In many chapters of Chinese history, the Song dynasty is often labelled as a "weak state", with its civil rule over martial arts, and its repeated humiliation in the face of foreign enemies. However, from a Western perspective, this period is seen as a peak in Chinese history.
This view challenged the traditional historiographical view of the Han and Tang dynasties as a golden age, and sparked extensive discussion and research.
System development
In the glorious chapter of the Song Dynasty, the construction of its system can be called a historical monument. Zhao Kuangyin, Taizu of the Song Dynasty, with his profound wisdom, implemented a series of groundbreaking policies: he advocated the rule of culture and suppressed the power of military attachés;
Advocating the concept of co-governance between monarchs and ministers, and using the strategy of high salaries to ensure the integrity of officials. The implementation of these policies not only consolidated the centralized power system, but also strengthened the authority of the emperor, and at the same time dispersed the power of hundreds of officials, forming an effective check and balance of power.
These achievements of the Song Dynasty system not only had a far-reaching impact at that time, but also provided valuable experience for the construction of later generations.
Through an in-depth study of this period of history, we can more clearly understand that the long-term peace and stability of a country is inseparable from the design of its system. However, the military inability has led to the constant cession of land and indemnity.
The GDP is the largest in the world
In exploring the economic mysteries of history, the research of British economic historian Maddison reveals a striking fact: looking back at the history of thousands of years, we find the extraordinary economic achievements of the Song Dynasty.
In 1990 dollar terms, the per capita GDP of the Song Dynasty since its founding in 960 AD was only $450. However, as the years went by, by the end of the Song Dynasty, this figure not only more than doubled to $600, but also showed a surprising lead in comparison.
The magnificent picture scroll of "Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival" is a vivid testimony to the economic prosperity at that time. At that time, the population of the Song Dynasty exceeded the 100 million mark, ahead of the rest of the world. It not only encourages business development, but also vigorously supports the market economy.
Especially in the Northern Song Dynasty, the commercial tax was as high as 50 million guan, a figure that even surpassed that of the later Ming Dynasty.
During the Southern Song Dynasty, the revenue of the city (customs) was even more astonishing, and its annual tax revenue exceeded the tax of the entire country in a year. From the perspective of economic aggregate, the Song Dynasty occupied half of the world at that time, and its per capita income ranked first in the world.
When we turn our attention to contemporaneous Europe, that is, in the Middle Ages, its GDP per capita remained at the level of only $422. Even in 1952, after a certain degree of modernization, Europe's GDP per capita was only $537.
This contrast not only shows the vigorous economic development of the Song Dynasty, but also is a strong proof of China's economic strength in that era.
Emphasis is placed on culture and education
A dynasty that attaches great importance to Confucian culture has never been more important than ever for its inheritance and development of Confucianism.
In this relaxed environment, excellent literati and writers sprung up, creating great economic wealth and literary achievements, bringing the entire dynasty to the pinnacle of glory.
Art forms such as painting, poetry, and calligraphy developed significantly during this period. The literati began to pay attention to free creation and pursue individual expression.
They pursue the concept of literature and Taoism, and express their thoughts and emotions through poems, articles and other forms. Famous cultural celebrities such as Lu You and Li Qingzhao are known for their talented works.
It is worth mentioning that literati and writers also pay attention to self-cultivation. Through the study of Confucian classics, they constantly explored the nature of human nature and morality. Confucian culture played an important role in shaping their character.
In addition, schools at all levels have been set up to popularize the study of Confucian classics so that more people can receive educational opportunities. This ethos of Confucianism affected everyone, and even ordinary people were able to cite the classics to argue their opinions.
Scientific development
He has made outstanding contributions to science and technology. Among the four great inventions in ancient times, three occurred in the Song Dynasty, which can realize that science and technology reached its peak in the Song Dynasty, which shows the stability of the Song Dynasty. This is movable type printing, the compass and gunpowder.
These inventions not only facilitated the inheritance of historical materials and the creation of literature, but also created a new era for mankind.
The advent of movable type printing is considered a milestone in the history of ancient Chinese science and technology. During the Song Dynasty, movable type printing technology gradually developed and was widely used.
Compared with traditional woodblock printing, movable type printing greatly improves the printing efficiency and quality. The Qianlong Tripitaka, which has been passed down through the ages, was printed with movable type.
The compass is another important invention made during the Song Dynasty. This invention allowed mankind to take an important step forward in seafaring exploration. The compass was discovered based on the nature of the magnetic substance pointer.
By hanging a magnetic needle from a movable tray, the device indicates the direction of the Earth's magnetic field and thus guides the ship.
Gunpowder is an item used in military defense and engineering construction, and it is made from a mixture of elements such as saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal powder. Military strategists and scientists of the Song Dynasty discovered the power and application of gunpowder through continuous experimentation and improvement.
It's just that the Song Dynasty is too weak, because they are not martial arts, and the literary style is prevalent!
summary
The economy and culture are extremely strong in all aspects, but the military collapse led to the Song Dynasty being a fish on the chopping block. What do you think of the Song Dynasty? Do you recognize the Song Dynasty as the strongest dynasty in history?