China Notes Exploring Our World

The oldest continuous culture on Earth 1949- Communist win control of mainland China under the leader Mao Zedong 1976 – China begins to modernize their agriculture, industries and technology. China remains a poor country by world standards.

Under communism, women gained equal status and were sent to work along side the men. To slow population growth, the government starts a one child policy. The government seems to be in favor of increasing economic freedoms, but…

What is Tiananmen Square?

The government does not want to make political reforms. Tiananmen Square 1989 students and workers hold pro-democracy demonstrations in Beijing. The government uses troops and tanks to crush the protests Killing and injuring hundreds of demonstrators

Soldiers began shooting anyone who got in their way “One million Chinese can be considered a small number.” - Supreme Leader Deng Xiaoping Soldiers began shooting anyone who got in their way

Southern China Southern China is the nation’s most productive region and contains more than ¼ of its population. The soils remains fertile despite over 4,000 years of continuous cultivation. Rice is the top crop Tea and cotton are also grown here

Rice terraces

Cultural Landmarks The Great Wall of China The Forbidden City Terracotta Army

Great Wall of China

The Forbidden City

Terracotta Army

Religions Buddhism formed in India around 500 BC and spread throughout Southeast Asia Founded by Siddhartha Gautama who will become the Buddha Buddha means “Enlightened One” Buddhist seek enlightenment through meditation

Religion Taoism Founded in China in the 6th century BC by Lao-tzu He taught that there is a natural order to the universe, called the Tao, or “way” One should live a simple life close to nature in order to be in perfect harmony with the Tao

Religion Confucianism Founded by Confucius in the 6th century BC It is more of a code of ethics than an organized religion

Mrs. Breen in China Palace of Heaven

Great Wall of China

Buddhist Temple

Beijing Smog  Beijing Toilet 

China Foldable

Japan & Korea

Japan Japan is about the size of California It is made up of four large “home” islands and more than 3,000 smaller ones. More than 70% of Japan is mountainous. Mt. Fuji – Japan’s highest peak and - Japan’s national symbol

Even though less than 1/5 of Japan’s land is arable, they have agricultural success because of modern farming methods and terraced cultivation. Almost ½ of Japan’s farmland is used to grow rice.

Despite its dependence on imported natural resources, Japan produces goods that are considered some of the best in the world. Japan is the 2nd largest industrial power in the world The Japanese have the world’s highest life expectancy: (82 for women; 76 for men)

Traditional Art

Japanese Samurai

How could a country with so little natural resources become an economic powerhouse? Japan’s people have a strong work ethic. That’s a belief that work is good in and of itself Many Japanese work on weekends and until late at night

Cultural innovations that have diffused to Japan include: -blue jeans -rock music -soda -baseball, golf, and skiing

Shinto A religion practiced in Japan Does not claim any founder Believe that gods inhabit natural objects, such as rivers, trees, rocks, and mts. Shrine – a sacred place of worship Important symbol of Shinto is a gateway, marking the entrance to shrines

Korea

KOREA Korea is a peninsula, about the size of Florida. After WW II, it was divided into 2 nations…North Korea and South Korea The Soviet Union occupied the northern part The US occupied the southern part

NORTH KOREA North Korea is a strict Communist state with few political and religious freedoms. They have a large military. The U.S. has worked to prevent N. Korea from obtaining nuclear weapons. However, they have recently been testing missiles that may be capable of delivering nuclear weapons.

40% of North Koreans work on state farms Private citizens can own only small garden plots.

SOUTH KOREA Democratic government with political and religious freedom South Korea’s industrial base is heavily diversified and competitive The work force is literate and well-trained.

KOREAN REUNIFICATION There is almost no trade or communication between North and South Korea. Koreans have long wished for peace and unity, but they have been unable to resolve their differences. Their border is a 2 ½ mile wide demilitarized zone (DMZ) Thousands of US soldiers are stationed on US military bases in South Korea to reinforce the border

Inside North Korea Documentary https://safeshare.tv/x/ss59086ffb4bc01 1A-30:18 left