People’s Republic of China

Silk Road Trade route from China to Central Asia to the Black Sea Enabled China’s contact with the outside world 4,000 miles long Silk, teas, porcelain, ivory, textiles, jewels, spices, slaves, etc.

Chinese Civil Wars (1927 – 1950) Kuomintang (Nationalists) vs Communist Party of China led by Mao Zedong 1949 Mao Zedong proclaimed the PRC and the KMT fled to Taiwan (Republic of China). Today, Taiwan’s status is conflicted. The PRC insists that the ROC is a Chinese province. Taiwan is not an official country.

Taoism Ancient tradition of philosophy and religious belief Originated in China 2000 years ago It is a religion of unity and opposites; Yin and Yang. many deities are worshipped Based on the Dow—natural order to the universe (harmony with the Dow) Before the Communist revolution fifty years ago, Taoism was one of the strongest religions in China.

Practices of Taoism Meditation Feng shui—balance the energies of any given space to assure the health and good fortune for people inhabiting it. Fortune telling Reading and chanting of scriptures

Yin Yang Yin Yang is the principle of natural and complementary forces Ex. Light/dark, masculine/feminine, wet/dry These are opposites that fit together and work in perfect harmony.

Buddhism Religion and philosophy that began in India Founder: Siddhartha Gautama around 500 BC Known as Buddha “The Enlightened One” 4th largest religion Darma, Karma, and reincarnation Goal: Nirvana (spiritual bliss—free of pain and suffering) Yoga and meditation Religious book: Pali Cannon

Confucianism Developed by the Chinese philosopher, Confucius, in 6th-5th century BC. Holy book: Analects Philosophy that focuses on humans and their abilities, values, and worth does not deny heaven inspires one to live a virtuous life No deities

Pollution in China Economy trumps environment Poor enforcement of laws China is the world’s largest polluter Caused by China’s rapid industrialization By 2030, China’s carbon dioxide emissions could equal the entire world’s CO2 production today China is making efforts to decrease pollution Pollution turns Yellow River red

Pollution Facts (Do not copy) China is home to 20 of the world’s 30 most polluted cities. The world’s most polluted city is Linfen, China 90% of China’s urban groundwater is polluted. Cancer is leading cause of death 500 million people without safe drinking water Only 1% of 560 million city dwellers breathe safe air Deforestation is a huge problem Uses coal for 70% of energy needs Omits more carbon dioxide than any other country.

Communist Party of China Founding and ruling party of the PRC since 1921 Harsh restrictions and human rights violations: Internet, the press, freedom of assembly, reproductive rights, and freedom of religion Leader: Hu Jintao General Secretary and Leader of the Communist Party

Great Leap Forward of 1958 Led by Mao Zedong Economic and social campaign of Communist party Goal: Speed up industrialization and economic success Poor planning, large inefficient industries, hurt agriculture, created famine, damaged environment, violence increased, hindered economic success Millions died People in countryside working at night to produce steel

Cultural Revolution (1966 to 1976) Mao Zedong wanted to get rid of enemies and intellectuals (threats) Schools were closed, people were displaced, tortured, imprisoned, raped, and killed Paralyzed the country socially, politically, and economically Mao had absolute power

Tiananmen Square Massacre (1989) Tens of thousands of students gathered to demand political reforms. Government sent army troops who killed thousands of people. Est. 2,500 deaths on the streets of Beijing Martial law Lasted seven weeks

Economy/Trade 2nd largest economy $8,394 GDP per capita Fastest growing Economy began to improve in the 1980’s when aspects capitalism were introduced. Based on agriculture and industry Largest exporter

Compare/Contrast People’s Republic of China Republic of China (Taiwan) Communist Single Party State Mandarin 3,704,427 sq mi Population: 1.3 billion 363/sq mi $5,184 per capita Undeveloped Agriculture and industry Republic Mandarin 13,974 sq mi Population: 23,234,000 1,662/sq mi $21,951 per capita Developed technology