World Cultures

Unit III: Southeast Asia, Oceania and Australia

Name: __________________________

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.
The early history of this region was diversified in many ways. The most significant way being
the rule of India and China. China had control over North Vietnam from 111 BC to 939 AD.
Chinas art, technologies, and ethnic and political beliefs shaped Vietnams culture. India,
shared many religions with this region as well. Buddhism and Hinduism were popular throughout
Southeast Asia.
2. How was the area of Southeast Asia organized and governed during their early history?
Early Southeast Asian states did not have set borders, so they used mandalas. A mandala is a
figure that represents Buddhist and Hindu culture. It was common for these mandalas to
overlap throughout certain areas, so the overlapping areas created alliances with each other.
3. How did this change from 1300-1800?
From the years 1300-1800, there were 5 powerful that existed where Myanmar, Vietnam,
Thailand, Java, and the Malay are now. These states were like mandalas, but were much
more complex. Trade was important to this region. Also, urbanization took place in these
states as well. An example being that Malacca grew to about 100,000 people in 1500.
Colonialism and its aftermath
1. What is colonialism?
Colonialism is the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over
another country.
2. What was the only country in the region that wasnt a colony?
Siam, or modern day Thailand.
3. Identify and explain the three ways colonialism changed Southeast Asia.
First, the colonial leaders set up centralized, bureaucratic governments and enforced set
routines and regulations. Second, the Europeans forced the colonies to produce
commodities that would benefit them, such as rubber, rice and sugar. And third,
colonialism sparked nationalism accidentally. Groups of colonies allied with each other
against Europeans, and some gained knowledge of the west and learned about self-rule.
4. Skillbuilder: Interpreting Maps [p. 706] -- Answer #1 and #2
1. Northwest of Indonesia, East of Myanmar and West of Vietnam
2. Dutch New Guinea, Dutch East Indies
5. What changes came to Southeast Asia during WWII?

Many of the countries became independent after 1962, however some islands are still
under foreign rule.
6. How was control of the area in Southeast Asia by Japan different than European
control?
Unlike the Europeans, the Japanese promoted Southeast Asians to leadership roles
which gave them important experience in leading a country/region.
7. After WWII, Southeast Asia gained their independence differently. Briefly explain
this statement with examples.
Most of the Southeastern Asian nations were able to gain independence easily, except for
Indonesia. Indonesia fought for independence for 4 years. (1945-1949) The French were defeated
by Vietnam in 1954, which granted independence for Laos, North Vietnam, and Cambodia.
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, Vietnam, and Laos rely heavily on agriculture. Rice
is the most popular crop and generates the most income for Southeast Asian Nations.
2. What is ASEAN? How has it helped to create a region within a region?
ASEAN is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. ASEAN promotes economic
growth and peace in the region.
A Rich Mosaic of Culture
1. How is this area a mosaic of religions? Identify the different religions and where they
are practiced.
Southeast Asia has a plethora of religions. The most common is Buddhism. However, areas such
as the Philippines are mostly catholic, and Indonesia is Muslim. Other countries are Hindu and
some local beliefs.
2. Are there more rural or urban communities in this area?
There are more Urban communities because of the influences it has with art and literature.
Etc.
3. Interpret the picture of page 709. What does this scene show about diversity in
Malaysia?
The picture shows that the religions that people follow alter the way we see them. For example,
the clothing they wear is normal to them but can be very different to other people.
OCEANIA [P. 711-715]
1. Identify these terms and explain their importance in the region:
a. Micronesia- tiny islands, Oceania is divided into 3 parts by physical geography, and
culture.
b. Melanesia- Black islands, one of the 3 regions of Oceania.
c. Polynesia-Many islands, another one of the 3 regions.
d. Subsistence activities- People provide food, shelter and clothing only for themselves.
e. Copra- a main crop, made from dried coconut meat.

f. Taro- another major crop, a starchy rooted plant.

2. What type of migration is happening within Oceania today?
The population of urban cities in Oceania has been growing because of the education and job
opportunities.
3. How did contact with Europeans and Americans affect the societies of the Pacific Islands?
The Europeans brought deadly diseases, which in long term killed many inhabitants. And the
Europeans and Americans made these areas into territories.
4. What is distinctive about Oceania in terms of its languages?
There are over 1,100 languages spoken throughout Oceania, 823 of them are spoken in Papua New
Guinea. English is spoken in the Pacific island regions as well.
5. How has modern technology both helped and harmed Oceania?
The modern technology has increased population in urban areas for jobs and education, but this
has also caused havoc. The growth of people in a small area has led to poor sanitation facilities.
And city dwellers are giving up their traditional way of life.
AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALIND & ANTARCTICA [P.717-723]
1. What prevents Australia from benefiting completely from its mining industry?
In Australia, the mining goods are located in the outback. The outback is far from the technology
of the city and is hard for workers to obtain the goods. Because of this, Australia relies heavily on
foreign investments.
2. What historic actions demonstrated New Zealanders concern for equal rights and social
welfare?
New Zealand was the first country to allow women the right to vote in 1893. And it was also one of
the first regions to give pensions to the senior citizens.
3. What is the major activity conducted in Antarctica?
The major activity conducted in Antarctica is scientific research.