China Exam Prep Flashcards
What landform dominates China’s southwest region?
The Plateau of Tibet
Where and what are the region’s greatest population densities?
China’s southeast region is the most densely populated region. Hong Kong is 400 square miles of land that holds 6.6 million people (16,500 people per square mile).
How does East Asia’s physical geography affect its population distribution?
It is due to harsh weather conditions in the Gobi Desert and the opportunities provided within the southeast’s Special Economic Zones.
What were Confucianist beliefs about those in power?
They required rulers to serve the people and rule with good conduct and moral judgement. Reciprocity was also a common belief.
According to Daoism, how does one reach harmony with nature? What does Daoism emphasize?
In order to reach harmony with nature, one must renounce all worldly ambitions and turn to nature and the Dao. Daoism emphasized harmony within and individual while being attuned to nature.
Who was Chiang Kai-shek? Who was Mao Zedong?
Chiang Kai-shek was the president of the Nationalism Republic of China. He was originally a military general and as the leader of China, he subdued warlords and sparked anti-Nationalist movements which eventually led to the rise of Communism.
Mao Zedong led the Red Army on the Long March (1934), which was a 6,000 mile journey. After WWII, the Nationalists and the Communists fought a civil war for control of China. As the new leader, he implemented a series of plans to build up China’s economy.
How did Chiang Kai-shek respond to the effort of the Communists to take over China in 1927?
He began to kill thousands of communists as a response to the anti-nationalists goal to overthrow the country.
What event led to the formation of an alliance between Chinese Nationalists and the Communists?
Due to the Japanese invasion of the north Chinese province of Manchuria, the two enemies were forced to form an alliance to fight the common enemy.
What was the purpose of the Great Cultural Revolution?
The destruction of the Four Olds: ideology, thought, habits, and customs
When and why did Nixon visit China?
1972; to renew relations: China began to see the US as an ally against the Soviet Union
What were Deng Xiaoping’s Four Modernizations?
What was the belief regarding the fastest way to economic growth?
Agriculture, Industry, Science & Technology, National Defense
He believed the fastest way to economic growth was to abandon long-held Chinese notions of self-reliance and instead build upon the growing relationship with the West.
What was the One-Child policy and what were some exceptions to it?
The One-Child policy was put into place in 1979 and served as a way to control China’s rapidly growing population. The exceptions were that farmers were allowed to have a 2nd child if they filled out an application.
What happened in Tiananmen Square in 1989?
About 2,000 student protestors were killed. The demonstrations were for a “Fifth Modernization”: political freedom. The military opened fire on the students when they refused to clear out of the square.
Briefly explain Chinese sports academies. How did Nike connect with them?
Chinese sports academies were controlled by the Communist party. The athletes’ talents and even genes belonged to the sports system, not to the individuals. The government offered food, employment, and shelter to those who participated. The programs were extremely rigorous and taught the athletes hard work and dedication. Nike traveled to China in the mid-1980s, and left factory regulations up to Chinese authorities. Nike pushed Yao Ming’s parents to let him attend the basketball camp in the US so he could advertise their shoes.
What are special economic zones?
How has Wal-Mart used these to expand their business?
Special economic zones are areas within China where economic laws are more liberal that the rest of the nation’s laws. Multinational companies are allowed to export Chinese goods without government interference. This has greatly encouraged foreign investment in China. Wal-Mart is a prime example of this, as the import roughly 70% of the goods on their shelves from China. Wal-Mart’s purchases of Chinese goods are 10% of overall US imports from China.
