Need to know Asia

Big Question In what ways is the United States connected to Asia? 2-3 examples How does the continent of Asia effect our daily lives? 2-3 examples Define- Social Mobility

Asia History Ancient civilizations in Asia were based on empires and dynasty Families ruling over territory Asia had three larger civilizations in its ancient history

Mesopotamia First known civilization (7,000 B.C.) Earliest cities (3,500 B.C.) Western Asia

Indus Valley Civilization Bronze Age culture (2500 B.C.-1700 B.C.) Cities dominated by large public buildings Southern Asia

Chinese Civilization East Asia Chinese Dynasties focus on united china Mandate of Heaven- to rule based on the ability to govern well and fair

Asia History Over time these empires and dynasties spread throughout the continent

Asia Importance 1500’s All of these civilizations were very different creating many cultural differences within the continent. Similar to Africa and South/Latin America- Europe desires to use Asia’s economy and make global trading They do this by land, but the faster way is by water

Importance Economics What these trading routes were called is the Silk Road Trading spices- cinnamon, ginger, pepper, also the trading of opium is very important Opium Wars- 1800’s- China vs primarily Britain and France Religion During these trades spreading of religion was very important as well Buddhism and Hinduism- both of which are more philosophical thinking religions

Importance Economics Europe used Asia as a way to bring culture to Asia in particularly South and East Asia. Used Asia as a key selling market. In particular tea, spices, opium 500 million people in 1750 4 billion people today http://www.geohive.com/earth/his_history1.aspx

Asia from 1800-present Combination of dynasties, empires and imperial countries rule over these nations until post WWII Russian Communism plays a big role in post WWII politics- All throughout the continent Throughout the 1970’s-2000’s Asia plays a large role in growing the worlds economies- 1980’s-Japan 2000 to present- India and China 6-10% gdp growth

Current Asia Economics http://asiafoundation.org/in-asia/2015/01/07/as-driver-of-world- economic-growth-asias-vulnerabilities-emerge/