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.
Southeast Asia had many different cultures influence it prior to 1000 AD. China ruled
northern Vietnam and Chinese art, technology, political ideas, and ethical beliefs shaped
their culture. Hinduism and Buddhism spread from India and influenced religion and art
in much of Southeast Asia. While more things spread from different parts of the world,
Southeast Asia kept some of its own traditions also.
2.
How was the area of Southeast Asia organized and governed during their
early history?
The different states didnt have set borders, but mandalas instead. They were states
organized as rings of power around a central court. They change in size overtime and
sometimes they would overlap a neighbor state, so rulers had to make alliances for a
state to survive.
3.

How did this change from 1300-1800?

The years in between 1300 and 1800 were very important to the development of
Southeast Asia. The five most powerful states, now Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Java,
and the Malay Peninsula, were similar to mandalas, but larger and more complex. Trade
between each other was very important for their economies. During this time period, the
Burmese, the Vietnamese, the Thai, and the Javanese began defining their national
identities. Urbanization started taking place and in the early 1500s, Malacca grew to
have about 100,000 people.
Colonialism and its aftermath
1.
What is colonialism?
Exploitation by a stronger country of weaker one. The use of the weaker countrys
resources to strengthen and enrich the stronger country.
2.

What was the only country in the region that wasnt a colony?

The only country that wasnt a colony was Thailand.

3.

Identify and explain the three ways colonialism changed Southeast Asia.
a. It set up bureaucratic governments with set routines and
regulations.
b. Europeans forced the colonies to produce things that would help
Europes economy.
c. It sparked nationalism. Groups that had never been allies united
against European rule.

4.

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

1. French Indochina.
2. Britain because they controlled India and they controlled some
Asian countries.
5.

What changes came to Southeast Asia during WWII?

Japan occupied Southeast Asia instead of Europe.

6.
How was control of the area in Southeast Asia by Japan different than
European control?
Unlike the Europeans, they gave them leadership roles, which gave them valuable
experience.
7.
After WWII, Southeast Asia gained their independence differently. Briefly
explain this statement with examples.
Some regions gained their independence because the countries that took them over
backed out, but they were left as third world countries as a result.
An Uneven Economy
1.
Southeast Asia has a traditional economy. Explain that statement with
specific examples to back it up.
They depend on agriculture and natural resources. Rice is the chief food crop in
Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam. Myanmar is also heavily forested and produces
much of the worlds teak.
2.

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

It is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Its some countries within South Asia
that have a very strong economy.
A Rich Mosaic of Culture
1.
How is this area a mosaic of religions? Identify the different religions
and where they are practiced.
The diversity is so strong in Southeast Asia that they call it a mosaic. Buddhism is
widespread, the Philippines are mostly catholic, and Indonesia and Brunei are Muslim.
Some also practice Hinduism.
2.

Are there more rural or urban communities in this area?

There are more urban areas.

3.
Interpret the picture of page 709. What does this scene show about
diversity in Malaysia?
There are people wearing Western clothes and people wearing traditional Muslim attire.
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- when a family produces food, clothing, and
shelter only for themselves.
e. Copra-dried meat of coconuts, a chief crop in the islands.
f. Taro-a plant with a starchy root, a main crop.
2. What type of migration is happening within Oceania today?
People are migrating here for jobs and education.
3. How did contact with Europeans and Americans affect the societies of the
Pacific Islands?
Europeans tried to convert the people to Christianity. Many islanders died because of
disease from Europe and they began to decline. Europe and the US took control of them.
4. What is distinctive about Oceania in terms of its languages?
They are the most linguistic regions in the world. 1,100 of the worlds languages are spoken
here.
5. How has modern technology both helped and harmed Oceania?
There is now rapid urban growth and inadequate sanitation facilities. On the other hand,
modern communication is helping them too.
AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALIND & ANTARCTICA [P.717-723]
1. What prevents Australia from benefiting completely from its mining industry?
Mining clears land for farming and it is expensive to create road mines to operate.
2. What historic actions demonstrated New Zealanders concern for equal rights
and social welfare?
The British Commonwealth.
3. What is the major activity conducted in Antarctica?
Scientific research.