergence of cabinets has played an important role in the development of commodity economy, they provide convenient loan services for businessmen, and promote the accumulation and circulation of commercial capital.
In general, the development of commercial intermediaries was an important symbol of the development of the commodity economy in the Tang Dynasty. They facilitate the circulation and trading of goods by providing various services and resources, making business activities more convenient and standardized.
3. Improvement of transportation and trade modes
The improvement of transportation and trade methods in the Tang Dynasty played a crucial role in the development of the commodity economy. In addition to the opening of the Grand Canal, the Tang Dynasty also established an extensive land transportation network, such as post stations and postal transmissions.
The construction and operation of these transportation facilities provide a guarantee for the rapid transportation of goods, and at the same time reduce transportation costs and promote the development of commodity economy.
The Tang Dynasty also developed maritime trade and established several seaports, such as Guangzhou, Quanzhou, Hangzhou, etc., to facilitate the import and export of goods. With the development of international trade in the Tang Dynasty, maritime trade became more and more important.
In terms of trade methods, commercial activities in the Tang Dynasty were gradually standardized, and commercial transactions and currency exchanges were more convenient and safe. The monetary system of the Tang Dynasty became more and more perfect, creating the copper money system, and some silver money and money appeared, and the scope of currency circulation gradually expanded.
In short, the improvement of transportation and trade methods in the Tang Dynasty provided strong support for the development of the commodity economy. These improvements not only promoted the production and circulation of commodities, but also opened up a broader space for economic and cultural exchanges, further promoting the economic and cultural prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.
«—[Characteristics of commodity economy development]—»
1. Extensive development of the commodity economy
With the continuous development of the commodity economy in the Tang Dynasty, the form and scale of commercial activities were also expanding, and the scope of commercial areas was gradually expanding.
In cities, commercial streets, markets and bazaars are the main places of commercial activity. The commercial streets and markets in the city are the distribution centers for the exchange of various goods, while the bazaars are the commercial centers of the rural areas surrounding the city. In addition, merchants also carry out business activities by organizing chambers of commerce, establishing warehouses, etc.
In addition to currency transactions, the commerce of the Tang Dynasty also appeared in the form of barter. The currency of the Tang Dynasty mainly includes copper coins, cloth coins, silver ingots, etc., of which copper coins are the main form of currency of the Tang Dynasty.
In addition to currency exchange, there is also credit trading, which is mainly achieved through counters and exchange tickets. Exchange ticket is a kind of bill issued by the cabinet store, the holder can exchange it at the cabinet, this credit transaction method facilitates the development of commercial activities.
Merchants in the Tang Dynasty carried out commercial activities by organizing chambers of commerce. The Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary business organization formed by businessmen in the same industry or city, the purpose of which is to safeguard the interests of businessmen and promote business exchanges and cooperation.
The Chamber of Commerce can provide information, mediate disputes, mutual loans and other services, which is conducive to the economic cooperation and development of businessmen, and has become one of the important organizational forms of businessmen.
In short, the development of the commodity economy in the Tang Dynasty not only improved the type, quality and quantity of commodities, but also improved the circulation and trading methods of commodities.
The scope of commercial areas is constantly expanding, the form and scale of commercial activities are also constantly changing, and the development of commercial activities is facilitated and guaranteed by means of chambers of commerce, currency exchange and credit transactions.
2. The rise of the financial industry
The development of the commercial economy in the Tang Dynasty played a key role in the rise of the financial industry.
In the early days of the Tang Dynasty, the circulation of money was not very convenient, and people mainly bartered. With the development of the commodity economy, the use of money has gradually become popular.
In order to facilitate commercial trade, the Tang Dynasty government began to issue copper coins, and strengthened the management of coins, formulated currency production standards and implemented quantitative issuance policies, the promotion of these policies laid the foundation for the popularization and use of currency.
With the popularity of the use of money, the financial industry began to gradually rise
During the Tang Dynasty, many currency exchange houses and cabinets appeared, and the emergence of these institutions facilitated commercial trade. Cabinets can provide credit guarantees, deposits, loans and other services, so that merchants can carry out business activities more conveniently.
At the same time, currency exchange and remittance services are also provided to merchants, so that merchants can conduct domestic and foreign trade more efficiently. At the same time, it also facilitated the government's taxation and became an important part of the social economy of the Tang Dynasty.
In general, the development of the commodity economy of the Tang Dynasty promoted the popularization of the use of money and the rise of the financial industry, and also provided financial support for the economic and cultural development of the Tang Dynasty.
3. The commodity economy and the cultural economy promote each other
The mutual promotion of the commodity economy and the cultural economy of the Tang Dynasty promoted the prosperity of the manufacture and sale of cultural artworks.
In the Tang Dynasty, ceramic production techniques reached a high level, and porcelain such as Tang Sancai and blue and white porcelain appeared. Blue and white porcelain only gradually appeared in the late Tang Dynasty, and its unique cyan pattern is famous all over the world.
In addition to ceramics, the Tang Dynasty's silk handicrafts have a wide variety, fancy silk, brocade, embroidery, etc., the manufacture and sales of these silk products not only drove the development of the silk industry, but also provided a new growth point for the commodity economy at that time.
Calligraphy and painting in the Tang Dynasty became an important part of the commodity economy. The calligraphy works of Tang calligraphers are considered national treasures of the Tang Dynasty and are also treasures among the artworks of the ancient dynasty. The paintings of the Tang Dynasty are also mainly landscape paintings, flowers and birds, and the works are rich and diverse, exquisite in skill, and widely spread.
