Unit 9 East Asia

East Asia

• ** Many people feel that 21st century is the “Asian Century.” East Asia is quickly becoming a more dominant global force, especially China. With so many people and such rapid economic growth, East Asia will be one of the most important places for young people to know.

Shanghai- China’s Biggest City

Hong Kong- A World Trade Leader

Climate

• Much of East Asia has a similar climate to the USA because they are at similar latitudes. Instead of hurricanes East Asia has typhoons, or tropical storms in the Western Pacific.

• China’s biggest desert is the Gobi Desert and desertification is an issue.

China

Chinese Dynasties

• China has been ruled by a series of dynasties. A dynasty is a series of rulers from the same family.

• ** The famous dynasties are Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han, and Qing.

Terracotta Warriors from Qin Dynasty

People’s Republic of China

• Under the leadership of Mao Zedong, the Communists defeated the Nationalists in 1949 and took over China. It then became the PRC.

• Under communism, the government controls all economic activities.

• For discussion: Do the people have freedom?

Chairman Mao’s picture at Forbidden Palace

Everyone had to have Mao’s Little Red Book

The Simpsons have visited Chairman Mao too.

Chinese Religions/Philosophies & Spiritual Beliefs

• Confucianism

• Taoism

• Buddhism

Confucianism

• Confucius was a Chinese philosopher who believed in respect for the past and for one’s ancestors. He stressed education and order- children obey parents, parents obey government and emperor.

• Is Confucianism a religion or philosophy?

Confucius- 551 to 479 B.C.

Education is Very Serious in Confucius Societies

Taoism

• Taoism is a belief in preserving and restoring harmony in the individual and universe. Government should leave people alone and do as little as possible. Should seek harmony with nature.

Buddhism

Buddhism

• Came from India and infused Confucianism and Taoism into beliefs. Belief in rebirth and the end of the rebirth cycle.

4 Noble Truths• Thus is the Noble Truth of Suffering • Thus is the Noble Truth of the Accumulation of

Suffering • Thus is the Noble Truth of the Elimination of Suffering • Thus is the Noble Truth of the Path that Leads Away

from Suffering

China Today

• China has the world’s highest population. • China now has the 2nd biggest economy in the

world and it is growing fast. For Discussion: When will the Chinese economy pass the USA and what will that mean?

• With a large population and growing economy, pollution has also become a major issue.

China’s Population

• At 1.3 billion people, China has the largest population in the world. Most are along the eastern part of the countries near rivers because they provide ________.

• To combat overpopulation, China adopted a one child policy and strict marrying rules.

• ***What do you think about that?

Where is the population centered and why?

Population Distribution

• Western China has mountains and deserts so its population is low. (Gobi Desert, Himalaya mountains and Tibetan Plateau.)

• Eastern China has fertile river valleys for food and good harbors for trade. Thus most Chinese live in the east.

Exports are a BIG part of the Chinese Economy