C: Japan 16. Return to Roots p. 350 Flashcards
What do conservatives prefer in terms of change?
Traditional or proven ways and values
Conservatives may resist or oppose rapid change.
What societal tensions can arise from disagreements about changes?
Tensions between generations and social classes
Disagreements about new trends can create conflicts in values and beliefs.
What significant period in Japanese history is characterized by rapid change and Westernization?
Meiji period
This era saw many social and economic transformations in Japan.
How did wealthy people in Meiji Japan respond to Westernization?
They bought Western clothing and goods for their homes
This indicates a willingness to adopt new ideas and lifestyles.
What was one action taken by poor farmers in Meiji Japan reflecting Western influence?
They drew up a ‘village constitution’
This constitution was influenced by Western political ideas.
What expectation did the ‘village constitution’ include?
People should participate directly in government
This reflects democratic ideals influenced by Western thought.
What was the motto of the Westernization movement in Japan?
‘Civilization and Enlightenment’
This motto encapsulated the goals of adopting Western ways.
True or False: All social classes in Meiji Japan were resistant to new ideas.
False
Many people across social classes were open to new ideas and ways.
Fill in the blank: The conflict in Japanese society during the Meiji period was between those who favored new ways and those who _____ change.
opposed
What is a key factor that can magnify tensions during periods of change?
The pace of change
A rapid pace can create greater discomfort and resistance.
How does the ability to adjust to change today compare to 100 or 150 years ago?
Change might be easier for people to adjust to today
Advances in communication and education may facilitate adaptation.
What was the goal of the Meiji government officials regarding Western treaties?
To change the unequal treaties with Western countries
How did Meiji reformers believe they could win respect for Japan?
By showing that Japan was a modern, ‘civilized country’
What did the Meiji reformers believe would result from Westernization?
A stronger and more competitive Japan
What cultural changes were evident in Japanese port cities during the Meiji era?
Availability of foreign books and magazines
What significant media development occurred in Japan in 1871?
The launch of daily newspapers
Where were newspapers placed for public access?
In public reading rooms
What was one purpose of the newspapers in Japanese society?
To urge citizens to adopt ‘new and improved’ ideas
True or False: Westerners in the mid-1800s were often tolerant of Japanese culture.
False
What was the attitude of Westerners in the mid-1800s towards Japanese customs?
They were often not tolerant of Japanese customs.
This intolerance led to changes in Japanese practices to accommodate foreign sensibilities.
What action did the governor of Yokohama take regarding Japanese laborers’ clothing?
He ordered all labourers and boatmen to ‘wear a shirt or tunic, properly closed.’
This was in response to complaints from European women about the lack of ‘respectable clothing.’
What law did the Japanese government pass in 1872?
A law to prohibit tattooing, including that done by the Ainu.
This law reflected a shift in cultural practices influenced by Western norms.
How did public bathing, an essential Japanese ritual, affect Victorians?
It shocked proper Victorians.
This led to public baths being ordered to close or be modified.
Fill in the blank: In warm weather, Japanese working men wore only _______.
loincloths.
This attire was viewed as inappropriate by some Western visitors.
What period did Japanese society go through that involved rapid change?
Westernization
The process where Japan adopted Western practices and values.
How did the rapid changes from Westernization affect Japanese society?
Produced tensions
The Japanese felt embarrassed about their traditions and faced conflicts between old and new values.
What was significant about the traditions, customs, and beliefs of the Japanese people?
Very important to them
These elements were integral to their identity and pride.
What decision did Japanese leaders make regarding the pace of Westernization?
Needed to be slowed down
Leaders recognized the need to balance Western influences with traditional Japanese values.
What new motto replaced ‘Civilization and Enlightenment’ in Japan?
Western science, Japanese essence
This motto reflects a blend of adopting Western advancements while preserving Japanese identity.
Fill in the blank: Japanese society felt _______ about their traditions during the period of rapid change.
embarrassed
This feeling arose as Western practices began to dominate.
True or False: The Japanese were willing to completely abandon their traditions in favor of Western practices.
False
The Japanese valued their traditions and sought to adapt rather than abandon them.
What were the two main religions accepted in Japan for centuries?
Shinto and Buddhism
What religion was declared the official religion of Japan?
Shinto
What status was given to the emperor in Japan?
Status of a god
What did Japan aim to incorporate into its new constitution?
Distinct culture and best elements of Western thinking
What is the purpose of a constitution?
Describes parts of government and powers given to each part
What type of mission was sent abroad by Japan for constitutional studies?
Constitutional study mission
Which constitutional model did the Japanese study mission decide was the best?
Prussian constitutional model
Fill in the blank: The way of the gods in Japan is known as _______.
Shinto
True or False: Buddhism was encouraged in Japan during the time of state religion.
False
What did the Japanese constitution often include besides the description of government parts?
Bill of rights and freedoms
What motto became significant during Japan’s militarization?
“Wealthy Country, Strong Army”
This motto reflects Japan’s goal to strengthen its military and economy.
What was the first step in Japan’s process of militarization?
The Conscription Law of 1873
This law mandated military service for males.
What did the Conscription Law of 1873 require from males?
Three years of military service and four years of reserve duty
This law aimed to create a more robust military force.
