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.
Since China ruled from 111 B.C to A.D 939, their culture and ways of life shaped
Vietnams culture. China mainly influenced all of Southeast Asia through their Chinese
art, technology and political views. However, India also influenced Southeast Asia
through their religious beliefs like Hinduism and Buddhism.
2. How was the area of Southeast Asia organized and governed during their early history?
They had things called mandalas, or states organized as rings of power around a central
court.
3. How did this change from 1300-1800?
Individual states became more and more powerful rather than all of them having similar
levels of power.
Colonialism and its aftermath
1. What is colonialism? Colonialism is the system or policy by which a nation maintains or
advocates such control or influence.
2. What was the only country in the region that wasnt a colony? Thailand was the only
country in the region that wasnt a colony.
3. Identify and explain the three ways colonialism changed Southeast Asia. Colonialism
caused colony leaders to set up centralized, bureaucratic governments with set routines
and regulations. Next, Europeans forced colonies to produce commodities that would help
Europes economy. Lastly, colonialism had unintended effect of sparking nationalism.
4. Skillbuilder: Interpreting Maps [p. 706] -- Answer #1 and #2
1.) - The French Indochina
2.) Dutch New Guinea
5. What changes came to Southeast Asia during WWII? Japan showed up and started
exploring for new resources.
6. How was control of the area in Southeast Asia by Japan different than European
control? Instead of the Japanese just exploiting the land for their own benefit, they
also gave Southeast Asians leadership roles to help them benefit in the long run.

7. After WWII, Southeast Asia gained their independence differently. Briefly explain
this statement with examples. Most of the nations gained independence through peace,
however, certain countries like Indonesia, had to fight for their freedom and
independence from the Dutch.
An Uneven Economy
1. Southeast Asia has a traditional economy. Explain that statement with specific
examples to back it up. Certain Southeast Asian countries were considered traditional
economies because they depended on agriculture for income. Examples include rice and
corn.
2. What is ASEAN? How has it helped to create a region within a region? ASEAN is the
association of Southeast Asian Nations. It helped create a region within a region by
promoting economic growth and peace in the regions.
A Rich Mosaic of Culture
1. How is this area a mosaic of religions? Identify the different religions and where they
are practiced. Its considered a mosaic because there are a wide variety of religions
practiced there like Christianity & in the Philippines and Indonesia who are Muslim.
2. Are there more rural or urban communities in this area? With the current rapid
urban growth rate, the urban cities outnumber rural cities.
3. Interpret the picture of page 709. What does this scene show about diversity in
Malaysia? It shows the different types of people there are through their religion and
cultural traditions.
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
All of these terms describe the geographic features of the area (region)
d. Subsistence activities-Activities in which a family produces only the food, clothes and
shelter they themselves need.
Gives the reader an idea of what type of people live in this environment and
how they survive
e. Copra- The dried meat of coconuts.
f. Taro- An edible plant with a starchy root.
These things describe the type of foods people in this region eat.
2. What type of migration is happening within Oceania today? Currently, there is a rapid urban
growth in Oceania

3. How did contact with Europeans and Americans affect the societies of the Pacific Islands?
In a sense, they were westernized, adapting to European and English languages. Also, Europe
and the U.S. made certain islands territories and possessions of their own country.
4. What is distinctive about Oceania in terms of its languages? It has a whopping 1,100
languages being spoken there, making one of the most diverse areas in the world.
5. How has modern technology both helped and harmed Oceania? Technically, it is assisting
with helping islands link together, however it is making people drift away from their own
lifestyle.

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

1. What prevents Australia from benefiting completely from its mining industry? The huge
expenses required for roads are preventing Australia from benefiting completely.
2. What historic actions demonstrated New Zealanders concern for equal rights and social
welfare? They granted women the right to vote and also gave pensions to senior citizens.
3. What is the major activity conducted in Antarctica? The main activity conducted in
Antarctica is scientific research.