East Asia

1. East Asia http://www.google.com/imgres?q=east+asia&hl=en&sa=X&tbo=d&biw=1440&bih=760&tbm=is

2. Landforms and Resources • East Asia has a huge mainland area that includes rugged terrain. • East Asia has a number of important islands off its eastern coast. http://www.maps.com/ref_map.aspx?pid=11973

3. Landforms: Mountains and Plateaus Mountain Ranges of the Region • High mountains limited China’s contact with rest of Asia • Qinling Shandi Mountains divide northern China from the south Plateaus and Plains • Mountainous area includes some sparsely populated basins, deserts • includes Plateau of Tibet (Xizang Plateau) • western China’s TarimPendi Basin and Taklimakan Desert • Gobi Desert stretches from northwest China into Mongolia • covers 500,000 square miles • Mongolian Plateau is in northeastern China • Northern China includes Manchurian Plain, North China Plain Qinling Shandi Mountains Gobi Desert http://www.visitbeyond.com/china/trips-in-china/central-china/xian-qinling-mountain-trekking-2-d http://www.einfopedia.com/the-gobi-desert.php

4. River Systems The Huang He • Huang He (Yellow River)—northern China river • starts in Kunlun Mountains in west, winds east for 3,000 miles • empties into Yellow Sea, named for yellow silt the river carries The Chang Jiang • Chang Jiang (Yangtze River)—longest river in Asia • flows 3,900 miles from Xizang (Tibet) to East China Sea • major trade route; floods often causing great damage

5. Resources of East Asia Land and Forests • Limited farmland in sparsely populated, mountainous, western areas • Abundant forests in China, Japan, Taiwan, North and South Korea • Japan reserves forests by buying timber from other regions Water Resources • China’s long river systems are important to its economy • provide crop irrigation, hydroelectric power, transportation • Sea is important food source for East Asia • Japan has one of world’s largest fishing industries

6. Climate and Vegetation • East Asia has a dry highland climate in the west, and a humid climate in the east. http://www.worldtravelguide.net/mongolia/pictures

7. High Latitude Climate Zones Subarctic • Small subarctic zones on Mongolia’s and China’s Russian borders • Summers are cool or cold; winters are brutally cold; climate is dry Highland • Western China’s highland zone temps vary with latitude, elevation • Tundras have no trees, frozen soil a few feet below surface Semiarid • Includes parts of Mongolian Plateau where the vegetation is mostly short grasses, food for grazing animals Desert • Most of region’s deserts are in west central mainland • Taklimakan Desert—in west China, between Tian Shan, Kunlun mountains • Gobi Desert—in north China, southeast Mongolia

8. Tropical Zones • Tropical Wet • Typhoon—tropical storm that occurs in western Pacific • High temperatures, heavy rainfall, high humidity all year

9. Human-Environment Interaction • The Chinese are building the Three Gorges Dam to control flooding. http://www.asianinfrastructure.com/news/newsthree-gorges-dam/

10. The Three Gorges Dam An Engineering Feat • In 1993, China began construction of the Three Gorges Dam • being built on China’s Chang Jiang river to reduce flooding, generate power • China’s largest construction project is world’s biggest dam at e 600 ft high, and over a mile-wide Positive Effects • Government believes dam will control Chang Jiang flooding • river irrigates half of China’s crops, drains one-fifth of land • Giant turbines should generate 10% of China’s electrical power • Will make it easier for ships to reach China’s interior through locks Negative Effects • One to two million people will have to move • hundreds of historical sites, scenic spots will be submerged • In building dam, government has not protected the environment • New reservoir will flood land, reduce animal habitats • submerged factories could leak chemicals into water

11. Use of Space in Urban Japan Crowded Living and Working Spaces • Cities poisoned with mercury, PCBs—factory pollutants—in 1950s, ’60s • PCBs build up in animal tissue; cause disease, birth defects; banned in 1977 • Many in cities live in apartments • family of four in a one-bedroom apartment is common • Some move to suburbs, but must commute several hours to work • Coastal cities reclaim land with landfill • landfill is solid waste buried in layers of dirt; Tokyo puts factories, refineries on landfill

12. China • China is the world’s most populous country and has been the dominant culture of East Asia since ancient times. http://china-madrid.wikispaces.com/Population

13. China’s Early History Early Civilization and the Dynasties • Oldest continuous civilization; a settled society for 4,000 years • Stone Age cultures later ruled by dynasties—series of family rulers • First is Shang in 1700s B.C.; Qin Dynasty unites small states in 221 B.C

14. China Opens Up to the World Europeans Arrive • China is isolated until Europeans, like Marco Polo, arrive in 1200s • In 1800s, European powers seek access to Chinese markets • Treaties force weak China to give Europeans privileges • spheres of influence—territory awarded to European nations, Japan • Chinese anger over outside control leads to 1900 Boxer Rebellion • Chinese militants kill Europeans, Chinese Christians Revolution and Change • In 1912 Sun Yat-sen helps found Kuomintang (Nationalist Party) • Chinese Communist Party fights, defeats Nationalists, in 1949 • Mao Zedong rules mainland People’s Republic • Chiang Kai-shek, Nationalists flee to Taiwan • Moderate Deng Xiaoping rules China from 1976 through 1980s