What was the second step in Japan’s militarization process?
The takeover of several island territories
This action was part of Japan’s strategy to expand its influence.
Why did Japan aim to strengthen its military?
To acquire territory and influence in Asia, and to protect itself from Western aggression and conflicts with China and Russia
Japan’s military expansion was driven by regional security concerns.
What motto became significant during Japan’s militarization?
“Wealthy Country, Strong Army”
This motto reflects Japan’s goal to strengthen its military and economy.
What was the first step in Japan’s process of militarization?
The Conscription Law of 1873
This law mandated military service for males.
What did the Conscription Law of 1873 require from males?
Three years of military service and four years of reserve duty
This law aimed to create a more robust military force.
What was the second step in Japan’s militarization process?
The takeover of several island territories
This action was part of Japan’s strategy to expand its influence.
Why did Japan aim to strengthen its military?
To acquire territory and influence in Asia, and to protect itself from Western aggression and conflicts with China and Russia
Japan’s military expansion was driven by regional security concerns.
What did Western countries impose on China that weakened it significantly?
Unequal treaties
These treaties granted Western powers significant control and privileges in China, leading to its weakened state.
What was Japan’s concern regarding China during the period of Western influence?
Japan feared that China might collapse altogether.
Which Western country was a significant influence in China that concerned Japan?
Russia.
What is the distance between Japan and Korea?
Less than 200 km.
Why was Korea strategically important to Japan?
Korea had borders with both China and Russia.
What central issue was involved when Japan engaged in wars with China and Russia?
Control over Korea.
What was the outcome of the Sino-Japanese War?
Japan’s victory over China, leading to territorial gains and economic rights for Japan
Japan gained Taiwan and rights to China’s Liaotung Peninsula, while China relinquished claims to Korea.
What did China give up as a result of the Sino-Japanese War?
China gave up its claims to Korea
This was part of the peace treaty following the war.
What territory did Japan win from China after the Sino-Japanese War?
Taiwan and rights to China’s Liaotung Peninsula
The Liaotung Peninsula is located northeast of Korea.
What financial demand did Japan make following its victory?
Japan demanded a large indemnity from China
An indemnity refers to payment for losses incurred during the war.
What concerns did Japan’s victory in the Sino-Japanese War raise among Western powers?
The victory worried Western powers, leading to intervention
Countries like Russia, France, and Germany were particularly concerned.
Which countries intervened in the peace treaty after Japan’s victory?
Russia, France, and Germany
These powers forced changes in the peace treaty between Japan and China.
What did the Western powers force Japan to do regarding the Liaotung Peninsula?
They forced Japan to give up the Liaotung Peninsula
Russia subsequently took over this territory.
What special rights did the Western powers obtain from China after the war?
Special economic considerations
This was part of the changes made to the peace treaty.
What event did Japan surprise attack in 1941?
British forces in Malaya and American forces in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
What was a consequence of the peace treaty after the Sino-Japanese War?
Japan continued to build its military strength in response to humiliation from Western interference
What did Japan pay close attention to after the Sino-Japanese War?
Russian interest in Korea
In what year did the Japanese fleet launch a surprise attack on Russian ships?
1904
Where did the Japanese fleet attack Russian ships?
Port Arthur on the disputed Liaotung Peninsula
What significant event affected Russia’s efforts in the Russo-Japanese War?
The Russian Revolution, which broke out in 1905
What did Russia decide to do instead of continuing the war after the Russian Revolution?
Enter into peace negotiations
How many years after the end of the Russo-Japanese War did Japan annex Korea?
Five years
What was the international response to Japan’s annexation of Korea?
Very little protest from Western countries
What was Japan recognized as after its military actions and annexation of Korea?
An imperial power
What historical period led to Japan’s involvement in World War II?
The Meiji era
The Meiji era marked a significant period of militarization and imperialism in Japan.
What event marked the end of World War II for Japan?
The dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
This event occurred in 1945 and led to Japan’s eventual defeat.
Who described the events surrounding Japan’s involvement in World War II?
Historian Kenneth Henshall
Henshall authored a book that details these historical events.
What ability contributed to Japan’s economic success?
The ability of the Japanese to learn from others and to adapt and improve these ‘borrowings’
This adaptability allowed Japan to integrate foreign technologies and practices effectively.
What is emphasized as crucial for Japan’s economic growth?
The importance of learning and education
Education played a key role in developing a skilled workforce that could innovate and improve existing technologies.
What desire did the Japanese have that influenced their economic policies?
The desire to make their country powerful and respected in the world
This ambition drove policies aimed at economic expansion and international competitiveness.
What trait of the Japanese workforce contributed to their economic success?
The willingness of the Japanese to work hard and make sacrifices for the greater good of the group and society in general
This collective mindset fostered a strong work ethic and commitment to national progress.
What was a significant outcome of the strong Japanese economy?
Prosperity and consumerism
Economic growth led to increased standards of living and a rise in consumer demand.
By the late 1960s, what were the common goals for Japanese households?
A car, a color TV, and an air-conditioner in every Japanese home
These items became symbols of prosperity and modern living in Japan.
True or False: Japanese management practices were ignored by other countries.
False
Other countries studied Japanese management practices in an effort to replicate their success.
