Chapter 14 Flashcards
Why and how did Japan isolate itself from the rest of the world?
Japan isolated itself because christians missionaries were converting their citizens from Shinto to Christianity. And to do this, they passed laws that forbid any abroad Japanese persons to come back into the country, sent off or killed all missionaries, foreign traders and converted citizens, foreign objects were forbidden, disallowed large boats meant for long distances and disallowed any citizen from leaving the country.
Why do you think the lower classes of people were more likely to disobey the shogun’s orders to
give up religious beliefs?
Lower classes were more ignored, leaving more room for rebellion if no one notices what they’re doing.
Why were Dutch traders not subject to the harsh Japanese exclusion laws?
Because they were actually there for trading, not religion.
What did Japanese want in their society?
Peace and order.
What price did the Edo society have to pay in order to get what they wanted?
High labour.
If a nation is under a very rigid and controlling regime, how can pirates, bandits, or robbers
exist?
Slipping under the nation’s noses. It would be difficult, but possible.
The Edo society, in some ways, had a very successful economy. What were the positives?
Increased production of herbs, road improvements increased trade, population increase by urban areas and silver, gold coins were introduced as currency.
The Edo society, in some ways, had a very limited economy. What were the negatives?
Overtaxing of peasants and no foreign trade.
What are some of the examples of cultures and the arts in Japan during the Edo society?
Kabuki: A form of dramatic theatre where male actors played both female and male roles and sumo wrestling, previously a religious event, but now done for entertainment.
Why did the shogun keep such a close surveillance on the floating worlds?
They wanted to keep watch on the Samurai, who spend their free time there.
In what ways did isolation lead to political, economic, and social changes in Japanese society?
Merchants became more valuable due to their services being needed more, daimyo were nearing bankruptcy, very little work for samurai (survived by marrying merchants’ daughters).
How could Japan’s deeply entrenched feudal system crumble?
People began to believe that they were not the true rulers, and were instead illegally holding power from The Emperor.
What were the six reasons for the United States of America to show such interest in Japan?
- An idea was shared that would connect both China and the Us using a Transcontinental railway system that combines with the trans-pacific ship route to china.
- Once Oregon and California became part of the UnitedStates, the country bordered the Pacific Ocean.
- The United States had huge investments in the whaling industry in the Pacific.
- The United States needed stations between SanFrancisco and Canton where whaling ships could refuel and get supplies.
- The California Gold Rush gave the United States more money to buy more goods, and Japan was a source of new, different products.
- Rapidly growing American industries produced many products to trade with other countries.