15. Rural and Industrial Economies The Rural Economy • China is largely rural society, agriculturally self-sufficient • river valleys have rich soil; 60% of workers on farms • Can only farm 13% of land due to mountains, deserts • grows enough to feed population • Eastern river basins produce rice, maize, wheat, sweet potatoes • The Industrial Economy • Northeast industrial center: coal, iron ore, oil, transportation • Shanghai is manufacturing, industrial center • Heavy industries (steel, machinery); consumer goods (textiles)

16. A Rich and Complex Culture From Pottery to Painting • Early pottery, bronzes, jade disks, wall paintings found in tombs • artists used clay, bronze, jade, ivory, lacquer • Chinese Inventions • Paper, printing, gunpowder, compass, porcelain, silk cloth Religious and Ethical Traditions • Chinese philosopher Confucius (551–479 B.C.) inspires Confucianism • orderly, educated society has respect for past, ancestors • children obey parents; parents obey government, emperor • Taoism—from Tao-teChingbook of Lao-tzu teachings (500s B.C.) • preserve, restore harmony in individual, universe • Indian Buddhism grows in China, influenced by Confucianism, Taoism Confucius Taoism Buddha

17. The Most Populous Country Population Patterns • One-fifth of world’s people live in China • population is about 1.3 billion • Many of China’s 22 provinces are bigger than most countries • Henan province has 93 million, more than Great Britain • 70% of people live in 12 eastern provinces; in the west, 6% of nation’s people live on 55% of its land

18. Mongolia and Taiwan • Taiwan and Mongolia have developed in the shadow of their giant neighbor—China. • The countries of the region include both capitalist and socialist economies. Taiwan Mongolia

19. A History of Nomads and Traders The Mongolian Empire • Mongols are nomadic herders until Genghis Khan conquers Central Asia • Genghis Khan dies in 1227; successors expand empire • Empire breaks up in 1300s, China gains control of Mongolia in 1600s • Mongolians achieve independence in 1911 • Mongolia becomes Communist in 1924 • remains Communist until 1989 fall of USSR • Mongolia now moving toward democracy Taiwan’s Link to China • Prehistoric people migrate to Taiwan from China, southeast Asia • Malays, Polynesians settle on island; Han Chinese arrive in 500s • Manchu Dynasty conquers Taiwan in 1683 • Japanese take Taiwan (Formosa) in 1895 after victory over China • Chinese Nationalists lose to Communists, flee to island in 1949 • establish Republic of China; not recognized by China http://favimages.com/image/239486/

20. Cultures of Mongolia and Taiwan Mongolia • In mid-1300s Chinese rise up and drive out Mongol rulers • In 1600s, China under Manchus conquers Mongolia, rules for centuries • Mongols adopt many aspects of Chinese culture • July’s festival of Three Games of Men in Naadam is 2,300 years old • wrestling, archery, horse racing rooted in ancient way of life Taiwan • Population and culture is almost exclusively Chinese • Most speak official language of Northern Chinese (Mandarin) • People combine a number of religious, ethical beliefs • 90% practice blend of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism

21. Two Very Different Economies Economic Prospects for Mongolia • Many herd, manage livestock (sheep, goats, camels, horses, cattle) • cashmere industry uses soft wool of local goats • Developing industries while making difficult shift to market economy • Large deposits of coal, petroleum, copper, gold, iron Taiwan’s Economic Success • Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea are economic tigers—nations with: • cheap labor, high technology, aggressive exports

22. Daily Life in Mongolia and Taiwan Herding in Mongolia • Nomads once guided animals from grassland to grassland • long, cold winters, short, hot summers are hard on livestock • Nomads live in tents called yurts, made of felt, leather • yurts are even found in capital of Ulaanbaatar • Many still raise sheep, cattle, goats; some are still nomadic

23. The Koreas: North and South • The Korean peninsula is divided into two separate countries. http://articlesofinterest-kelley.blogspot.com/2011/06/june-15th-korea-and-china-will-hold.html

24. A Divided Peninsula Ancient Korea and Foreign Influences • China conquers northern peninsula around 100 B.C. • Koreans regain land, form Three Kingdoms in late 300s • Koguryo (northeast), Paekche (southwest), Silla (southeast) • Japan conquers Korea in 1910, rules until WWII defeat in 1945 Two Koreas: North and South • In 1950, North Korean troops invade South Korea, begin Korean War • 1953 treaty ends war, divides peninsula • North Korea is Communist state, South Korea is democracy • two nations remain hostile, but reunification discussions have begun

25. Influences on Korean Culture The Chinese Influence • Korea adopts many philosophical, religious ideas from China • Confucian, Buddhist influences Other Cultural Influences • Communism molds North Korean culture, while South Korea is influenced by Western culture • North Korean government only allows Communist or folk art • South Korean artists have more freedom of expression

