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 ruled over Vietnam and because of this Chinese art, technology,
political ideas, and ethnic beliefs shaped Vietnams culture. Hinduism and Buddhism
spread from India to Southeast Asia and influenced religion and art in that region.
Southeast Asia kept many of its original traditions including equal roles for women.
It was greatly diversified because Southeast Asia was under the influence of
different religions and regions which greatly impacted their culture.
2.
How was the area of Southeast Asia organized and governed during their
early history?
Southeast Asia did not have set leaders instead they had mandalas, which are
states organized as rings of power around a central court. It was very common for
rulers to make alliances in order for their specific state to survive and The Khmer
Empire was a very powerful Mandala that lasted from the 9th to the 15th century.
3.

How did this change from 1300-1800?

During this time five powerful states existed, which were Myanmar,
Vietnam, Thailand, Java, and the Malay Peninsula. Urbanization occurred during this
time in large cities which greatly impacted states and also during this time many
nationalities began to define their national identities.
Colonialism and its aftermath
1.
What is colonialism?
Colonialism is the practice of acquiring political control over another country,
occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.
2.
What was the only country in the region that wasnt a colony?
Siam which is now referred to as Thailand.
3.

Identify and explain the three ways colonialism changed Southeast Asia.
Colonialism changed Southeast Asia by setting up centralized, bureaucratic
governments with set routines and rules. Also, Europeans forced the colonies to
produce crops that would benefit Europes economy including rice, tea, rubber,

sugar, and coffee. Finally colonialism resulted in the unintentional effect of

nationalism, a pride in ones country.

4.

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

1. Siam is in the northwestern region of Southeast Asia.
2. The British could access both India and the Pacific Ocean.

5.

What changes came to Southeast Asia during WWII?

Japan occupied Southeast Asia during WWII and put Southeast Asians in
leadership role. They fought to gain independence and several Southeast Asian
countries gained their independence peacefully.
6.
How was control of the area in Southeast Asia by Japan different than
European control?
Instead of Southeast Asia being in control of European leaders, Japan
placed Southeast Asians in charge of the land. Those leaders than fought for
freedom and peacefully gained it.
7.
After WWII, Southeast Asia gained their independence differently.
Briefly explain this statement with examples.
Many Southeast Asian countries gained their independence peacefully,
although a couple of countries had to fight for their freedom. Indonesia was
involved in a fight with the Dutch for their independence during 1945 to 1949.
Also, Vietnam was soon under attack by communist North Vietnam which resulted
in the Vietnam War. The war ended in 1973 when Vietnam surrendered to the
Communist rule. Communists also took over both Laos and Cambodia.
An Uneven Economy
1.
Southeast Asia has a traditional economy. Explain that statement with
specific examples to back it up.
The people in Southeast Asia highly rely on agriculture and farming to make
a profit. Rice is the major crop and is found in almost every country in Southeast
Asia. They also have a lack of industrial buildings because of the Vietnam War
which doesnt allow them to have a more industry based economy or income.

2.

What is ASEAN? How has it helped to create a region within a region?

ASEAN is the Association of Southeastern Asian Nations and has helped
create a region within a region because its an alliance that helps promote
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.
Buddhism is widely spread throughout the region, the Philippines is mostly
catholic, while Indonesia and Brunei are mostly Muslim. Hinduism is also practiced
throughout Southeast Asia.
2.
Are there more rural or urban communities in this area?
There are more rural communities than urban in Southeast Asia.
3.
Interpret the picture of page 709. What does this scene show about
diversity in Malaysia?
It shows that throughout Malaysia there are people who practice traditional
customs or religious customs by covering their heads or face. The picture also
shows people who have adapted to the Western way of dressing; an example is the
woman who appears to be wearing blue jeans.
OCEANIA [P. 711-715]
1.
Identify these terms and explain their importance in the region:
a.
Micronesia- Tiny islands, one of the regions that geographers divide Oceania
into.
b.
Melanesia- black islands, one of the regions that geographers divide Oceania
into.
c.
Polynesia-many islands, another region that geographers divide Oceania into.
d.
Subsistence activities- Most of Oceania has an economy where people do not
work for money but for subsistence activities. These are activities in which a
family only produces the food, clothing, and shelter they need.
e.
Copra- The dried meat of coconuts, a major crop which provides income.
f.
Taro- a plant with a starchy root, which can be eaten, boiled or turned into
breads, puddings, or pasta called poi. A major cash crop for people on islands.

2.

What type of migration is happening within Oceania today?

Migration from other countries in boats.

3.
How did contact with Europeans and Americans affect the societies of the
Pacific Islands?
The Europeans tried to convince the people to convert to Christianity and
traders also came for many of their products such as coconut oil and hunting
whales. Europeans set up farms for growing coconuts, pineapples, or sugar. Many
islanders died of diseases brought by Europeans and the Europeans/Americans
turned the islands into possessions and territories.
4.
What is distinctive about Oceania in terms of its languages?
Some 1,100 languages are spoken among the Oceania islands and many islanders
speak Europeans languages but English is the most common.

5.

How has modern technology both helped and harmed Oceania?

Modern communication has unified the islands and can also link Oceania to
the rest of the world. Although because of all the people migrating to Oceania
more shantytowns and inadequate sanitation systems have increased.
AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND & ANTARCTICA [P.717-723]
1.
What prevents Australia from benefiting completely from its mining
industry?
Many of Australias mining deposits lay in the outback, far away from cities,
which make it difficult because its expensive to build roads and buildings
necessary to transport and mine the deposits. Also Australia has to share profits
with foreign investors because they lack the money means to support their mining
economy.
2.
What historic actions demonstrated New Zealanders concern for equal
rights and social welfare?
In 1893, New Zealand became the first country that allowed women to vote
and it was also one of the first nations to grant pensions to senior citizens.

3.
What is the major activity conducted in Antarctica?
Scientific research is the major activity that is conducted in Antarctica.