East Asia Region

The Cold War•At least two countries in East Asia today are communist countries that have different degrees of strained relationships with America and European countries. The strain resulted from a history of wars, including World War II, the Korean War, and a lengthy Cold War: North Korea, Viet Nam• •The North Korean government's belief in maintaining a strict communist system and its focus on developing a strong military has led to low per capita use of personal technology. Discuss -

Economic Developments and Innovations Many Asian countries have a thriving wholesale industry.

Wholesale – Products are sold in large quantities to businesses so that they can sell them to customers.

Can you see examples of this in your everyday life? Discuss -

Economic Developments and Innovations (continued) The development of the computer chip is a major innovation of the twentieth century. Many of the East Asian countries have capitalized on this technology (toys, electronics, etc.).

Because of its population density, the Japanese have developed small, compact cars which have also gained worldwide popularity.

Population Density

•Countries where people can “spread out” or which have large land mass (China), tend to be less densely populated than those where people are confined by ocean borders, i.e. island nations (Japan).

•Does China or Japan have the most dense population? Discuss - •

GeographyPlace the below listed nation in order from west to east:

•South Korea•Philippines•Japan•China

Cultural DiffusionDiffusion - A scattering of various cultures; not concentrated. Because of cultural diffusion, the nations of China, Japan and South Korea have adopted a variety of religious beliefs. All of the below listed religious groups, for example, have contributed to the diversity of China: •Confucianism•Taoism•Buddhism

Cultural Diffusion (continued)All of the below are examples of cultural diffusion:

•American fast food companies opening fast food restaurants in China•Chinese teenagers listening to American rock music•Americans using Chinese medicines and methods

Economics

In recent years, China's economy has been moving from a command economy towards capitalism.•Command Economy – An economic system in which the government controls the economy. Private ownership is limited.•Capitalism – An economic system in which the government has little control and the market (buyers and sellers) control the economy.

Economics (continued)

Capitalism - Japan has a capitalist system. In this type of economy, consumers influence how money is spent by buying certain goods and services. Supply and Demand, competition among businesses, determines which business succeed. Businesses that are efficient, offer the best quality at the lowest prices, are successful.Discuss -

WWI and WWIIJapan was a world power and played a

major role in these two wars. It was the age of imperialism. Countries gained a lot of territory by military might. The more territory they had, the mightier they were. Japanese war tactics are studied today. Japanese Admiral Heihachiro Tojo was viewed by other nations as a brilliant military leader. Discuss -

The Silk Roads was an important trade route for China centuries ago. Although masses of traders used the route, mountains formed a physical barrier to transportation which likely slowed their movement.

Silk Roads

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China was built in the northern part of China to provide protection against Mongolian invaders from the north. Most of the wall was built between

220 – 206 BC. It measures 8,850 kilometers or 5,500 miles.

Three Gorges DamThis dam in China is a huge source of energy for the country. It took 40 years to begin construction. It generates as much energy as 15 coal-burning power plants. But, it has had a significant impact on the environment and in particular the agriculture industry. This is an example of human modification of the environment.

Evolving Governments

China has changed over time from a nation ruled by emperors, to one ruled by dynasties to a communist state currently.

Japan has changed from a nation ruled by emperors, to one ruled by a Constitutional Monarchy, to a Democracy currently.

Chinese & North Korea Human Rights

China and Human Rights

China is often criticized for human rights violations. However, it often dismisses those claims because they say that their guiding principles outweigh certain rights.

Demonstrations or marches against the Chinese form of communist government, for example, are

strongly discouraged or prohibited.

China and Human Rights (continued)

China has a policy that limits each family to one child. Many human rights supporters view this policy as a violation of Article 12 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.

Article 12 states that “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence.”

North Korea and Human Rights

North Korea is another East Asia country that has a communist government and is often accused of human rights violations. North Korea and China are also very similar in economic development levels.

Discuss -

Democratic Nations of East Asia

South Korea, Taiwan and Japan are the important democratic nations in the East Asia region.

Do you know what a democratic nation is? Discuss -

The End!!!!!!!!!!!!!