Question

Which two groups of people most directly benefited from Song innovations and the Song dynasty’s open border policy? Select all that apply.

soldiers


merchants


farmers


missionaries


landowners

Answer 1

merchants and farmers

Answer 2

Merchants benefited dramatically from the open border policy of the Sung. By being able to leave the borders of the Song to trade with other peoples they were able to appeal to a vast number of potential consumers. Song merchants were also able to benefit from open borders by bringing foreign products back into their country for sale. Farmers benefited from this policy because they were able to sell their produce in a more interconnected market place. Excess production could be sold with confidence that it could be sold throughout the Song or abroad.