Effects Of China In Medieval Europe

In the medieval era China was one of the most sophisticated countries in the world, superior to even Europe. In 618 China was unified under the reign of the Li family, who started the Tang Dynasty. during this time China expanded its influence by demanding tribute from Korea and Vietnam. A universal law code was made, and the dynasty reintroduced confucian scholars running the government. The 1,100 mile Grand Canal was built, which linked the Yellow River in northern China with the Yangzi River in southern China. This improved trade and overall communication in China. China was also a very isolated country and it wasn 't involved in other nations affairs. These are just a few of the many reasons China was superior to Europe in the medieval era. The collapse of the Han Dynasty and its massive armies was news that traveled far. There was a brief rule of several powerful warlords, a period known as the Three Kingdoms. However, they were more interested in conquering each other than protecting China, this lead to political divide. As in Medieval Europe, this had very bad consequences for Chinese security. At the end of the Three Kingdoms, …show more content…
They were one of the first nations to have a paper currency. This was essential for them because during the gold age chinas population grew tremendously and paper money was faster and more efficient that coins or trading. China had well built canals and roads, making it easy for merchants to travel through the country. China exported silk, cotton cloth, and became the sole supplier of porcelain. By 1000 C.E., Chinese exports outnumbered Asian, European, or African goods by a hundred to one. Making the Tang dynasty one of the richest in Chinese history. At the top of China’s society was the gentry class. this class was made up of scholars, wealthy land owners, and government officials. They didn 't have to pay land taxes, and controlled the money lending system in