East Asia History and Government

Map of East Asia Source:

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 13 th century – European travelers began visiting China – Most famous Marco Polo 19 th 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) – 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. 5 th century – the Yamato takes control – This group would declare their power came from the sun goddess. – By the 7 th 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 20 th 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 ( 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 – 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