Modern East Asia

Book excerpt: Modern East Asia: A History explores the history of China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam from the late eighteenth century to the present. The text presents information on each country individually and also demonstrates how historical trends within each nation are linked. The book begins with an introduction to cultural foundations and a brief history of East Asia in the seventeenth century. The volume progresses chronologically, beginning in 1830 with a discussion of the major crises that swept East Asia, including covering both domestic and international challenges. In proceeding chapters, readers learn about key events, ideas, conflicts, and negotiations that have shaped East Asia throughout history. They read about the termination of the feudal structure in Japan, French colonial conquest in Vietnam, the birth of modern nationalism in China, the events that led to Korea splitting into two separate nations, and more. Comprehensive and complete, Modern East Asia provides readers with a thorough exploration of the progression of China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam throughout the modern period. The text is ideal for world history courses, especially those that focus on East Asia. Mary L. Hanneman is an associate professor of Asian studies and history at the University of Washington, Tacoma. She holds a doctoral degree in history from the University of Washington. Wayne Patterson is a professor of history at St. Norbert College. He holds a doctoral degree in international relations from the University of Pennsylvania. Yi Li is a history instructor at Tacoma Community College. He holds a doctoral degree in history from the University of Washington. James A. Anderson is an associate professor and the department head of the History Department at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He holds a doctoral degree in history from the University of Washington.