Geography

Korea the bridge between China and Japan

Cultural diffusion occurred due to war and tradeKoreans brought Buddhism to Japan – Zen Buddhism spread throughout JapanZen Buddhists value peace, simple living, nature and beautyConfucian ideas of family, loyalty and respect for learning took hold

Global Interactions

1400s 1500s 1600s

Korea traders Korea conquered Korea isolates

travel all over by Japan from foreigners

East Asia

Korea

At times China has taken over Korea

Korea adapted Chinese Civil Service exams and the making of porcelain – Celadon

From China came Buddhism, Confucian ideas, writing, art styles and printing

It was a cultural bridge to Japan

Korean War 1950-1953

After WW II Korea was divided at the 38th parallel. US occupied S. Korea and the Soviet Union occupied North Korea

N. Korea invaded the South. UN forces prevented a takeover

A truce was signed in 1953

South Korea an Asian Tiger

Favorable balance of trade

Well educated skilled workforce

High tariffs and strict regulation to limit foreign competition

Four nations known as Asian Tigers: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea

Followed the Japanese model

Rapid industrialization and prosperity

Initially S. Korea exported inexpensive goods now they export high priced goods, such as autos.

Korea Today

North Korea is led by Kim Jong Un a communist dictator who has nuclear capability

North Korea is a threat to peace in the regionhttp://www.cnn.com/2015/05/05/asia/north-korea-detained-student-interview/index.html

Crisis in Vietnam

Prior to WW II Vietnam was a French ColonyAfter WW II the French tried to reassert controlThe Vietnamese resisted1954 Vietnam was divided at 17th parallel. North Vietnam was ruled by communist leader Ho Chi Minh and the South was led by US backed non-communist Ngo Dinh Diem

Ho Chi Minh’s philosophy from Mao

“When guerrillas engage a stronger enemy, they with draw when he advances;

harass him when he stops; strike him when he is weary;

pursue him when he withdraws. In guerrilla

strategy, the enemy’s rear, flanks, and other vulnerable

spots are his vital points, and there he must be harassed, attacked,

dispersed, exhausted and annihilated.”

~Mao Tse-tung

Ho Chi Minh Trail

The Ho Chi Minh Trail was a complex web of different jungle paths that enabled communist troops to travel from North Vietnam to areas close to Saigon. The National Liberation Front received about sixty tons of aid per day from this route. Most of this was carried by porters. Occasionally bicycles and ponies would also be used.

Vietnamese success

American forces are not able to defeat the North Vietnamese

1973 US pulls out

1975 North Vietnamese invade and capture Saigon.

Vietnam Today

Vietnam is united under communist control

Entered into relations with the United States