Southeast Asia (600 AD - Present)
A. Feudal Powers in Japan: Chapter 12, Section 4
B. Kingdoms of SE Asia and Korea: Chapter 12, Section 5
C. Japan Returns to Isolation: Chapter 19, Section 3
D. Imperialism in SE Asia: Chapter 27, Section 1
E. Modernization in Japan: Chapter 28, Section 2
F. SE Asian Nations Gain Independence: Chapter 34, Section 2
Unit 3: Essential Questions
1. How was early Japan affected by contact with Korea and China?
Ancient Japan was very much influenced by the contact this country had with Korea as well as China. They were only about 120 miles away from Korea and less than 500 miles away from the Chinese mainland, making it possible to establish and maintain contact with both countries. Consequently both countries had a significant influence on the culture and religion in Japan. Pay special attention to the adaption of the Japanese religion (Shinto), the spread and eventual acceptance of Buddhism and integration of Chinese writing, culture, hairdressing, writing, etc. by the Japanese (pp. 339 – 340)
Ancient Japan was very much influenced by the contact this country had with Korea as well as China. They were only about 120 miles away from Korea and less than 500 miles away from the Chinese mainland, making it possible to establish and maintain contact with both countries. Consequently both countries had a significant influence on the culture and religion in Japan. Pay special attention to the adaption of the Japanese religion (Shinto), the spread and eventual acceptance of Buddhism and integration of Chinese writing, culture, hairdressing, writing, etc. by the Japanese (pp. 339 – 340)
2. How was the Heian period similar to and different from the period of feudalism in Japan? Include: aristocratic lifestyle, methods of power, which held power.
The history of the Japanese from ancient times to 1868 can be divided into three eras – ancient Japan during which Japan copied many cultures, ideas and institutions from China; the Heian Period, which lasted from the late 700's to 1185; and then an era of feudalism where Japan was ruled by strong warlords. This essential question requires you to compare the governing of Japan during these times, as well as the lifestyle of the two groups. You will find the information you need on pp. 341 – 343. Make sure that you meet the requirement stated in the essential question to include a description of the aristocratic lifestyle of both groups, and the methods used to maintain power.
The history of the Japanese from ancient times to 1868 can be divided into three eras – ancient Japan during which Japan copied many cultures, ideas and institutions from China; the Heian Period, which lasted from the late 700's to 1185; and then an era of feudalism where Japan was ruled by strong warlords. This essential question requires you to compare the governing of Japan during these times, as well as the lifestyle of the two groups. You will find the information you need on pp. 341 – 343. Make sure that you meet the requirement stated in the essential question to include a description of the aristocratic lifestyle of both groups, and the methods used to maintain power.
3. How did geography influence the history and culture of SE Asia and Korea? Give examples.
SE Asia refers to the area south of China between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and stretching almost to Australia. It includes two main areas – Indochina (a large peninsula bordering China in the North and India in the West) and a number of islands such as Borneo, Java and Sumatra. Countries in this area include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. North and South Korea lie northeast from China. Many small but prosperous kingdoms, influenced by both China and India in many ways, arose in these areas, leaving monuments of lasting value.
Geography in this question refers to the physical features in the areas such as mountains, rivers, seas, etc., accessibility to harbors and sea routes, as well as natural occurrences relating to climate and weather that influenced both the history and the culture of SE Asia and Korea. The geography of SE Asia and the influence it had on the countries because of their vicinity to China and India is described on pp. 344 – 346, whereas the geography of Korea and the influence it had on North and South Korea is described on p. 346. Remember to include examples in your answer where possible.
SE Asia refers to the area south of China between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and stretching almost to Australia. It includes two main areas – Indochina (a large peninsula bordering China in the North and India in the West) and a number of islands such as Borneo, Java and Sumatra. Countries in this area include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. North and South Korea lie northeast from China. Many small but prosperous kingdoms, influenced by both China and India in many ways, arose in these areas, leaving monuments of lasting value.
Geography in this question refers to the physical features in the areas such as mountains, rivers, seas, etc., accessibility to harbors and sea routes, as well as natural occurrences relating to climate and weather that influenced both the history and the culture of SE Asia and Korea. The geography of SE Asia and the influence it had on the countries because of their vicinity to China and India is described on pp. 344 – 346, whereas the geography of Korea and the influence it had on North and South Korea is described on p. 346. Remember to include examples in your answer where possible.
4. Explain early interaction between Europeans and the Japanese. Why did Japan use the closed door policy? Do you think this policy effectively kept Western ideas and customs out of Japan? Explain.
This question has three (3) parts to it:
a) A description of the early interaction between Europeans and the Japanese, as described on pp. 545 – 546. The Japanese first welcomed the Europeans as trade gave them access to goods from Europe, including weapons such as guns and cannons that changed the power structure among the shoguns at the time.
b) Traders were followed by missionaries, and this brought about problems for the Japanese, which you should describe briefly. Eventually the Japanese leaders banned these missionaries, and even went as far as persecuting all Christians in the country. For a while they still allowed trade with Europe, but then they realized they could get along without any European influence, and established a closed door policy, i.e. not allowing any contact between them and the Europeans. This section is described on pp. 546 – 547.
c) The final section of the essential questions asks you to reflect on whether the policy was actually successful in keeping western ideas and customs out of Japan. It does not matter whether you think that the policy was successful or unsuccessful, but make sure that you provide a reason for your viewpoint. A quick look at a later section in this unit, Modernization in Japan: Chapter 28, Section 2 (pp. 810 - 813), may give you some food for thought regarding this question.
