In China’s history, the Tang Dynasty had become one of its most impressive eras. During the Dynasty’s time (from 618 - 907 CE), many of the beautiful paintings and poetry were created, and are still valued today. At the end of the Tang Dynasty, after invasions by the northern nomads destroyed the empire, the Song Dynasty took over and lasted for almost 320 years (960 - 1279 CE)!
The Tang and Song Dynasties both experienced the same four stages of the Dynastic Cycle. Through the third stage of the cycle, also known as the Period of Prosperity, their methods of growth had several similarities and differences during approaches towards new issues and improvements in their society.
To begin, the Tang Dynasty believed in authorizing in a political
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The leaders of the Song Dynasty believed that in having a well effective government, it would benefit the people of China the most. By using a “civil service” system, China’s government was able to choose people for government positions, however, not by what family they came from, or how wealthy they were. If someone wanted to work for the Song government, he/she would have to take an exam that required many years of preparation. These exams were given every three years, and out of the thousands of applicants, only 200 would be appointed government positions. This system had made China with the most highly qualified people in the government, rather than the old system of nobles and landlords. Under the civil service system, the economic and political system flourished. It also encouraged education. As a result of this, many new inventions and discoveries were refined under the Song Dynasty. Some of these included fireworks, better maps, glow in the dark paint, common books, improved tools and weapons, and scientific ideas of how to prevent diseases. These new creations made China the most scientifically and technologically advanced civilization in the world at the time. Along with these new discoveries, there were also many new pieces of transportation that help support the common good. For example, there were great ship makers and sailors. They created a better compass and built gigantic ships, called junks, to trade far across the sea. Despite all of these economic improvements, the Song Dynasty could no longer hold on to their southern territories, which was where it all went downhill from