Unit 8 Asia – Study Guide

Brahman

The spiritual force at the center of the universe; the basis of all existence and many gods.

Moksha

The goal of life is unity with Brahman, achieved through many lifetimes.

Reincarnation

The belief that souls are reborn after death.

Karma

Actions in one life affect what happens in the next life.

Dharma

Moral, social, and religious duties a person must follow.

Ahimsa

Belief in nonviolence toward all living things.

British East India Company

Began as a trading company and controlled about ⅗ of India by the mid-1800s.

Divide and Rule

A strategy used by Britain to maintain control, exploiting India's diverse languages, religions, and traditions.

Caste System

A social hierarchy that Britain used to keep Indians divided.

Indian National Congress

Founded in 1885, it was the first major nationalist movement in India, advocating for self-rule and modernization.

Gandhi’s Leadership

Led peaceful protests and civil disobedience against British rule in India.

Salt March (1930)

A protest against British control and taxation of salt, symbolizing resistance.

Creation of Pakistan (1947)

The hasty division of India and Pakistan, resulting in massive migration and violence.

Nehru as Prime Minister

The first Prime Minister of India who helped build the modern Indian state and supported nonalignment.

Kashmir

A region claimed by both India and Pakistan, causing ongoing conflict.

Creation of Bangladesh (1971)

Resulted from the split of Pakistan into West and East due to cultural and economic disparities.

Pakistan’s Instability

Frequent shifts between civilian leadership and military rule post-independence.

Shi Huangdi

Leader of the Qin Dynasty, known for harsh laws and major achievements like the Great Wall.

Confucius

Philosopher focused on social order and moral leadership.

Opium Wars

Conflicts caused by Britain's illegal opium trade in China, resulting in unequal treaties.

Sun Yixian & Nationalism

Led a movement to free China from foreign domination and supported representative government.

Chinese Civil War

Conflict between Nationalists and Communists, leading to the Long March and Communist support.

Mao Zedong

Leader who gained support through land reform and propaganda, overseeing significant policies.

Great Leap Forward

Mao's attempt at rapid modernization resulting in famine and failed industrial goals.

Cultural Revolution (1966)

Initiative aiming to eliminate non-revolutionary ideas and establish socialist practices.

Deng Xiaoping

The 'Architect of Modern China' known for the Four Modernizations and integrating socialism with free enterprise.

Tiananmen Square

Student-led protests in 1989 demanding democracy, resulting in government repression.

Korean War (1950)

Conflict initiated by North Korea's invasion of South Korea, ending at the 38th parallel.

Kim Jong Il

North Korean leader known for nuclear weapons development and aggressive military posture.

Kamikaze & Conquest Belief

The belief in Japan's invincibility due to a storm destroying a Mongol fleet.

MacArthur Constitution

Framework for Japan's post-WWII parliamentary democracy, eliminating militarism.

Four Tigers

Refers to Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan, known for rapid industrial growth.