Japan practice questions

Question 1

Describe the geography of japan

Answer 1

Japan is an archipelago located in east asia, consisting of four main islands; honshu, hokkaido, kyushu, and shikoku, along with numerous smaller islands. The Japanese archipelago is mountainous and volcanic, with over 70% of the land covered in mountains. Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest peak, is an iconic symbol of the country. The coastline is extensive and rugged with many natural harbors and bays, facilitating maritime trade and fishing. Japan experiences a wide range of climates, from subtropical in the south to temperate in the central regions and subarctic in the north.

Question 2

How was japan a self-sufficient society?

Answer 2

Despite its limited area, japan developed a highly efficient agricultural system that maximized the use of available land. Rice cultivation was central to Japan’s agricultural economy, with terraced paddies utilized to grow rice in mountainous regions Fishing, both coastal and deep-sea, provided a significant source of protein and sustenance for the population. Craftsmanship and artisanal production flourished, with skilled craftsmen producing a wide range of goods, from pottery to textiles.

Question 3

How did being self sufficient contribute to the japanese worldview?

Answer 3

Japan’s self sufficiency fostered a sense of pride and independence among its people, contributing to a strong national identity. The ability to sustain themselves without relying heavily one external resources or trade reinforced a sense of reliance and self reliance with a preference for maintaining cultural and economic autonomy

Question 4

How did natural disasters contribute to the Japanese ability to adapt well to change?

Answer 4

Japan is prone to frequent natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions. The threat of natural disasters necessitated a high degree of preparedness and resilience among the Japanese population. Over time, Japan developed sophisticated sister management systems including early warning systems, earthquake resistance building techniques, and community based disaster preparedness initiative. The experience of dealing with natural disasters instilled a sense of adaptability and resourcefulness among the japanese people, enabling them to cope with and recover from adversity effectively.

Question 5

Emperor

Answer 5

Held a symbolic and ceremonial role as the hughes authority in japan.
While the emperor was considered the divine ruler, political power was wielded by the shogun and the tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period.

Question 6

Shogun

Answer 6

Military dictator and de factor ruler of Japan during the edo period.
- The Shogun held supreme political and military authority, governing the country through a system of feudal lords known as Daimyo

Question 7

Daimyo

Answer 7

Daimyo were feudal lords who ruled over territories known as han.
They were responsible for aminisrering heir domains, collecting taxes, maintingating order, and providing military service to the shogun.

Question 8

Samurai

Answer 8

Samurai were the warrior class of feudal Japan, serving as the military elite and royal retainer of the daimyo.
They followed a strict code of honor called bushido and wielded considerable influence in society.

Question 9

Ronin

Answer 9

Masterless samurai, often former trainers of daimyo who had lost their positions or been displaced due to various circumstances.
They could become ronin through factors such as the death or downfall of their lord, dissatisfaction with their lord’s policies, or personal reasons.
Ronin faced challenges in finding employment and social acceptance, as their status as masterless warriors made them both feared and respected.
Some ronin became mercenaries, bandits, or vigilantes, while others sought to regain their status through acts of valor or loyalty to a new master.

Question 10

Merchants

Answer 10

Considered the lowest social class in the rigid hierarchy of Edo period japan.
Despite their low status, merchants played a crucial role in the economy and urbanization of Japan, particularly during the peace and prosperity of the Edo period.

Question 11

Peasants

Answer 11

Peasants comprised the majority of the population and were primarily engaged in agriculture.
they worked the land and paid taxes to their Daimyo landlords in exchange for protection and land rights.

Question 12

Hinin

Answer 12

Hinin were another marginalized social class in Edo period Japan, often referred to as non humans, hinin included individuals who engaged in activities deemed dishonorable socially
unacceptable such as beggars prostitutes and criminals.
They were often excluded from mainstream society, relegated to living in designated areas or wandering as itinerants. Hinin faced stigma, discrimination and legal restrictions on their rights and freedom.

Question 13

Eta

Answer 13

Socially ostracized class of people in feudal japan, also known as “burakumin”.
They were traditionally associated with occupations considered impure or taboo, such as butchery, leatherworking, and executioner duties
Eta were subject to severe discrimination, segregations, and restrictions on their movements and activities.
Despite being officially abolished in the Meiji period, discrimination against the descendants of Eta persisted into the modern era

Question 14

What wee the beliefs of the japanese during the edo Japan period?

