Chapter 15 Flashcards
On what date did Commodore Perry sail into the harbour of Japan?
July 14th, 1853
How many men and ships were under Perry’s command?
4 ships (2 steamships 2 sailing vessels), and 977 men with 66 guns.
What message did Commodore Perry bring from President Fillmore?
An offer of trade between Japan and the United States, which he hoped would prove beneficial for both countries.
Who signed the Treaty of Kanagawa?
Japanese representatives of the shogunate and Perry.
What were three terms that were established in the treaty?
Opened two Japanese ports to America, established an American consulate in Japan, and accepted demands regarding shipwrecked sailors and coal.
How did the Japanese view the treaties?
Many were unhappy, and viewed them as unequal treaties which had been forced upon them.
In 1854 other countries signed treaties with Japan, name four of them.
England, France, The Netherlands, and Russia.
If the Japanese felt the treaties were unfair, why did they sign the agreements? List two reasons
why Japan felt they must sign the treaties.
They were afraid of their developed weapons, and did not want to start a war they might likely lose.
Wanted to avoid being another China,being stuck in a mindless war.
Japanese society was changing as a result of the treaties signed by the shogun. List three examples
- Groups that did not like the Shogun no longer discussed in council rooms, but instead out in the streets in riot
- Daimyo who opposed the shogun were retired or arrested. Samurai were exiled, executed or imprisoned.
- Attacks on foreigners increased, which also increased the amount of attacks on Japan
Chaos soon followed in Japan, what were three examples of how life was changing for the
Shogun.
- The Shogun retired and the emperor took over.
- People split into support for the emperor and support for the Shogun
- Finally the people supporting the shogun were eliminated after 30 000 troops burned down a threshold.
Who became the next Emperor of Japan?
Emperor Meiji, whose rule lasted until 1912.
The new Emperor gave the new era under his rule a name. What was the name and what did it
mean?
Meiji Era, meaning ‘enlightened rule’
This was one of the most important periods in Japanese history, from what years did the Meiji
period last?
1867-1912
In Japan’s new society, what role did the samurai have?
Any samurai that supported the emperor became his advisors.
The new leadership of Japan had many obstacles to create a stable country. What were two of the
main goals of the Meiji government?
Create a strong, central government that could unite the country.
Create a government closer to the form of western democracies.
