Mr. Liang Qichao once mentioned for the first time in "Song of the Pacific in the 20th Century" that there are only four civilizations on the entire earth, namely Chinese civilization, ancient Indian civilization, ancient Egyptian civilization and ancient Babylonian civilization.
These four major civilizations have shone brightly in the galaxy of history and have far-reaching influence, but the only ancient civilization that has been passed down to this day is China. Therefore, China's status in the world's historical development process was once at the top of the world. According to the various manifestations that foreigners still refer to Chinese people as Tang people, Chinese characters as Hanzi, and China as the Kingdom of Heaven, we can see that China's Han Dynasty and Tang Dynasty had a very profound impact on the world. .
But for Westerners, the most powerful dynasty in Chinese history is not the famous Han Dynasty and Tang Dynasty, but the Song Dynasty, which is regarded by Chinese people as weak. Why is this?
The Song Dynasty in the eyes of foreign historical researchers
China’s Song Dynasty occupies a high position in the history of various countries in the world. A German historian recorded in "Silver Capital": ?China's Song Dynasty far surpassed other countries in the world in terms of science and technology, productivity development and commercial management. French researchers said in "History of Social Life in the Southern Song Dynasty": "China in the 13th century was the most advanced country in the world, and it had the right to treat all countries in the world as barbaric lands."
Why is China's Song Dynasty silent in Chinese history, but so noble in the eyes of foreign historical researchers? The reason lies in the development of the commercial economy and the degree of cultural enlightenment in the Song Dynasty. In the social environment at that time, the development of both was at the top of the world.
The great achievements of the Song Dynasty
We found that descriptions of the Song Dynasty in China in foreign history textbooks always use a large number of praise words. You can read in world-famous books that the world's description of China's Song Dynasty is "China's golden age."
Why is it called this? Let’s learn about China’s Song Dynasty from two aspects: economic and cultural.
Economically
In the long history, the economic achievements of the Song Dynasty can be said to have reached unprecedented heights. According to the descriptions of foreign historical researchers, the social economy of the Song Dynasty had reached the height of the commodity economy, had got rid of the shackles of the small-scale peasant economy, and the level of economic development exceeded that of most countries in the world.
Furthermore, the handicraft industry of the Song Dynasty is also very famous in the world. Papermaking, one of the four great inventions, was born during this period. The paper, ceramics, silk weaving and even navigation and shipbuilding techniques of the Song Dynasty were regarded by foreigners at that time as the top science and technology.
Foreign researchers have stated based on surveys that throughout the Song Dynasty, foreign trade and diplomacy were very prominent. At that time, the Song Dynasty relied on the development of the navigation industry and quickly became the economic exchange center of Southeast Asia. It maintained close exchanges with more than 50 regions and countries in the Middle East, South Africa, Europe and the Pacific Ocean. The name of the Chinese Song Dynasty has begun to spread all over the world. .
The total annual fiscal revenue of the Song Dynasty continued to increase. Long-term foreign trade allowed the Song Dynasty to obtain a large amount of income from overseas every year, with an average of 70.7 million guan per year, far exceeding the annual income of the Tang Dynasty of more than 20 million guan. . And according to Wang Anshi's political reforms, the productivity of the entire Song Dynasty accelerated and gradually led the world. According to relevant statistics, the annual income of the Song Dynasty court reached a maximum of 160 million yuan.
At that time, a country's annual income could exceed 100 million, which was unprecedented not only in Southeast Asia, but also in the world. It is described in detail in foreign history books that the economic level of the Song Dynasty has reached a very high level, the country is rich and the people are strong, and it is already the richest country in the world. This is also one of the reasons why foreigners think that China's Song Dynasty was the most powerful dynasty.
Cultural aspects
In addition, foreign researchers also found that the cultural development of the Song Dynasty was also at the top of the world. The culture and education of the Song Dynasty had spread to all citizens, and its degree of enlightenment was beyond the reach of other countries at that time.
In the history of China, except for the late Ming Dynasty, there has never been a cultural heyday like the Song Dynasty. Zhao Kuangyin, the founding emperor of the Song Dynasty, had stipulated that the Song Dynasty court must respect literati since the founding of the country.
During the 300 years of the rule of the Song Dynasty, the policy of emphasizing literature over military affairs was pursued. Scholars could not be killed casually, scholars could not be punished for discussing state officials or implementing policies, and any kind of preferential treatment of literati could not be harshly punished or abused. policy.
In the eyes of foreigners, under the influence of this kind of national leader, the country's respect for literati and scholar-bureaucrats directly promoted the cultural development of the dynasty and provided a stable environment for communication and cultural progress.
For artists who were still in the dark society of Europe at that time, the Song Dynasty in China was a paradise, a paradise where literati and intellectuals grew up and communicated stably.
According to historical records, among the eight great literati in the Tang and Song dynasties, six were from the Song Dynasty. The Song Dynasty culture they represent is the most important part of Chinese cultural history and a very unique part of history and culture. The Neo-Confucianism, literature, history and even the appreciation of various works of art in Song Dynasty culture have deeply influenced later generations.
Moreover, the love and exchange of culture is not limited to the royal family, but has also spread to people across the country. In the market, people can be seen everywhere talking and exchanging lyrics and music. This phenomenon was even more enviable to foreigners at that time. In the eyes of foreign researchers, it can be said that among the two thousand Chinese states, the Song Dynasty was the most prosperous in literature!
China’s Song Dynasty is admired by the world
The Chinese people’s evaluation of the rise and fall of a dynasty sometimes depends solely on the strength of its military development. As we all know, since its establishment, the Song Dynasty has determined the political principle of emphasizing culture over military affairs and guarding the inside but not the outside, which has led to the slow development of its military power.
According to historical documents, the combat effectiveness of the entire Song Dynasty was barely comparable to the strength of an elite cavalry unit among the northern nomads. Every time the Song Dynasty fought against the Xiongnu or foreign enemies, it always ended in defeat, and peace was negotiated with the cession of territory and compensation. If things go on like this, the Song Dynasty will undoubtedly be a weak dynasty in the hearts of the Chinese people.
But in the eyes of foreigners, a country's comprehensive strength is not limited to military power. They are more concerned about economic and cultural development. The establishment of the Song Dynasty means that it has the basic military capabilities of a dynasty; it alleviates social conflicts through reform and innovation, and also shows that it has the political wisdom to govern the country. The most important thing is that its diplomacy and trade are at the top of the world. What is even more amazing is that the knowledge and culture of the entire Song Dynasty was not only the exclusive preserve of the aristocracy, but also the hobby of the people across the country.
Foreign historical materials have detailed records of the economic and literary development of the Song Dynasty, which was rapid and powerful. It is considered by foreign historical researchers to be the most powerful dynasty in China, and is even more praised. Because it is China's "Renaissance and Revolution" period.