Song+-+Purple

=Song Dynasty 宋 960-1279 =

= Noah = = Michael = = Elizabeth = = Georgie = = Molly =

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China Moves South 

The constant attacks from the Khitans, Jurchens, and eventually the Mongols did not bring the downfall of the Song dynasty but did force the Song to move South. In fact, the move south benefited the Song because it resulted in a period of economic and agricultural development. There was an increase in trade and development of waterways that allowed a beneficial part of the Song dynasty. In addition, there were many inventions like the rudder, and the south-pointing compass. Without the move south, this growth would not have occurred in the Song dynasty. --

Taxation Forces Migrations to Cities Using an alteration in the tax system used in the Tang Dynasty, the Song Dynasty initiated a new two-tax system. The first tax, paid in money, was paid according to the number of people living in the household. The second tax, paid in grain, varied according to how much land a person had. Farmers, wanting to avoid a large tax, moved to cities. The result? Cities like Hangzhou, filled with luxurious shops, plays and gardens. --

Transportation and Communication

Highway Systems == The highways were a main source of transportation in the Song. A way to bring new inventions and products to other regions was necessary so the state maintained highways for travel and communication. These highways allowed for the postal service to succeed because mail was carried along the highways. Highways also offered some more jobs because inns and hostels were set up along them as well as staffed stations. There were plenty of new jobs to be had and the highways allowed for more trade. --

Postal Service

The Song Postal service was based on the postal service used in the Han Dynasty. Communication in the empire was available because of the postal system and many new jobs were opened. Lots of people were needed for the postal system to function and new jobs were opened up. Sorters were neaded as well as mail carriers and higher up officials to oversee everything. The postal system connected the empire by allowing for more communication and it also ensured more work for citizens of the Song. --

Naval Fleet

The Navy was permanently established in the Song dynasty. Before the Song, there were battles involving ships and boats, however none of the navies continued for long after. They would be introduced when necessary and then taken apart. It was necessary for a Navy in the Song because of attacks by the Jurchens. Without the Navy, southern Song would have been conquered a lot sooner. The Song Navy had 20 squadrons with about fifty-two thousand marines around the 12th century so the Navy was another option available for work. Because of the highways, mail, and navy, there was never a shortage of jobs. --

Beginning of Banking

For currency, China previously used coins and things of value such as grain. But, coins were heavy and difficult to carry around. During the Song dynasty, people began giving their money to trustworthy people who would, in return, give them notes with the amount. Gradually, this relationship developed and deposit shops were established, ultimately becoming banks by the eleventh century AD. -- Lines of Credit and Currency

By the ninth century in the Song dynasty, an economy using paper money was established. Although paper money was created earlier, it came into full circulation during the Song dynasty. With the creation of bridges and waterways, long distance trade was established. It became a hassle to carry coins long distances, so people resorted to using paper money because it was lighter.

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<span style="background-color: #00ff00; color: #ff0000; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif;">Invention of the Printing Press, Gun Powder, and Compass



While the Song dynasty is noted for many inventive achievements, they are most noted for the printing press, compass and gun powder. The printing press was created in 1040 by Pi Sheng. The wood block method did exist but his portable clay and iron system was an improvement. The improvement increased the literacy rate and made it easier to keep records. Emperor Taizu was one of the first to use gunpowder in military combat. This invention gave him an advantage over his enemies. The final primary invention, the compass, is different from today's compasses because it pointed southward. It made navigation for Chinese easier which benefited trade and warfare.

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