1. People’s Republic of China

2. Silk Road Trade route from China to Central Asia to the Black Sea
Enabled China’s contact with the outside world
4,000 miles long
Silk, teas, porcelain, ivory, textiles, jewels, spices, slaves, etc.

3. Chinese Civil Wars (1927 – 1950)
Kuomintang (Nationalists) vs Communist Party of China led by Mao Zedong
1949 Mao Zedong proclaimed the PRC and the KMT fled to Taiwan (Republic of China).
Today, Taiwan’s status is conflicted. The PRC insists that the ROC is a Chinese province.
Taiwan is not an official country.

4. Taoism Ancient tradition of philosophy and religious belief
Originated in China 2000 years ago
It is a religion of unity and opposites; Yin and Yang.
many deities are worshipped
Based on the Dow—natural order to the universe (harmony with the Dow)
Before the Communist revolution fifty years ago, Taoism was one of the strongest religions in China.

5. Practices of Taoism Meditation
Feng shui—balance the energies of any given space to assure the health and good fortune for people inhabiting it.
Fortune telling
Reading and chanting of scriptures

6. Yin Yang Yin Yang is the principle of natural and complementary forces
Ex. Light/dark, masculine/feminine, wet/dry
These are opposites that fit together and work in perfect harmony.

7. Buddhism Religion and philosophy that began in India
Founder: Siddhartha Gautama around 500 BC
Known as Buddha “The Enlightened One”
4th largest religion
Darma, Karma, and reincarnation
Goal: Nirvana (spiritual bliss—free
of pain and suffering)
Yoga and meditation
Religious book: Pali Cannon

8. Confucianism
Developed by the Chinese philosopher, Confucius, in 6th-5th century BC.
Holy book: Analects
Philosophy that focuses on humans and their abilities, values, and worth
does not deny heaven
inspires one to live a virtuous life
No deities

9. Pollution in China Economy trumps environment Poor enforcement of laws
China is the world’s largest polluter
Caused by China’s rapid industrialization
By 2030, China’s carbon dioxide emissions could equal the entire world’s CO2 production today
China is making efforts to decrease pollution
Pollution turns Yellow River red

10. Pollution Facts (Do not copy)
China is home to 20 of the world’s 30 most polluted cities.
The world’s most polluted city is Linfen, China
90% of China’s urban groundwater is polluted.
Cancer is leading cause of death
500 million people without safe drinking water
Only 1% of 560 million city dwellers breathe safe air
Deforestation is a huge problem
Uses coal for 70% of energy needs
Omits more carbon dioxide than any other country.

11. Communist Party of China
Founding and ruling party of the PRC since 1921
Harsh restrictions and human rights violations: Internet, the press, freedom of assembly, reproductive rights, and freedom of religion
Leader: Hu Jintao
General Secretary
and Leader of the
Communist Party

12. Great Leap Forward of 1958 Led by Mao Zedong
Economic and social campaign of Communist party
Goal: Speed up industrialization and economic success
Poor planning, large inefficient industries, hurt agriculture, created famine, damaged environment, violence increased, hindered economic success
Millions died
People in countryside working at night to produce steel

13. Cultural Revolution (1966 to 1976)
Mao Zedong wanted to get rid of enemies and intellectuals (threats)
Schools were closed, people were displaced, tortured, imprisoned, raped, and killed
Paralyzed the country socially, politically, and economically
Mao had absolute power

14. Tiananmen Square Massacre (1989)
Tens of thousands of students gathered to demand political reforms.
Government sent army troops who killed thousands of people.
Est. 2,500 deaths on
the streets of Beijing
Martial law
Lasted seven weeks

15. Economy/Trade 2nd largest economy $8,394 GDP per capita
Fastest growing
Economy began to improve in the 1980’s when aspects
capitalism were introduced.
Based on agriculture
and industry
Largest exporter

16. Compare/Contrast People’s Republic of China Republic of China (Taiwan)
Communist Single Party State
Mandarin
3,704,427 sq mi
Population: 1.3 billion
363/sq mi
$5,184 per capita
Undeveloped
Agriculture and industry
Republic
Mandarin
13,974 sq mi
Population: 23,234,000
1,662/sq mi
$21,951 per capita
Developed
technology