The Northern Song Dynasty and the Southern Song Dynasty are two important dynasties in Chinese history, and although both are Han dynasties in Chinese history, there are many important differences between them. This article will look at the political, economic, cultural, and social aspects of the differences between the Northern Song Dynasty and the Southern Song Dynasty.
1. Political differences.
The political systems of the Northern Song Dynasty and the Southern Song Dynasty were both feudal monarchies, but there were some differences between the political systems of the two. The political system of the Northern Song Dynasty was mainly characterized by centralization, the emperor had a high level of power, and implemented a three-official system, with three provinces of Zhongshu Province, Menxia Province and Shangshu Province to manage national affairs. On the basis of the Northern Song Dynasty, the Southern Song Dynasty further strengthened the centralization of power, implemented the provincial system, and divided the country into 14 roads, which were managed by the four levels of roads, prefectures, prefectures, and counties.
Second, the difference in economic aspects.
Both the Northern and Southern Song economies were based on agriculture, but the commercial economy developed faster during the Southern Song Dynasty. During the Northern Song Dynasty, although handicrafts and commerce developed, they were still limited by the feudal system. During the Southern Song Dynasty, with the prosperity of the city and the development of overseas **, the commercial economy has developed rapidly, and the market economy has gradually formed. In addition, the overseas ** in the Southern Song Dynasty has also been developed, and the construction of overseas ** ports and the development of overseas trade routes have made the overseas ** in the Southern Song Dynasty more prosperous than in the Northern Song Dynasty.
3. Cultural differences.
Both the culture of the Northern Song Dynasty and the Southern Song Dynasty were important parts of traditional Chinese culture, but the culture of the Southern Song Dynasty was more focused on humanism and the emancipation of individuality. The culture of the Northern Song Dynasty emphasized Confucian morality and etiquette, while the culture of the Southern Song Dynasty paid more attention to individual emotions and personality. During the Southern Song Dynasty, there were new developments in literature, art and philosophy, especially the calligraphy and painting art of the Southern Song Dynasty, which occupied an important position in the history of Chinese art.
Fourth, the social aspect of the difference.
The society of the Northern Song Dynasty and the Southern Song Dynasty was a feudal society, but the society of the Southern Song Dynasty paid more attention to the interests of the common people. During the Northern Song Dynasty, the gap between the rich and the poor in society was relatively large, and there were a large number of slaves and tenant farmers in society. During the Southern Song Dynasty, with the development of the economy and the progress of culture, the lives of the common people were improved, and there were more free peasants in the society. During the Southern Song Dynasty, some labor organizations also emerged to protect the rights and interests of laborers.
To sum up, although both the Northern Song Dynasty and the Southern Song Dynasty were Han dynasties in Chinese history, there are many important differences between them. From the perspective of politics, economy, culture and society, the Southern Song Dynasty paid more attention to centralization, commercial economic development, humanism and personal interests than the Northern Song Dynasty.