The Song dynasty never built a very powerful state; in fact, it was among the least militarized of all the Chinese dynasties. It accepted more candidates into the bureaucracy than the Tang Dynasty and also provided generous salaries for those who qualified for government appointments.
The Song government was the first in world history to issue banknotes or true paper money nationally and the first Chinese government to establish a permanent standing navy. This dynasty also saw the first known use of gunpowder, as well as the first discernment of true north using a compass.
