The Rise of Modern Japan Assignment and Quiz

Using the information from the lesson, the readings in the assignment, and the woodblock image you just saw, respond to this question: How did Japan transform itself after the arrival of US Commodore Perry in 1853?

After the arrival of the United States, the Japanese realized they had fallen far behind the West as a result of their isolationist policies. The Tokugawa Shogunate fell, and the Meiji restoration returned power to the emperor. The new government pursued rapid industrialization and the modernization of Japanese society. By 1900, Japan was the most powerful nation in East Asia, having defeated China and Russia in war. This allowed Japan to expand its territory, and create an imperialist empire, similar to the nations of the West.

How would a government legally take control of another territory to add it to its own?

Annex it.

Many of the large ships of war destined to visit Japan have not yet arrived in these seas . . . and [I], as evidence of friendly intentions, have brought but four of the smaller ones, designing, should it become necessary, to return to Edo [next] spring with a much larger force. But it is expected that your imperial majesty will render such return unnecessary, by acceding at once to the very reasonable overtures contained in [President Fillmore's] letter. -US Navy Commodore Matthew C. Perry, 1853 What implicit threat is contained in Commodore Perry's letter?

He could return with a larger force and attack Japan.

What was Commodore Perry's significant contribution to the beginning of Japan's transformation?

He opened Japan to the West.

Which is a true statement about the Treaty of Kanagawa?

It was an unequal treaty that favored the US.

Until the mid-1800s, Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa Shogunate. What were the characteristics of Japan under its rule? Select all that apply.

It was stable, with a rigid class structure. It had an agriculturally based economy. It was isolationist. It was behind the West in technology.

How did Japan become the most powerful nation in Asia?

Japan adopted Western military technologies and training methods.

It is our purpose to select from the various institutions prevailing among enlightened nations such as are best suited to our present conditions, and adapt them in gradual reforms and improvements of our policy and customs so as to be upon an equality with them. -Emperor Meiji, 1871 What does Emperor Meiji say Japan will do with knowledge gained from other nations?

Japan will choose the institutions that work best for it and adapt them.

How was Japan easily able to defeat China in the Sino-Japanese War?

Japan's military was better trained and equipped.

The tsar was quick to agree to negotiate a peace treaty to end the Russo-Japanese War mainly because

Russia was fighting a strong military from afar.

I have directed Commodore Perry to mention another thing to your imperial majesty. Many of our ships pass every year from California to China; and great numbers of our people pursue the whale fishery near the shores of Japan. It sometimes happens, in stormy weather, that one of our ships is wrecked on your imperial majesty's shores. In all such cases we ask, and expect, that our unfortunate people should be treated with kindness, and that their property should be protected, till we can send a vessel and bring them away. We are very much in earnest in this. Commodore Perry is also directed by me to represent to your imperial majesty that we understand there is a great abundance of coal and provisions in the Empire of Japan . . . We wish that our steamships and other vessels should be allowed to stop in Japan and supply themselves with coal, provisions, and water. They will pay for them in money, or anything else your imperial majesty's subjects may prefer. -President Millard Fillmore, 1853 According to the passage, what else does President Fillmore expect from Japan?

The Japanese will treat the American people with respect and kindness.

Which similar challenge did China and Japan face following the Sino-Japanese War?

Their isolation left them far behind Europe.

What evidence of industrialization and modernization can you see in this image?

This woodblock print, from the Sino-Japanese War, shows that Japan was becoming more industrialized, modern, and imperialistic. The crew is wearing Western-style uniforms, and the ship is a modern, armored vessel with advanced weapons. There also is evidence of explosions as enemy ships are destroyed.

The weakening of the Tokugawa Shogunate allowed nationalist groups to

demand a change in government.

According to the chart, the percent of labor force in the mining and manufacturing sectors ___________ between 1887 and 1930. The ____________ sector increased the most. This increase is most likely because of ______________

increased manufacturing, modernization

Because Japan felt disrespected by the provisions of the Treaty of Portsmouth, it would most likely lead Japan to

lack of trust in the US and future negotiations with it.

Which of these events occurred first?

the Tokugawa Shogunate rule

Something China and Japan have in common is

they have a history of strong cultural traditions.

I have directed Commodore Perry to assure your imperial majesty that I entertain the kindest feelings towards your majesty's person and government, and that I have no other object in sending him to Japan but to propose to your imperial majesty that the United States and Japan should live in friendship and have commercial intercourse with each other . . . We know that the ancient laws of your imperial majesty's government do not allow of foreign trade, except with the Chinese and the Dutch; but as the state of the world changes and new governments are formed, it seems to be wise, from time to time, to make new laws. -President Millard Fillmore, 1853 According to President Fillmore, why did he send Commodore Perry to Japan?

to reestablish foreign relations and to improve trade