Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Sima Qian (145?-90? B.C.): Former Han Confucian historian, cas-
trated by Han Wudi for temerity; his great historical work Shiji, which
covers Chinese history from the earliest times up to Wudi's reign,
became a model for most subsequent historical writing.
Song Taizong (r. 976-997): Second Song emperor; twice failed to pre-
vail against the Kitans on the battlefield.
Song Taizu: See Zhao Kuangyin.
Song Zhenzong (r. 997-1022): Timid Northern Song emperor who
concluded the Shanyuan Treaty with the Kitans in 1005.
Soong, James (1942-): Independent candidate for the presidency of
Taiwan in March 2000; finished slightly behind Chen Shui-bian of the
Democratic Progressive party. Later a failed candidate for mayoralty
of Taipei City and now a washed-up politician.
Soong, Meiling (Madame Chiang Kai-shek) (1897-):American-
educated Chinese woman and tireless anti-Communist.
Stilwell, Joseph (1883-1946): Acerbic American general in China
during the 1940s who criticized Chiang Kai-shek's military tactics
and his refusal to fight alongside the Chinese Communists against
the Japanese; recalled in 1944.
Su Song (1020-1101): Prolific Northern Song scientist and inventor
who tinkered with mechanical clocks and dabbled in cartography,
which he used to address a border dispute with the Kitans.
Sui Yangdi (r. 605-617): Second Sui dynasty emperor, infamous for
his harshness, extravagance, and failed military expeditions against
Korea; overthrown by Li Yuan, the founder of the Tang.
Sun-tzu: See Sunzi.
Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925): Western-educated medical doctor and the
father of modern China; worked for revolutionary action against the
Manchus and was president of the Republic of China after the abdica-
tion of the Manchus in 1912; ultimately turned to the Bolshevik Rus-
sians after Western nations refused to aid him; cooperated with the
