Tang Dynasty

 

• Tang Taizong (founder)

• ruled from 618, to 907

• expanded empire

• promoted trade

• civil service/bureaucracy

• test finds scholars

• failed military campaign sparks rebellions

• invaders take large amounts of land

• rebels overthrow government  

 

 

The Tang Dynasty began once the Sui fell in 618, and lasted till 907. The Tang Dynasty was founded by Tang Taizong. He lead China very differently from the Sui, and treated the people with more respect. He established a civil service, providing for the people. Tang Taizong strengthened the military and expanded the empire. This provided more land, food, taxation, and trade. The canal, and restored Great Wall left by the Sui, were used to protect the empire and promote trade. By taking parts of the Silk Road back, trade began to thrive. One land they conquered was Vietnam. In conquered territories, a bureaucracy was established, which kept the native people content. As part of their expansion they built new trade routes. To help advance the empire, a test was given to every citizen. This helped find scholars who could contribute their knowledge to the betterment of the government. Wealthy people were often picked as scholars because of a fee-based education system. Unfortunately, school wasn't free, so only the wealthy could get a good education. Later in the Tang Dynasty's rule, a campaign to conquer more land to the south went underway. To fund the new military campaign, taxes rose. Citizens agreed to an increase in tax, when they were promised that the profits from new lands would be worth the investment. The campaign to take more land failed, turning no profit. This left the government weak. Rebellions occured across the empire, while invaders took large amounts of land from the Tang. Eventually, because of  invasions and rebellions, the government was overthrown by its own people. (Jason)