Historical Events
In 1966, this movement, initiated by Mao Zedong and the People's Republic of China, had as its aim to completely eradicate any traditional customs, beliefs, or cultural elements that did not align with Communism.
What was the Cultural Revolution of China.
Created over the course of many dynasties to prevent raids from invaders to the north, this giant structure and its offshoots stretch approximately 13,000 miles across the northern portion of the country to which it belongs.
What is the Great Wall of China?
The dominant religion in India--more a family of religions than one set of rigid beliefs--which includes believing in karma and reincarnation, that actions in this life affect how you are reborn in the next.
What is Hinduism?
This European company began controlling much of India's politics and economy in the early 17th century, and after 1757, essentially ruled the country, spreading its arm into China in the 1800s.
What was the British East India Company?
At its height, this empire covered almost all of modern-day China and Mongolia, and parts of Indochina, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
What was the Mongol Empire
This series of conflicts between China and Britain were fought during the late 19th century over trade rights between China and Europe, particularly of an illegal, highly addictive substance.
What were the Opium Wars
One of India's most iconic monuments, this structure was built by a Mughal emperor named Shah Jahan at the height of the empire in the 17th century as a mausoleum for his third wife.
What is the Taj Mahal?
Practiced widely in Asia, this religion was founded by a Nepali prince named Siddhartha Guatama, the goal of which is to overcome suffering by striving for nirvana, or enlightenment.
What is Buddhism?
This leader of the Indian independence movement led peaceful protests against Britain rule in the 1930s.
Who was Ghandi?
What is rice?
This 20 year war between 1955-1975 was fought between the communist north and the anti-communist south, with major world powers taking sides and entering the war.
What was the Vietnam War?
This famous "festival of lights" is widely celebrated in India, and sees millions of candles, fireworks, and electric lights illuminate the country every autumn.
What is Diwali?
This ancient religion of Japan is a mixture of nature and ancestor worship.
What is Shinto?
Also known as Temujin, this man united Mongol tribes and set about conquering Asia and the Middle East.
Who was Genghis Khan?
Historically, Indian social life has been determined by this rigid hierarchical framework, which put people into societal groups depending on their backgrounds and occupations.
What is the caste system?
This country was created in 1947, when India gained independence from Britain, as a haven for Muslim Indians.
What is Pakistan? Bonus: what is the word given for the process of creating a new country by carving out a new national border from a previous country/countries?
Every year in this country, people gather in parks to observe the blossoming of thousands of cherry trees--an event known as hanami.
What is Japan?
This more of an ethical system than a religion, in which adherents follow the teachings of an ancient Chinese philosopher on filial piety, social hierarchy, and personal behavior.
This Italian traveler served in Genghis Khan's grandson's court for 17 years and wrote a book about his travels.
Who was Marco Polo? Bonus: Who was Genghis Khan's grandson?
After the events in the U.S. on September 11, 2001, several countries, including the United States and Great Britain, sent military troops to Afghanistan to aid opposition forces in ending the reign of this terrorist group with ties to al-Qaeda.
What is the Taliban?
During the mid-17th century, this country instituted a policy of isolation from foreign countries for approximately 200 years.
What is Japan?
This famous gate at a Shinto shrine in Japan has been destroyed and rebuilt several times.
What is the Torii gate or the Itsukushima Shrine?
Represented by the Yin and Yang symbol, adherents of this religion believe in a universal spiritual force that unites all things
What is Taoism?
During the middle ages, most of Japan was ruled by these lords, each having their own military force?
What were the shoguns? Bonus: what were their warrior soldiers called?
Between 1975-1979, this country was marked by one of the worst genocides in history, carried out against ethnic minorities and religious groups in the country. Led by Pol Pot, nearly two million people were executed at mass graves called the "Killing Fields."
What is Cambodia?