Download Lesson Title: The Geography of the Long March Class and Grade

Lesson Title: The Geography of the Long March
Class and Grade level(s): World History & American History
Goals and Objectives - To take another look at the geography of China and how it fits
into the end of the dynastic system and the rise of communism in China. By making
their own maps of China, students will use tactile learning to learn about the physical
geography of China. A side experience will be a beginning understanding of the rise of
communism in China through a look at the accomplishments of the Long March.
Students will also be exposed to why Mao sought revolution from the peasants and not
amidst the populated coastal cities.
1. Students will develop a map that names the provinces of China.
2. Students will add mountain ranges and main rivers to this map of China.
3. Students will listen to gain information on the route of Mao’s Long March and
add the route to the created map.
Time required/class periods needed: two to three class periods
Primary source bibliography:
• Snow, Edgar. Red Star over China. Random House. 1968.
• Murphey, Rhoads. East Asia- A New History. Addison-Wesley Publishers. 2001.
• Long March: http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/special/china_1900_mao_march.htm
• Provinces:
https://www.google.com/search?q=provincial+map+of+east+asia&tbm=isch&im
gil=QNqYkk5ofuDpwM%253A%253BX4Lcki8S8bhcuM%253Bhttp%25253A%2
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ved=0CCoQyjdqFQoTCJjULapx8YCFcIgrAodhs8LVA&ei=QeKaVdivB8LBsAWGn6gBQ#imgrc=QNqYkk5ofuDpwM%3A&usg=__Da5khZ8B7SZ3cfhj7wUBJexD5N
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• SEARCH TERMS: LONG MARCH, CHINA’S TOPOGRAPHY, CHINA’S
MOUNTAINS AND RIVERS, CHINA’S PROVINCES
Required materials/supplies: Maps attached that show China’s geography
Vocabulary: communism, revolution, imperialism, population density, agrarian, Mao Zedong
Procedure:
Assumptions: In World Geography, the country is China and the activity is learning about the
topography of China. China’s dynastic cycle and Mandate of Heaven should have been
discussed in an earlier lesson. In World History, the time period being studied is the early
1900’s and the conflict between Nationalists and Communists is being discussed.
1. Students will develop a map that names the provinces of China.
2. Students will add mountain ranges and main rivers to this map of China.
3. Students will listen to information on the route of Mao’s Long March and add the route
to the created map.
Lesson Plan Format:
Step 1:
1. Hand out list of vocabulary words for students to define as homework the night before
the map lesson.
Class Period 1:
2. Review the vocabulary words with students. The teacher should add information
concerning each of the words that reflects its meaning within Chinese history. Students
will be given the opportunity to ask questions to clarify information.
3. Hand out blank maps that contain the boundaries of the provinces of China. Using an
overhead or SmartBoard, show map with province names filled in.
4. Students will add the province names to their maps accordingly.
5. Discuss characteristics (geographical, agricultural, cultural, culinary) of different
provinces
6. Check maps for accuracy.
Class 2:
7. Project a map that shows the mountain ranges and main rivers of China. Students will
draw mountain ranges in by using brown triangles and rivers by drawing blue lines.
8. Compare the terrain from province to province. Ask students to think about what it
might be like to walk across China.
9. Check maps for accuracy and completeness.
Class 3:
10. Introduce the Long March by using the prepared materials (attached and titled The
Long March [Teacher material], 4 pgs).
11. While listening to the description of the Long March, students should use a
fine-line red marker to mark the route on their maps.
12. Discuss the terrain challenges that the marchers faced. Discuss how these were
exacerbated by the season.
EXTRA CREDIT: Research some of the minority ethnic groups the marchers met along
the route and their reaction to Mao’s troops.
Assessment/evaluation: Students will be assessed on the following:
- Successfully mapping the Long March, including the key geographical features of the
area