World Cultures

Unit III: Southeast Asia, Oceania and Australia

SOUTHEAST ASIA [Page 705 709]

A Long History of Diversity:
1.
In a paragraph, explain how the early history [prior to 1000 AD] was highly diversified.
China and India were able to influence ancient Southeast Asia and China was able to rule
northern Vietnam from 111 B.C. to A.D. 939. Also, Hinduism and Buddhism spread from India
and was able to influence religion and art in most of Southeast Asia. But Chinese arts,
technology, political ideas, and ethnic beliefs had shaped Vietnams culture. Southeast Asian
states had mandalas which were regions of power that changed in size over time and it could
overlap those around it. The Khmer Empire was a powerful mandala that lasted from the 9th to
the 15th centuries which is called Cambodia today.
2.
How was the area of Southeast Asia organized and governed during their early history?
Southeast Asia was influenced by China and India. China was able to rule northern Vietnam and
Chinese art, technology, political ideas, and ethical beliefs shaped Vietnams cultural. They had
mandalas which were states organized as rings of power around a central court.
3.
How did this change from 1300-1800?
There were five powerful states such as Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Java, and the Malay
Peninsula. But the Burmese, the Vietnamese, the Thai, and the Javanese were defining their
national identities. While also having urbanization taking place during this time period.
Colonialism and its aftermath
1.
What is colonialism?
Having control over another country, settlers, and exploiting it economically.
2.
What was the only country in the region that wasnt a colony?
Siam (Thailand) was the only country in the region that wasnt a colony
3.
Identify and explain the three ways colonialism changed Southeast Asia.
First, the colonial rulers were able to set up centralized governments with set routines and
regulations. Next, Europeans forced the colonies to produce commodities that would help the
Europeans economy. Lastly, colonialism had the effect of sparking nationalism such as groups
that have never had been allies united were against European rule.
4.

Skillbuilder: Interpreting Maps [p. 706] -- Answer #1 and #2

#1-Northwest of Indonesia, West of Vietnam, and East of Myanmar

#2-Dutch

5.
What changes came to Southeast Asia during WWII?
The Japanese put Southeast Asians in leadership roles which gave them valuable experience.
But after the war had ended, the Southeast Asian leaders sought independence and some of
the nations gained their freedom.
6.
How was control of the area in Southeast Asia by Japan different than European
control?
The Japanese put Southeast Asians into leadership roles which gave them valuable experience
unlike the Europeans did.
7.
After WWII, Southeast Asia gained their independence differently. Briefly explain this
statement with examples.
Many Southeast Asians nations were able to gain their freedom but Indonesia had to fight from
1945-1949 to gain independence from the Dutch. The Vietnamese defeated the French in 1954,
which gave them winning independence for Cambodia, Laos, North Vietnam, and South
Vietnam. The United States became involved in the South Vietnam to prevent its takeover by
the Communist North Vietnam.
An Uneven Economy
1.
Southeast Asia has a traditional economy. Explain that statement with specific
examples to back it up.
People that live in Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam depend on agriculture for their
income. But rice is the popular food crop for those countries and also for the rest of Southeast
Asian nations. Also, Vietnam has built industry and sought foreign investment and trade.
2.
What is ASEAN? How has it helped to create a region within a region?
ASEAN is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which is an alliance that promotes
economic growth and peace in the region. But the other four Southeast Asian countries didnt
join it until 1995 or later. The processing of agricultural products is the chief industry.
A Rich Mosaic of Culture
1.
How is this area a mosaic of religions? Identify the different religions and where they
are practiced.
Because Southeast Asia has religious diversity and Buddhism is the most popular religion in the
region. But the Philippines are mostly Catholic because of Spanish rule, while Indonesia and
Brunei are mostly Muslim. Also, some Southeast Asian nations practice Hinduism while others
follow traditional local beliefs.
2.
Are there more rural or urban communities in this area?
There are more urban communities in the area because there are arts, literature, sculptures,
and architectural structures.
3.
Interpret the picture of page 709. What does this scene show about diversity in
Malaysia?

There are a lot of different religions that people believe in which makes them change the way
they dress and look.
OCEANIA [P. 711-715]
1.

Identify these terms and explain their importance in the region:

a.
Micronesia-Tiny islands. Oceania is divided into three regions both by physical
geography and culture.
b.
Melanesia-Black islands, is called one of the three regions of Oceania
c.
Polynesia-Many islands, is called one of the three regions of Oceania
d.
Subsistence activities- People that provide and produces only food, clothing, and shelter
for themselves.
e.
Copra-Dried meat of coconuts and this is one of the chiefs crops.
f.
Taro-A plant with a starchy root is one of the major crops.
2.
What type of migration is happening within Oceania today?
Cities in Oceania have been growing as many people move to them for education or jobs.
3.
How did contact with Europeans and Americans affect the societies of the Pacific
Islands?
Many people died from diseases brought by the Europeans. Also, the Europeans and the United
States took control of the islands and turned into territories and possessions.
4.
What is distinctive about Oceania in terms of its languages?
1,100 of the worlds languages are spoken there and the people of Papua New Guinea speak
823 languages. A lot of Pacific Islanders speak European languages but English is the most
common spoken language.

5.
How has modern technology both helped and harmed Oceania?
People move to the cities in Oceania for education and jobs and also rapid urban growth has led
to sprawling shantytowns and have poor sanitation facilities. City dwellers are lacking and giving
up their traditional ways of life.

AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALIND & ANTARCTICA [P.717-723]

1.

What prevents Australia from benefiting completely from its mining industry?

Many deposits lie in the outback far from cities which makes it hard for them to do whatever
they have to do. Since the mining is expensive and because Australia has lacked capital,
Australian companies have led to rely mostly on foreign investment.
2.
What historic actions demonstrated New Zealanders concern for equal rights and social
welfare?
In 1893, New Zealand had become the first country to grant women the right to vote and it was
one of the first nations to provide pensions for its senior citizens.
3. What is the major activity conducted in Antarctica?
Twenty nations have scientific research stations.