26. Moving Toward Unity An Armed Society • Both North and South Korea build huge armies after WWII • Danger of war always looms—2 million troops on both sides of border

27. Economic and Human Resources Economic Patterns • South Korea is economic tiger with successful, competitive economy Population Patterns • Most live on coastal plains, river valleys • South Korea has 45% of peninsula’s land, 66% of population • South’s largest city is Seoul (population 10 million) • North’s is Pyongyang (population 2.5 million)

28. Japan • Japan has an ancient culture and traditions, and it is the economic giant of East Asia.

29. Samurai and Shogun Ancient Japan • 1,500 years ago agriculture, metalworking widely practiced • Until A.D. 300s, Japan has many clans, but Yamato clan rules by 400s • by 600, Yamato leaders call themselves emperors of Japan • Samurai—“one who guards”; hired soldiers serve landowners, chiefs The Shoguns • In 1192, after a clan struggle, emperor creates shogun position • shogun—general of emperor’s army with military dictator powers • controls officials, judges, armies; picks governors (daimyo) • During 700-year shogun rule, Japan fights off Mongol invasions • Last shogun resigns in 1868; emperor becomes head of government

30. Emerging World Power • By the early 20th century, Japan is a major power • Expanding empire puts Japan’s interests in conflict with U.S. • Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, naval base December 7, 1941 • attack brings U.S. into WWII; Japan defeated, surrenders in 1945 • U.S. occupies Japan; brings political, economic reforms • Japan becomes democracy • constitutional monarchy with emperor and elected parliament

31. An Economic Powerhouse People and Products • Post-war economic boom makes Japan’s economy second in size to U.S. • Japan imports resources to manufacture products for export • exports autos, electronics, computers • Strong ties between business and government help economy Economic Slowdown • After four decades of rapid growth, economy slows in 1990s • Reasons for slowdown • regional competition (Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong), Japanese stock market has big losses • Japanese investments in Southeast Asian economies lose value • Japanese save rather than spend • declining exports

32. Japanese Culture A Traditional People • Kyoto shows ideas of beauty in gardens, palaces, Buddhist temples • Noh plays (histories and legends; masked actors) develop in 1300s • Kabuki plays in 1600s have colorful scenery, costumes

33. Life in Today’s Japan Education • Highly structured educational system • students in school six days a week; six weeks of summer vacation • six years of elementary, three of junior high, three of high school

34. Today’s Issues: East Asia • The issues facing East Asian nations include earthquakes, economic recessions, growing populations, and rapidly changing societies. • Section 1: The Ring of Fire • Because of its location, Japan has faced disastrous earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. • Section 2: Trade and Prosperity http://www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/infopage/ringfire.htm

35. Physical Forces in the Ring of Fire Shifting Plates • Many Japanese cities are threatened by earthquakes • Japan is on the Ring of Fire—chain of volcanoes around Pacific Rim • Subduction—oceanic plate slides under continental plate • In East Asia, Pacific oceanic plate meets Eurasian continental plate • stress builds where plates meet; sudden slip creates earthquake

36. The Geology of Japan Volcanoes • Volcanoes formed Japanese islands • Since first records, at least 60 Japanese volcanoes have been active • best-known Japanese landform, Mt. Fuji, is a volcano Earthquakes and Tsunamis • An average of 1,000 earthquakes occur in Japan each year • Underwater earthquakes move ocean floor; can create tsunami • huge wave of great destructive power that can reach over 100 feet

37. Preparing for Disasters Problems • Older buildings won’t withstand earthquakes as well as newer ones • Underground gas lines are likely to rupture in an earthquake • Crowded blocks and narrow streets hinder rescue operations Solutions • Japan has strict building code • engineers study how different buildings withstand quakes • studies affect codes governing construction materials, techniques • Schoolchildren have yearly disaster drills with firemen

38. Trade and Prosperity • East Asian economies became global powerhouses in the 1970s and 1980s. • The decline of Asian economies in the 1990s created a crisis that spread around the globe.

39. Industrialization and Globalization • After WWII, nations industrialize, East-West trade increases • “Made in China,” “Made in Japan” labels are common in West • Regional economies merge, global economy develops • global economy—nations are interdependent for goods, services • Japan imports resources, exports manufactured goods worldwide • East Asian nations use cheap labor to become manufacturing powers

40. Powerful Economies of East Asia Zone of Prosperity • Economically powerful nations in Pacific Rim zone of prosperity • called the Jakota Triangle—Japan, Korea (South), Taiwan • But by mid-1990s these economies are having problems http://aventalearning.com/courses/GEOGx-HS-A09/b/Unit07/GeoHS_7.C.8.html

41. Economic Problems Arise • Asian economies run on efficiency, innovation, and cheap labor • 1995 report from UNICEF (the United Nations Children’s Fund) • over 500,000 East Asian children work in factories, beg on streets • Bank, business bankruptcies in mid-1990s panic foreign investors • they sell Asian stocks; riots occur; governments topple • Japan enters recession—an extended decline in business activity

42. Bibliography • McdougalLittell, World Geography. Houghton Mifflin Company. 2012