Asia Flashcards
The Meiji Restoration
a pivotal period in Japanese history that took place from 1868 to 1912. It marked the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate, which had ruled Japan for over 250 years, and the restoration of political power to the Emperor, Emperor Meiji. The restoration aimed to modernize and transform Japan into a modern nation-state, capable of competing with Western powers.
Dragon Throne
The Dragon Throne was the throne of the Emperor of China. As the dragon was the emblem of divine imperial power, the throne of the Emperor was known as the Dragon Throne.
Sino-Indian War
The Sino-Indian War or the Indo-China War, was a military confrontation that took place primarily along the disputed Himalayan border between the two countries. China claimed the Aksai Chin region, an area administered by India but controlled by China, as well as parts of the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China referred to as South Tibet. The border disagreements led to tensions and occasional skirmishes in the years leading up to the war. In October 1962, Chinese forces launched a large-scale military offensive against Indian positions along the Himalayan frontier. Chinese troops rapidly advanced into Indian territory, capturing key positions and inflicting heavy losses on the Indian forces. The conflict lasted for about a month, and in November 1962, China declared a ceasefire and announced a unilateral withdrawal of its forces to the positions it held prior to the conflict. India accepted the ceasefire, and both sides disengaged from the frontline.
Mao Zedong
Mao Zedong was a prominent Chinese Communist leader and the founding father of the People’s Republic of China. He was born on December 26, 1893, in Shaoshan, China, and passed away on September 9, 1976, in Beijing, China. Mao played a crucial role in leading the Communist Party of China to victory against the Nationalists in the Chinese Civil War, establishing the People’s Republic of China in 1949. As the Chairman of the Communist Party and the country’s leader, Mao implemented various social and economic policies, including the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, which had significant and sometimes controversial impacts on China’s history and society.
Khmer Empire
The Khmer Empire was a powerful civilization in Southeast Asia from the 9th to 15th century, centered in modern-day Cambodia, known for Angkor Wat and its cultural contributions. It declined due to internal strife and external pressures.
Khmer Rouge
The Khmer Rouge was a radical communist regime that ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. Led by Pol Pot, their goal was to create a classless agrarian society. During their brutal rule, they implemented radical policies, including forced labor, forced relocations, and executions of perceived enemies, intellectuals, and those with ties to the previous regime. This resulted in a devastating genocide, known as the Cambodian Genocide, where an estimated 1.7 to 2.2 million people, roughly a quarter of Cambodia’s population, perished from execution, starvation, or disease. The regime was eventually overthrown in 1979 by Vietnamese forces, leading to the end of their reign of terror. The Khmer Rouge’s atrocities have left a lasting impact on Cambodia’s history and collective memory.
Brahmin
A Brahmin is a term used to describe a member of the Brahmin varna, which is the highest caste in the traditional Hindu caste system in India. Brahmins are typically associated with roles related to teaching, priesthood, and scholarly pursuits. It’s important to note that the caste system has evolved over time and has been a subject of criticism and reform in modern times.
Naxalite movement
The Naxalite movement is a left-wing extremist revolutionary movement that emerged in the late 1960s in West Bengal, India. Inspired by Marxist-Leninist ideologies, it aimed to address landlessness and poverty through armed struggle and agrarian revolution. The movement spread to other states and became a significant internal security challenge for India. It involved clashes with security forces and various factions following different ideologies. The government responded with security operations and development initiatives to address underlying issues.
Qing Dynasty
The Qing Dynasty was the last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912. It was founded by the Manchu people, but it eventually faced internal and external challenges, leading to its collapse in 1912 and the establishment of the Republic of China.
Boxers
The Boxers were a Chinese secret society that led the Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901), an anti-foreign and anti-Christian uprising in China. They sought to expel foreigners and missionaries, resulting in a violent conflict that was suppressed by an international military coalition.
Karen
The Karen ethnic group is an indigenous people primarily living in Myanmar (Burma) and neighboring countries like Thailand and China. They have their own distinct language, culture, and history. The Karen are known for their diverse subgroups, and they have played a significant role in Myanmar’s social and political landscape.
State Peace and Development Council (SPDC)
The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) was a military junta that ruled Myanmar (Burma) from 1997 to 2011. It came to power after a coup d’état and exercised tight control over the country’s political, economic, and social aspects. During its rule, the SPDC faced criticism for human rights abuses, suppression of political dissent, and lack of democratic freedoms. In 2011, the SPDC formally dissolved itself, paving the way for a civilian government and a gradual shift towards a more open political system.
State Law and Order Restoration Council
The State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) was a military junta that governed Myanmar from 1988 to 1997. It came to power after a coup and ruled with an iron fist, suppressing political dissent and human rights. The SLORC faced international criticism for its authoritarian rule and lack of democratic reforms. In 1997, it was succeeded by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), continuing Myanmar’s period of military-dominated governance.
Tibetan Uprising
The 1959 Tibetan Uprising was a pivotal event in which Tibetan people in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, protested against Chinese rule. Tensions had been growing between Tibetans and Chinese authorities. Fearing for the safety of the Dalai Lama, thousands surrounded his residence in the Potala Palace.
On March 17, 1959, Chinese forces responded with a violent crackdown on the protesters and Tibetan officials. The Dalai Lama managed to escape to India and established a government-in-exile. The Uprising marked a loss of Tibetan autonomy and increased Chinese control. It also led to the exile of many Tibetans and the establishment of Tibetan diaspora communities. This event remains significant for its impact on Tibetan history and its struggle for cultural preservation and autonomy.
Red Guards
The Red Guards were a radical movement in China during the Cultural Revolution (1960s-1970s). Comprising mainly young students, they followed Mao Zedong’s ideology, aiming to eliminate perceived enemies of communism by targeting people, artifacts, and traditions. Their actions caused chaos and disruption, ending officially in 1969 but leaving lasting impacts on Chinese society.
