World Cultures

Unit III: Southeast Asia, Oceania and Austrialia

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.
China and India influences Southeast Asia greatly. China ruled Vietnam from 111 bc to 939 ad.
They influenced in many ways including Chinese art, technology, political ideas and ethnical
beliefs. Southeast Asia did keep some of its own traditions though such as how women had
equal roles.
2. How was the area of Southeast Asia organized and governed during their early history?
The area of Southeast Asia was organized by mandalas which are state organized as rings of
power around a central court.
3. How did this change from 1300-1800?
The Burmese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Javanese each began to define their national identities.
Urbanization started to take place also.
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?
The Philippines.
3. Identify and explain the three ways colonialism changed Southeast Asia.
First the colonial rulers set up centralized bureaucratic governments with set routines
and regulations. Second, Europeans forced the colonies to produce commodities that
would help Europes economy. Third, colonialism had the unintended effect of sparking
nationalism.
4. Skillbuilder: Interpreting Maps [p. 706] -- Answer #1 and #2
Location: It was surrounded by the British and the French.
Region: The Dutch could access both Indian and Pacific oceans.
5. What changes came to Southeast Asia during WWII?
Japan occupied Southeast Asia during World War II and Southeast Asia soon realized Japan
was exploiting the region for its own benefit just as Europe had. But the Japanese put
Southeast Asians in leadership roles which gave them valuable experience.
6. How was control of the area in Southeast Asia by Japan different than European
control?
They put Southeast Asians in leadership roles.
7. After WWII, Southeast Asia gained their independence differently. Briefly explain
this statement with examples.
Several nations got their independence very peacefully but Indonesia to fight from 1945-1949 to
gain it from the Dutch. Indochina suffered years of turmoil. Vietnam was trying to get
independence but it resulted in the Vietnam War.

An Uneven Economy
1. Southeast Asia has a traditional economy. Explain that statement with specific
examples to back it up.
They deeply depend on agriculture for income, tice is the chief food crop in most
countries, heavily forested and produces much of the worlds teak. Also, there is a lack
of industry.
2. What is ASEAN? How has it helped to create a region within a region?
ASEAB is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations which is an alliance that 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.
This region has much religious diversity. Buddhism is widespread throughout and Catholic is
mostly in the Philippines. Indonesia and Brunei are mostly Muslim and some practice Hinduism.
2. Are there more rural or urban communities in this area?
Most Southeast Asians live in rural villages and follow traditional ways.
3. Interpret the picture of page 709. What does this scene show about diversity in
Malaysia?
The picture shows that it is not that diverse in what women have to wear and what men
have to wear.
OCEANIA [P. 711-715]
1. Identify these terms and explain their importance in the region:
a. Micronesia- tiny islands
b. Melanesia- black islands
c. Polynesia- many islands
d. Subsistence activities- dont work for wages
e. Copra- dried meat of coconuts
f. Taro- plant with a starchy root
2. What type of migration is happening within Oceania today?
For thousands of years the people would migrate as far as Hawaii, New Zealand and more.
3. How did contact with Europeans and Americans affect the societies of the Pacific Islands?
Missionaries would try to convert locals and traders came for products and sailors hunter
whale. Settlers started plantation. Island society started to decline.
4. What is distinctive about Oceania in terms of its languages?
It is one of the most linguistically diverse regions.
5. How has modern technology both helped and harmed Oceania?
Has helped with modern communications system but has harmed by leading to shantytowns
and bad sanitation facilities.
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. Due to this one difficulty it causes things
to be more expensive to build the roads and buildings necessary for the mines to operate.
2. What historic actions demonstrated New Zealanders concern for equal rights and social
welfare?
New Zealand has a long tradition of concern for equal rights and the welfare of its citizens.
In 1893, it became the first country to grant women the 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?
Antarctica remains unsettles due to its cold temperatures but several countries have
claimed territory there.