Agriculture Influences Growth
During the Song Dynasty China's economy really took off and it was changes in agriculture that really spurred this growth. For a long time a large percentage of China's population lived in the northern part of the Empire but fighting with the Mongols forced many people to move further south. This move forced the Chinese to find new crops to grow since the climate in the south was very different.
The new southern climate was ideal for growing rice which became the main source of the Chinese diet. The Chinese also developed a new type of rice that could produce two crops of rice each year, doubling previous farmers output. Better tools for farming also increased output. The invention of the harrow which evened out the ground and a cast iron plow made the fields better for planting. The creation of a chain pump improved the process of irrigating rice paddies.
These new agricultural innovations increased the output of food and allowed people to focus on producing other things like silk and porcelain. These new luxury goods were in demand as a result of the increased wealth.
Increase In Trade
As China's trade increase there was a need for more currency, due to a copper shortage they developed paper money. The building of the Grand Canal which stretched for 1,200 miles also helped to move goods over 45 miles a day.
During the Song Dynasty China's economy really took off and it was changes in agriculture that really spurred this growth. For a long time a large percentage of China's population lived in the northern part of the Empire but fighting with the Mongols forced many people to move further south. This move forced the Chinese to find new crops to grow since the climate in the south was very different.
The new southern climate was ideal for growing rice which became the main source of the Chinese diet. The Chinese also developed a new type of rice that could produce two crops of rice each year, doubling previous farmers output. Better tools for farming also increased output. The invention of the harrow which evened out the ground and a cast iron plow made the fields better for planting. The creation of a chain pump improved the process of irrigating rice paddies.
These new agricultural innovations increased the output of food and allowed people to focus on producing other things like silk and porcelain. These new luxury goods were in demand as a result of the increased wealth.
Increase In Trade
As China's trade increase there was a need for more currency, due to a copper shortage they developed paper money. The building of the Grand Canal which stretched for 1,200 miles also helped to move goods over 45 miles a day.