Japan Flashcards
1
Q
Name the two main religions in Japan and be able to provide characteristics of each.
A
- Shinto: shinto is the indigenous religon of japan, focusing on rituals, practices, and the reverence of nature, spirits, and ancestors. Buddhism: buddhism was introduced to japan from china and korea arounds the 6th century and has become a major religion in the country. Over time, it became more similair with Shinto beliefs and practices. It focus on enlightenment, the eightfold path, schools of buddhism, belief in karma and rebirth, temples and rituals.
2
Q
Describe the Japanese feudal system and its ranks.
A
- The Japanese feudal system was a hierarchical social and political structure that lasted from the 12th century until the 19th century. It was mainly about land ownership and military service, and with power. It was structured like a pyramid, with the most powerful on the top, and common people at the bottom. 1. The emperor, the shogun, daimyo (feudal lords), samuri.
3
Q
Roughly how many islands is Japan made of?
A
around 3,000
4
Q
What does it mean to be a “closed country”?
A
- Being a “closed country’ refers to a nation that isolates itself from the outside world, like trade, and cultural exchange.
5
Q
Who was allowed into japan when it was a closed country?
A
- During japans closed country period, some countries the accepted were: the dutch(Netherlands), Chinese, Koreans, Portuguese.
6
Q
What positive affects did isolationism have on Japan?
A
- Positives were: stability and peace, some development, isolated from colonization, environment protection.
7
Q
What were the negatives of isolationism?
A
- Negatives were: technological and scientific lag, economic stagnation, cultural insularity, missed opportunities for trade, and resistance to modernization
8
Q
Who was commodore Pery?
A
- Commodore Perry was a United States Navy Officer best known for his role in opening Japan to the outside world which ended their isolationism.
9
Q
Why did Japan give into the demands of the U.S.?
A
- Japan gave in to the demands of the U.S. for several reasons: impressive military power, fear of force, internal debate, risk of civil war, western imperialism, china’s experience, desire for foreign goods, favorable relations with the U.S., and Perry’s return.
10
Q
Why did the U.S. want Japan to be an open country?
A
- U.S. wanted Japan to be an open country because: economic interests, trade route to china, naval power, military advantage, economic and logistical advantage, Euro0pean expansion in Asia, preventing European dominance, colonial power competition.
11
Q
What was the Meiji restoration?
A
- The Meiji Restoration was a period in Japanese history that marked the restoration of imperial rule under Emperor Meiji, ending centuries of Feudal governance. It was a time of rapid modernization, industrialization, and reform that transformed Japan from a feudal, isolated society into a major imperial power in the world.
