The Southern Song dynasty

The market economy and the burgeoning printing industry led to social and cultural changes that many consider the foundations for later imperial China. The status of women changed, too, influenced by the economy and expanding literacy. Although the period is famous for the rise of Neo-Confucianism, Buddhism, Daoism, and Popular Religion continued to be important. And while the Northern Song elites focused on large-scale empire-wide agendas, Southern Song elites tended to narrow their focus to local projects. Until the fall of the Jurchen Jin dynasty in 1234, international relations were dominated by the Jin. The rise of the Mongols under Chinggis Khan changed the complexion of the international order in China. Around 1200, Jin bolstered their northern border against the Mongol threat. At the same time, natural disasters had afflicted Jurchen territory and reduced their wealth. Believing Jin was weak, the imperial favorite, Han Tuozhou prepared for war.