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East Asia. History and Government. Map of East Asia. Source: http ://www.zonu.com/detail-en/2009-09-17-594/East-Asia-Political-Map-2004.html. The Region’s Countries. China Japan North Korea South Korea Mongolia Burma Laos. Vietnam Cambodia Thailand Taiwan Philippines Malaysia
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East Asia History and Government
Map of East Asia Source: http://www.zonu.com/detail-en/2009-09-17-594/East-Asia-Political-Map-2004.html
The Region’s Countries • China • Japan • North Korea • South Korea • Mongolia • Burma • Laos • Vietnam • Cambodia • Thailand • Taiwan • Philippines • Malaysia • Indonesia
Quick History . . . China • Dynasties characterized early Chinese history and government. • Important Dynasties: • Shang – the first ever dynasty • Qin – gave its name to the county (China); saw the construction of the Great Wall • Qing – the last great dynasty of the Chinese Empire • 13th century – European travelers began visiting China • Most famous - - - Marco Polo • 19th century – China was weak, and the European powers took advantage of the situation. • The Chinese government was forced to sign various treaties that formed various spheres of influence (Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and Japan). • 1900 – Boxer Rebellion • Chinese militants attacked and killed both Europeans and Chinese Christians in China. • They were upset with the amount of foreign presence in the country.
Quick History . . . China • 1911 – the Nationalists took over the Chinese government • There would be an additional split in the 1920s between the Nationalists (some would remain true to the original cause while others wanted to adopt the Communist ideals) . . . Led to the Long March • October 1, 1949 – the People’s Republic of China is created • Leader – Mao Zedong • 1960s – Cultural Revolution • A step backwards for the Chinese people (turned neighbors against each other) • 1976 – Mao Zedong dies; Deng Xiaoping became the national leader • Xiaoping was more moderate in terms of political and economic policies; went about changing the political identity of the People’s Republic of China. • Start of the One Child Policy
Quick History . . . Japan • Original Inhabitants – come from both mainland Asia and the South Pacific islands • Food, weapon and tool production aided in the growth of the area • 300 AD – Japan becomes a unified country • Prior to the unification, Japan was composed of hundred of ruling clans. • 5th century – the Yamato takes control • This group would declare their power came from the sun goddess. • By the 7th century, the Yamato were calling the leaders emperors. • 794 – 1185 – the Heian period • Initially, the central government was strong, but it grew weak over time. • By the end of the period, landowners and clan chiefs were acting as independent rulers – using samurais
Quick History . . . Japan • 1192 – creation of the shogun position • The shogun was the general of the emperor’s army with the powers of a military dictator. • Responsibilities: maintaining authority over government officials, appointing governors, and keeping the peace within the area. • This type of rule lasted for about 700 years. • 1868 – the last shogun resigns; emperor becomes the head of the govt. • Movement towards a global position . . . (1800s – present) • Early 20th century – Japan expanded its empire (became a superpower) • December 7, 1941 – the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor • US enters WWII; led to the defeat of Japan in 1945 • August 1945 – atomic bombs are dropped by the US on Japan • Post-WWII – the US headed the occupation of Japan and instituted various political and economic reforms.
The Region’s Governments • Constitutional Monarchy • There is both an emperor/king and an elected parliament/legislature. • Example: Japan • One-Party State • While other parties might be listed in the government, there is only one party that holds all the political power • Example: China, the Communist Party is in control • Democracy • Basic definition – government authority is based on the will of the people • The people either vote directly on issue, or they elect representative who make government decisions for them • Dictatorship • Basic definition – a system of government in which a single person or small group exercises • Dictators are free to do as they please; they seize control by force, or is places into a position of authority by others • Communist State • Military Regime
Important People • Confucius, Chinese philosopher (551-479 BC) • He believed in respecting the past and one’s ancestors. • The major focus – the importance of order, education, and hierarchy within a well-ordered society • He even stressed the importance of a child’s obedience towards their parents. • Mao Zedong • He led the Communists to victory over the Nationalists in 1949 • Responsible for the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution . . . • His image still appears in China on posters; he’s highly revered by many. • Deng Xiaoping • He took over the control of the government of China when Mao Zedong died in 1976. • More moderate in terms of economic and political policies, but at times, would push for strict adherence to the law • Responsible for the incident at Tiananmen Square