Assignment Directions:
-Create a Timeline in Google Slides of events that happened in East Asia
-Select 10 events from this list of 14 events:
Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Rebuilding of Japan after WWII.
Beginning of Zheng He explorations
Beginning of building of the Great Wall
Beginning of communism in China in terms of Mao Zedong
Korean War (include creation of the demilitarized zone)
The Great Leap Forward
Beginning of Confucianism and explanation of it
The Cultural Revolution
Beginning of Shintoism and explanation of it
Tiananmen Square
Beginning of Daoism and explanation of it
Mongol invasion
Buddhism's arrival in China and how it arrived
- Each Slide should contain
(1)an event,
(2)the year(s) the event took place, (The events must be in chronological order)
(3)an image representing the event and
(4) a 3-4 sentence description of the event in the student's own words (paraphrased).
-The last slide in the presentation should contain the answer to the question: Which event from the timeline do you think had the greatest impact on East Asia? Explain why you think this event had the greatest impact on East Asia
Slide 1:
Event: Mongol Invasion
Years: 1206-1368
Image: [Insert image of Mongol warriors]
Description: The Mongol invasion refers to the military campaigns launched by Genghis Khan and his successors, which resulted in the Mongol Empire's dominance over a significant portion of East Asia. The invasion greatly impacted East Asia by introducing centralized rule, fostering cultural exchange, and facilitating the spread of trade and technologies.
Slide 2:
Event: Buddhism's Arrival in China
Years: 1st century CE
Image: [Insert image of Buddha statue]
Description: Buddhism arrived in China during the Han Dynasty and quickly spread throughout the region, integrating with traditional Chinese philosophies and practices. This event had a profound impact on East Asia by influencing its art, literature, and belief systems, and promoting values such as compassion and nonviolence.
Slide 3:
Event: Beginning of Confucianism
Years: 6th century BCE
Image: [Insert image of Confucius]
Description: Confucianism, founded by Confucius, emerged during a time of social and political unrest in ancient China. This ethical and philosophical system emphasized the importance of social harmony, filial piety, and the cultivation of virtue. Confucianism's teachings had a lasting impact on East Asian societies, shaping their governance, education, and family structures.
Slide 4:
Event: Beginning of Daoism
Years: 6th century BCE
Image: [Insert image of Yin and Yang symbol]
Description: Daoism, also known as Taoism, arose as a response to the social and political turmoil in ancient China. It advocated for a harmonious way of living in accordance with the natural order, or the Dao. Daoism's principles of simplicity, spontaneity, and non-action influenced various aspects of East Asian culture, including art, medicine, and governance.
Slide 5:
Event: Beginning of Shintoism
Years: Prehistoric times (exact period uncertain)
Image: [Insert image of Shinto shrine]
Description: Shintoism, rooted in the indigenous beliefs and practices of Japan, is a polytheistic religion that reveres various deities called kami. Shintoism played an essential role in shaping Japanese culture, influencing its spiritual rituals, festivals, and reverence for nature. It also impacted East Asia by promoting the development of a distinct Japanese cultural identity.
Slide 6:
Event: Beginning of Zheng He Explorations
Years: 1405-1433
Image: [Insert image of Zheng He's fleet]
Description: Zheng He, a eunuch admiral during the Ming Dynasty, led several maritime expeditions across the Indian Ocean, reaching as far as Africa. These explorations expanded China's influence, established diplomatic relations, and facilitated cultural and economic exchange. Zheng He's voyages showcased China's naval prowess and were instrumental in shaping East Asia's view of maritime trade.
Slide 7:
Event: Beginning of Building of the Great Wall
Years: 7th century BCE (ongoing process)
Image: [Insert image of the Great Wall of China]
Description: The construction of the Great Wall of China began in ancient times and continued in various stages throughout different dynasties. It was primarily built as a defensive structure against invasions from nomadic tribes. The Great Wall symbolizes China's unity, determination, and military might, becoming an iconic symbol of East Asia's history and heritage.
Slide 8:
Event: Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Years: 1945
Image: [Insert image of mushroom cloud]
Description: During World War II, the United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These devastating bombings led to Japan's surrender and marked the beginning of the post-war reconstruction era. The event profoundly impacted East Asia, igniting discussions on nuclear disarmament, influencing the balance of power in the region, and promoting the pursuit of peace.
Slide 9:
Event: Rebuilding of Japan after WWII
Years: 1945-present
Image: [Insert image of Tokyo skyline]
Description: Following Japan's surrender in World War II, the nation underwent a period of extensive reconstruction and transformation. With the support of the Allied powers, Japan rebuilt its infrastructure, revitalized its economy, and adopted democratic principles. The rebirth of Japan as a prosperous and influential nation had a significant impact on East Asia's geopolitics, economics, and cultural exchange.
Slide 10:
Event: Tiananmen Square
Years: 1989
Image: [Insert image of the iconic "Tank Man"]
Description: The Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing were peaceful demonstrations by Chinese students and civilians calling for political reform and greater freedoms. However, the protests were brutally suppressed by the Chinese government, resulting in numerous casualties. The event had a lasting impact on East Asia, highlighting the struggle for democracy and inspiring subsequent pro-democracy movements in the region.
Slide 11:
Event: Korean War (including the creation of the demilitarized zone)
Years: 1950-1953
Image: [Insert image of Korean War soldiers]
Description: The Korean War erupted when North Korea, supported by China and the Soviet Union, invaded South Korea. The conflict resulted in a stalemate and the creation of the demilitarized zone (DMZ), which still divides the two Koreas today. The Korean War had a profound impact on East Asia, leading to tensions between superpowers, shaping the geopolitical landscape, and leaving a lasting divide on the Korean Peninsula.
Slide 12:
Event: The Great Leap Forward
Years: 1958-1962
Image: [Insert image depicting agricultural collectivization]
Description: The Great Leap Forward was an economic and social campaign launched by Mao Zedong in China. Its aim was to rapidly transform the country into a socialist society by implementing agricultural collectivization and rapid industrialization. However, the campaign led to disastrous consequences, including widespread famine and economic instability, negatively impacting East Asia and altering China's trajectory.
Slide 13:
Event: The Cultural Revolution
Years: 1966-1976
Image: [Insert image of Red Guard]
Description: The Cultural Revolution was a socio-political movement initiated by Mao Zedong to reassert his authority and eliminate perceived threats to the Communist Party. The movement resulted in widespread chaos, violence, and the suppression of intellectual and cultural expression. The Cultural Revolution had a profound impact on East Asia, causing social upheaval, disrupting education and cultural traditions, and leaving a lasting ideological legacy.
Slide 14:
Event: *Selected event with the greatest impact on East Asia*
Answer: Buddhism's Arrival in China
Explanation: While all the events listed have played crucial roles in shaping East Asia, Buddhism's arrival in China had the most significant and enduring impact. Its introduction brought forth a new religious and philosophical framework that ingrained itself into East Asian societies, influencing their art, literature, ethics, and even political structures. Buddhism contributed to the spread of knowledge, cultural exchange, and the formation of shared beliefs that have shaped the region throughout history.