This question has three (3) parts to it:
a) A description of the early interaction between Europeans and the Japanese, as described on pp. 545 – 546. The Japanese first welcomed the Europeans as trade gave them access to goods from Europe, including weapons such as guns and cannons that changed the power structure among the shoguns at the time.
b) Traders were followed by missionaries, and this brought about problems for the Japanese, which you should describe briefly. Eventually the Japanese leaders banned these missionaries, and even went as far as persecuting all Christians in the country. For a while they still allowed trade with Europe, but then they realized they could get along without any European influence, and established a closed door policy, i.e. not allowing any contact between them and the Europeans. This section is described on pp. 546 – 547.
c) The final section of the essential questions asks you to reflect on whether the policy was actually successful in keeping western ideas and customs out of Japan. It does not matter whether you think that the policy was successful or unsuccessful, but make sure that you provide a reason for your viewpoint. A quick look at a later section in this unit, Modernization in Japan: Chapter 28, Section 2 (pp. 810 - 813), may give you some food for thought regarding this question.
5. What were the negative and positive results of European colonization in SE Asia?
The European powers competed to carve up the Pacific Rim in much the same way as they did to Africa in their desire to expand their own territories, power and trading opportunities. The Dutch took control of parts of Indonesia and France took over the rest of Indonesia; Britain took control of the harbor in Singapore, as well as the Malayan Peninsula and Burma. The Germans claimed various parts in this area such as the Marshall Islands, parts of New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, and even the USA took control of certain Pacific islands such as the Philippine Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam.
As you read through Imperialism in SE Asia: Chapter 27, Section 5 (pp. 796 – 799), take notes on what the effect of this imperialism was on the various countries that had been colonized, and whether this had positive or negative consequences for the annexed countries. The effects actually extend beyond what is discussed in this section of the textbook, e.g. the causes of the Vietnam War can be traced back to this period, and much of the conflict that exists between various religious groups in this area can likely be traced back to this era of imperialism.
NOTE: Think about what you learned about Imperialism in Africa during Trimester 1!
The European powers competed to carve up the Pacific Rim in much the same way as they did to Africa in their desire to expand their own territories, power and trading opportunities. The Dutch took control of parts of Indonesia and France took over the rest of Indonesia; Britain took control of the harbor in Singapore, as well as the Malayan Peninsula and Burma. The Germans claimed various parts in this area such as the Marshall Islands, parts of New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, and even the USA took control of certain Pacific islands such as the Philippine Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam.
As you read through Imperialism in SE Asia: Chapter 27, Section 5 (pp. 796 – 799), take notes on what the effect of this imperialism was on the various countries that had been colonized, and whether this had positive or negative consequences for the annexed countries. The effects actually extend beyond what is discussed in this section of the textbook, e.g. the causes of the Vietnam War can be traced back to this period, and much of the conflict that exists between various religious groups in this area can likely be traced back to this era of imperialism.
NOTE: Think about what you learned about Imperialism in Africa during Trimester 1!
6. How and why did the Meiji government modernize Japan?
After two centuries of isolation, Japan was compelled to end its isolation from the rest of the world when US Commodore Matthew Perry took four ships into what is now Tokyo Harbor. The resulting Treaty of Kanagawa of 1854 led to Japan reopening some of its harbors to western nations for trade by the ruling shogun. The Japanese were angry that the shogun had given in to the demands of the foreigners, and turned to the Japanese emperor, Matsuhito. The reigning shogun stepped down, and Matsuhito took over the rule of Japan for 45 years; this period is known as the Meiji era.
Matsuhito realized that the best way to counter Western influence would be to modernize Japan and incorporate the best of what other nations had to offer. Read how the Meiji government went about this on pp. 811 - 812, turning Japan into a strong economic and military force who then sought to expand their own territory through imperialism.
After two centuries of isolation, Japan was compelled to end its isolation from the rest of the world when US Commodore Matthew Perry took four ships into what is now Tokyo Harbor. The resulting Treaty of Kanagawa of 1854 led to Japan reopening some of its harbors to western nations for trade by the ruling shogun. The Japanese were angry that the shogun had given in to the demands of the foreigners, and turned to the Japanese emperor, Matsuhito. The reigning shogun stepped down, and Matsuhito took over the rule of Japan for 45 years; this period is known as the Meiji era.
Matsuhito realized that the best way to counter Western influence would be to modernize Japan and incorporate the best of what other nations had to offer. Read how the Meiji government went about this on pp. 811 - 812, turning Japan into a strong economic and military force who then sought to expand their own territory through imperialism.
7. Explain the similarities and differences regarding the elections that brought defeat to the ruling governments of Burma and the Philippines.
During World War II, Japan had seized many of the Southeast countries from the Europeans, and similar to what happened in Africa and India after World War II, many of Southeast Asians were no longer willing to be ruled by European powers. They called for and won their independence, and a series of new nations emerged. Two of these countries include the Philippines, who became independent from the USA, as well as Burma, who became independent from Great Britain. To answer the question, read through the relevant sections on pp. 1004 – 1007, and make notes about the similarities and differences in the way that these countries became independent. Focus on the process of how the countries became independent (was it peaceful process?), how the countries were governed directly afterward, and what the situation is today in each of the countries.
During World War II, Japan had seized many of the Southeast countries from the Europeans, and similar to what happened in Africa and India after World War II, many of Southeast Asians were no longer willing to be ruled by European powers. They called for and won their independence, and a series of new nations emerged. Two of these countries include the Philippines, who became independent from the USA, as well as Burma, who became independent from Great Britain. To answer the question, read through the relevant sections on pp. 1004 – 1007, and make notes about the similarities and differences in the way that these countries became independent. Focus on the process of how the countries became independent (was it peaceful process?), how the countries were governed directly afterward, and what the situation is today in each of the countries.