Unit+3+Southern+&+Southeast+Asia

Unit 3: Southern & Southeast Asia



Unit Three Overview

South Asia is often called the Indian Subcontinent and primarily the countries of India and Pakistan. The area includes the Indus River Valley, home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The region is also the birthplace of two of the world’s major religions, Hinduism and Buddhism. The religion of Islam also plays a major role in the history of the region and in present times. During the 18th and 19th century the region came under the colonial influence of the British. During the 19th century, India was called the “Jewel in the Crown” of British Empire, an empire in which the “sun never set.” After World War II (1939-45), the region became independent and was partitioned (split) into the countries of India and Pakistan. The Independence movement of the region was led by Mohandas Gandhi and is significant in that it was based upon passive resistance that was rooted in nonviolent action. Ever since partition in 1949, the relationship between India and Pakistan has been troubled. The root of the difficulties between the two nations lies in cultural and religious differences as well as the disputed border region of Kashmir. Kashmir is a region of fertile river valleys on the Plateau of Tibet that controls the headwaters of the Indus River, the primary river of Pakistan.

Southeast Asia is primarily the Indochina Peninsula and the island nations of the Philippines and Indonesia. Like South Asia, the region is a mix of the religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, and like South Asia, was generally under European colonial control or influence from the 18th to the mid 20th century. Remember, this is the area that attracted the attention of European explorers and traders in the 1400’s, it was the intended destination of Columbus when he sailed from Spain in 1492. The region was known for its spices, jewels, and exotic goods that could be sold for a high profit in Europe. In our study of the region, we will also focus on the country of Vietnam as it suffered two devastating wars in the 20th century. It’s war for independence from France, which ended in 1954, and the Vietnam War (1959-75), in which the United States played a central role.

=By the end of the unit you should be able to do the following:=

 1. Compare and contrast India and Pakistan by explaining what happened to the Indian subcontinent after the British gave up control in 1947. Describe the major conflict in the region today the two major reasons for it.

2. Compare and contrast the three major religions of South and Southeast Asia, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. Describe points such as beliefs, founders and prophets, gods and regions and countries where the religions are practiced.

3. Explain who was Mohandas Gandhi was and why was he so important to India? What did he do for India and why Americans have a connection to Gandhi through Martin Luther King.

4. Describe the two major conflicts of Vietnam during the 1900s. What nations were involved and why? Who was Ho Chi Minh and what was his role in the conflicts


 * __ Resources on India & Pakistan __ ||
 * Mahatma Gandhi Timeline ||
 * Mahatma Gandhi ||
 * India National Site ||
 * India History for Kids ||
 * Understanding Kashmir ||
 * Kashmir Dispute - a brief history ||
 * One World South Asia Home ||
 * The Life and Words of M.L. King ||
 * Martin Luther King, Jr. ||
 * Mohandas Gandhi and Non-violence ||
 * Mohandas Gandhi and Non-violence ||

__Other Useful Resoucres__: European Exploration1400-1500


 * ** Homework, other links and Documents for Chapter Three: ** ||
 * Key Terms & other important concepts ||
 * Fill-in Physical: [[image:http://www.wikispaces.com/i/mime/32/empty.png width="32" height="32" link="http://mrethiergeo.wikispaces.com/file/view/Fill-in+sec+1+%26+2+physical.doc"]] [|Fill-in sec 1 & 2 physical.doc] ||
 * Culture South Asia:[[image:http://www.wikispaces.com/i/mime/32/empty.png width="32" height="32" link="http://mrethiergeo.wikispaces.com/file/view/fillin+South+Asia+Culture.doc"]] [|fillin South Asia Culture.doc] ||
 * India & Pakistan: [[image:http://www.wikispaces.com/i/mime/32/empty.png width="32" height="32" link="http://mrethiergeo.wikispaces.com/file/view/Fill+India+Pakistan.doc"]] [|Fill India Pakistan.doc] ||
 * Southeast Asia Culture: [[image:http://www.wikispaces.com/i/mime/32/empty.png width="32" height="32" link="http://mrethiergeo.wikispaces.com/file/view/fillin+Southeast+Asia+Culture.doc"]] [|fillin Southeast Asia Culture.doc] ||


 * || **Other Useful Links ** ||