CHAPTER 4 EAST ASIA CULTURES HISTORY SECTION 2

CHAPTER 4: EAST ASIA: CULTURES & HISTORY SECTION 2: PEOPLE AND CULTURES

TRADITION AND CHANGE • In 1949, the Communists took over China and began making changes to China’s traditions. • They replaced the old system of private land ownership with “Communes” • Many farmers refused to work in the communes. • Food was insufficient so the government allowed some private land ownership again.

• Communists tried to control the population by enforcing laws like: marrying in late twenties and having only one child per family. • Women rights improved. They were allowed to own property, choose their husband get a divorce.

OLD AND NEW CHINA • Old traditions are still strong in rural China. • Even in big cities like Beijing, the Capital, the streets are filled with three-wheeled cabs pedaled like tricycles. • Tiny shops exists side by side with modern buildings.

CHANGES IN THE KOREAS • In Koreas family is very important. • In rural areas grandparents, uncles, aunts and children all live in one household. • In urban areas family consists usually of parents and children.

A BLEND OF OLD AND NEW IN JAPAN • Japan is the most modern country of East Asia. • 80% of the population lives in the urban areas. • Still people follow the same old traditions. Once they go back home from work they change into their kimonos and sit on mats or a low table to have dinner.

EAST ASIA’S PEOPLE • CHINA: • About 90% of the Chinese people are from the Han ethnic group. • The other Chinese people came from other 55 different groups.

• KOREA AND JAPAN: • Korean language was brought to Korea by the Nomads.