East Asia - Definitions

Confucius/Confucianism

philosopher of defined roles and social obligations

Buddism

a religion based on the teachings of the Buddha that focuses on achieving enlightenment and overcoming suffering through meditation and ethical behavior.

KMT vs CCP

The Kuomintang (KMT) is a political party founded in 1912, representing Chinese nationalism and aiming for modernization and national unity. It was the ruling party in China until its defeat in the Chinese Civil War against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The CCP, established in 1921, advocates for Marxist-Leninist principles and focuses on establishing a socialist state, gaining power in 1949 after defeating the KMT. The KMT currently operates primarily in Taiwan, while the CCP remains the sole ruling party in mainland China, emphasizing state control over the economy and political life.

Great Leap Foward

The Great Leap Forward was a campaign in China from 1958 to 1962 aimed at rapidly industrializing the country and transforming agriculture through collective farming. It led to economic disruption and a severe famine, resulting in millions of deaths due to poor policies and overambitious targets.

Cultural Revolution

A movement in China from 1966 to 1976 initiated by Mao Zedong to enforce Communist ideals and eliminate capitalist influences. It encouraged youth, called Red Guards, to challenge authority, leading to chaos and persecution. The movement aimed for a classless society but resulted in cultural and educational losses, with millions suffering from violence and repression.

Communist Revolution

movements that aim to overthrow capitalism and establish a communist society. Key examples include the Russian Revolution of 1917, which created the Soviet Union, and the Chinese Communist Revolution of 1949, which founded the People's Republic of China. These revolutions involved the working class and peasants rejecting capitalism, leading to a society where resources are collectively owned and class distinctions are eliminated.

Mao Zedong

a Chinese communist leader who founded the People's Republic of China in 1949. He led the Chinese Communist Party and played a key role in the Communist Revolution. Mao's policies, like the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, changed China but also caused suffering for many people. He ruled with an authoritarian approach and was Chairman of the Communist Party until his death in 1976.

Tiananmen Square

a large public square in Beijing, China, known for its historical significance. It was the site of the Tiananmen Square Massacre in 1989, where pro-democracy protesters, mainly students, gathered to call for political reform. The Chinese government responded with military force, leading to many deaths. Today, the square symbolizes the fight for democracy in China and is closely monitored to prevent protests and discussions about the events of 1989.

38th parallel

the pre-Korean War boundary between North Korea and South Korea. Following the end of World War II, the Korean Peninsula was divided at this line, with the Soviet Union occupying the north and the United States occupying the south. The 38th parallel remains a demarcation line, with the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) established along it after the Korean War, serving as a buffer between the two countries.

One Child Rule

a policy implemented by the Chinese government in 1979 to limit most families to having only one child. This was aimed at controlling population growth but led to significant demographic changes and social issues, including gender imbalances and an aging population.

Three Gorges Dam

a massive hydroelectric dam on the Yangtze River in China. It is the largest power station in the world, generating 22,500 megawatts of electricity. Completed in 2008, its main purposes are to control flooding, improve navigation, and produce energy. However, it has been criticized for causing environmental issues and displacing local communities.

Great Wall of China

a series of fortifications built to protect against invasions. It spans over 13,000 miles and was constructed from the 7th century BC, with much of it built during the Ming Dynasty. It is a symbol of China's strength and became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, drawing millions of visitors annually.

Terra Cotta Army

a collection of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, chariots, and horses buried near the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in Shaanxi province. Discovered in 1974, the army was created to accompany the emperor in the afterlife and protect him. Each figure is uniquely crafted, reflecting various ranks and roles within the military. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Opium wars

the two conflicts between China and Western powers in the 19th century, primarily Britain, over trade disputes involving opium. The First Opium War (1839-1842) resulted in the Treaty of Nanking, ceding Hong Kong to Britain and opening several ports to foreign trade, while the Second Opium War (1856-1860) further expanded Western influence in China.

Kim Jong-un

the leader of North Korea, having taken power in December 2011 after his father's death. He is part of the Kim family, which has ruled North Korea since 1948. Kim Jong-un continues his family's policies, including developing nuclear weapons, leading to international criticism and sanctions. He emphasizes military strength and runs an authoritarian regime. Kim has also engaged in diplomacy, meeting with leaders from South Korea and the U.S., but tensions remain high.

Han Chinese

the ethnic group native to China, forming over 90% of the country's population. Han Chinese culture is characterized by a rich history, language, and traditions, influencing many aspects of Chinese society.

Uyghurs

a Turkic-speaking ethnic group primarily living in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. They have a distinct culture, language, and religious practices, predominantly adhering to Islam, and have faced significant repression and human rights abuses by the Chinese government.