November 23, 2009 Gray Global SemestedThe Achievements of the Tang and Song DynastiesToday we can look around us and see thousands of technical innovations that make life easier; But if we step back and ask ourselves “How?” we will soon realize that more often than not, these technological advances are not simply born, but are usually the result of exploiting yesterday's technology. If we follow this cycle through time, we can attribute almost all modern inventions to an ancient civilization during its golden age. China is no exception. China's Song and Tang dynasties fostered scientific advancements comparable to those of Rome during its Pax Romana. The most important and notable were the development of early gunpowder and porcelain of the Tang, paper money and the magnetic compass of the Song dynasties. Although these may seem very distant, if you look closely you can see traces of their impacts on today's society, as we owe most of today's progress to them. The Tang dynasty was a time of major technological advancements. This is seen very clearly in their revolutionary explosive powder or gunpowder, as well as their very expensive porcelain. Gunpowder is perhaps China's most revolutionary invention. Although it was invented for simple fireworks purposes, the military saw great potential in a highly explosive substance. This set off a chain reaction of events that some might view as detrimental to our society. From this powder, the first set of gunpowder rifles, or muskets, was developed. This sparked an arms race lasting until the early 1900s. As with any form of massive firearms engineering, only death was left in its wake. Although gunpowder is paper...the gunpowder and porcelain of the Tang, and the compass and paper money of the Song, were perhaps the most enduring and impactful inventions of ancient China. Our entire lives could be different. A Fourth of July without fireworks, or perhaps a world in which it costs 40 pounds of copper for a loaf of bread. A world we live in with urinals without porcelain. Oh the horror. More seriously, without the invention of gunpowder, this world would have seen less severe wars and longer reigns of peace, because wars without weapons last much longer and are very expensive. This would avoid unnecessary wars. As for the benefits of gunpowder to society, I think it did more harm than good. So remember, every time you're in front of a urinal, you can smile, because you know you're urinating on what is essentially China. Sources: World History, McDougal Littel. And my brain.