In short, the development of the commodity economy of the Tang Dynasty complemented the prosperity of culture, making cultural artworks an important part of the commodity economy at that time, and promoting the economic and cultural prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.
The prosperity of commerce in the Tang Dynasty also promoted the development and prosperity of the city, and the size and population of the city were also expanding. At the same time, the way of commodity circulation in the Tang Dynasty also gradually changed, special markets and commercial streets appeared, commodity trading gradually changed from a single stall trade to a large-scale market transaction, and commercial activities became more prosperous.
The development of the commodity economy in the Tang Dynasty was one of the prosperous periods in Chinese history, affecting not only China at that time, but also the economic and cultural development of East Asia and the rest of the world.
«—[The impact of the development of the commodity economy in the Tang Dynasty]—»
1. Changes in social class
The prosperity and development of the commodity economy in the Tang Dynasty led to changes in social classes. The group of merchants gradually became an important force in society due to their increased status in the commodity economy, and their social status also improved. As the status of the merchant group increased, the status of other social classes changed accordingly.
The status of the first merchant class was raised
With the development of the commodity economy and the prosperity of business culture, merchants gradually became an important force in society, and their social status gradually improved. The status of Tang merchants was mainly obtained through their success in the commercial economy and the accumulation of wealth, and some merchants even became officials or nobles.
The status of farmers and artisans has declined
Especially in the late Tang Dynasty, due to the economic depression and the weakening of national strength, many peasants and handicraftsmen gradually became poor, and their social status further declined.
The position of the bureaucracy and aristocracy was shaken
In the process of the development of the commodity economy in the Tang Dynasty, the group of merchants gradually became a symbol of wealth and strength, and their status in the economy and society gradually increased. This somewhat eroded the position of the bureaucracy and aristocracy, as their wealth and power were relatively diluted.
In general, the development of the commodity economy in the Tang Dynasty not only provided strong support for economic and cultural prosperity, but also led to changes in social classes. These changes reflected the social and economic development and changes at that time, and left an important imprint on the development of Chinese history.
2. Promote the development of cities
In the development of the commodity economy of the Tang Dynasty, the city became the center of commercial activity. Merchants gathered in the city to trade goods, which not only stimulated the development of the city's economy, but also promoted the prosperity of the city's culture and art.
During the Tang Dynasty, many cities developed rapidly, such as Chang'an, the capital at the time, which became a bustling commercial city with many bustling commercial districts and markets. Other cities such as Luoyang, Yangzhou and Chengdu have also developed rapidly.
The population of these cities is increasing, the size of the city is expanding, and the face of the city has changed dramatically. As cities grow, the architecture in cities becomes more ornate and refined, and urban culture becomes more prosperous. The development of these cities also provided important support for the economic and cultural prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.
3. Promote the prosperity of culture and art
The development of the commodity economy of the Tang Dynasty largely promoted the prosperity of culture and art in the Tang Dynasty. With the development of the commodity economy and the rise of cities, people's lives have become more colorful, and the demand for cultural artworks has become higher and higher.
In this context, the culture and art of the Tang Dynasty also flourished. For example, the poetry of the Tang Dynasty became the center of literary and artistic activity at that time, and Tang poetry is also known as the pinnacle of ancient Chinese poetry.
The painting and sculpture art of the Tang Dynasty also made great progress, such as the murals and Buddha statues in the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, as well as works such as Tang Sancai terracotta figurines, all of which expressed the glorious achievements of Tang Dynasty culture and art.
The manufacture and exchange of these cultural artworks also injected new vitality into the economic prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. Therefore, the prosperity of the commodity economy and culture and art of the Tang Dynasty was a mutually reinforcing and mutually supportive relationship.
4. Impact on the world economy
The Silk Road trade and merchant shipping activities during the Tang Dynasty also had an important impact on world trade and cultural exchanges. China's silk, tea, porcelain and other commodities flowed to West Asia, Europe and other places, and also made spices, agate, and other commodities in West Asia and Europe flow to China.
The navigation technology of merchant ships of the Tang Dynasty was greatly improved, so that Tang Dynasty merchants could trade on the sea, often sailing to Southeast Asia, South Asia, Japan and other places, and even reaching the Arabian Peninsula, the east coast of Africa and other places.
The exchange and trade of these commodities has made the economic and cultural exchanges between China and neighboring countries and regions closer, and has also made important contributions to world trade and cultural exchanges.
«—[Summary]—»
To sum up, the author believes that the commercial activities of the Tang Dynasty played a pivotal role in the development of Chinese society, and greatly promoted the development of Tang Dynasty society and social progress. On this basis, it played a positive role in the development of Tang Dynasty society and the world economy. #历史开讲 #
Bibliography:
1. Tao Xisheng, Economic History of the Tang Dynasty, Shanxi People's Publishing House
2. Zhang Zexian, Tang Dynasty Industry and Commerce, China Social Sciences Press
3. (Tang) Li Tai, "Records of the Ancient Places", Zhonghua Bookstore, 1980
4. (Song) Song Minqiu, Collection of Tang Dae's Edicts, Beijing Commercial Press, 1959
5. (Tang) Xuanzang, Records of the Western Regions of the Tang Dynasty, Guangxi Normal University Press, 2007