Answer 14

Shintoism: The indigenous religion of Japan, emphasized reverence for nature, ancestors, and kami (spirits or gods)

Buddhism: Buddhism was also widely practiced in Japan, coexisting with Shintoism and influencing Japanese culture, art and philosophy. Buddhist temples served as centers of religious and cultural life, offering spiritual guidance and conducting funerary rites.

Question 15

What were the exclusion laws?

Answer 15

Known as the sakoku policy, were a series of edicts and regulations enacted by the tokugawas shogunate to restrict foreign influence and control the movement of Japanese citizens. Those laws severely limited foreign trade, expelled foreign missionaries, prohibited Japanese citizen from traveling abroad, and restricted contact with foreigners.

Question 16

Why did the shogun fear Christianity?

Answer 16

The shogun and the tokugawa shogunate viewed Christianity as a threat to their authority and the stability of the feudal system. Christian missionaries were sent as agents of western imperialism and potential subversive influences seeking to underline Japanese traditions and loyalty to the shogunate.

Question 17

How did these laws help maintain a closed door society?

Answer 17

The exclusion laws helped maintain a closed door society by isolating Japan from external influences and preserving the dominance of the shogunate and traditional Japanese culture. By limiting foreign contact and trade, the shogunate sought to percent the spread of foreign ideas, protect against western imperialism and maintain internal stability and control.

Question 18

The Dutch were still allowed to trade with Japan under strict guidelines. why did the shogun still allow trade with the dutch?

Answer 18

Despite the policy of isolationism, the Tokugawa shogunate permitted limited trade with the Dutch under strict regulations. the Dutch were allowed to trade in Japan because they were seen as less of a threat compared to other western powers. the Dutch were also valued for their knowledge of western science technology and medicine which the shogunate sought to acquire through limited interaction

Question 19

What changes happened politically, economically and socially in Japanese society during the Edo period?

Answer 19

Political changes:
-Centralization of power under the Tokugawa shogunate, establishing a stable and centralized government.
-Implementation of strict social hierarcht and rigid class system.
Economic changes:
-growth of urban centers and merchant class, leading to increased commercial activity and economic prosperity
-development of sophisicated financial system, including banking and credit networks.
Social changes:
-Ubranization and polilation growth, with cities like Edo becoming some of the largest in the world.
-Emergence of new cultural trends and artistic expressions, including ukiyo-e woodblock prints and Kabuki theatre

Question 20

What was the golden age of culture

Answer 20

the edo period is often considered Japan’s golden age of culture spanning roughly from the 17th century to the 19 centuries. during this time japanese arts, literature, theater and crafts flourished, fueled by economic prosperity, urbanization and patronage from the ruling class. notable cultural achievements include the development of kabuki and bunraku theater, woodblock prints, and the refinement of traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Question 21

Who was Commodore Perry?

Answer 21

An American naval officer who played a key role in opening Japan to the outside world. Perry led a squadron of U.S. warships to Japan with the aim of establishing diplomatic and trade relations. Perry’s show of force pressure the Tokugawa shogunate to sign the convention of kanagawa in 1854, opening two japanese ports to american ships.

Question 22

What was the strategy to get Japan to open its doors

Answer 22

commodore perrys strategy to open Japan’s doors involved a combination o military intimidation diplomatic pressure and symbolic gestures. Perrys fleet of modern warships demonstrated american naval power and technological superiority, convincing thee shogunate. The convention of kanagawa, signed in 1854, wallowed for limited trade and the opening of Japanese ports to American ships, marking the beginning of Japan’s transition from isolationism to engagement with he outside world

Question 23

What was the western view of Japan’s closed door society?

Answer 23

Western view characterized Japan’s closed door society as isolationist. It was perceived as a deliberate policy of self imposed isolation from the rest of the world. Japan’s closed door policy was viewed with curiosity and sometimes frustration by western powers seeking trade and diplomatic relations. Westerners saw Japan as mysterious and inaccessible, leading to a sense of intrigue and fascination. Japan’s closed door policy contributed to Western perception of Japan as a distant and enigmatic land.

Question 24

What are unequal treaties?

Answer 24

Agreements signed between Japan and western powers, particularly the U.S , Britain, France and Russia, during the mid 19th century. These treaties were called “unequal” because they heavily favored Western powers and imposed unfair terms on Japan, including extraterritoriality, unequal tariffs and limitations of Japan’s sovereignty. The unequal treaties undermined hapanas autonomy and contributed to resentment towards western powers, leading to calls fro reform and modernization.

Question 25

What were the internal and external factors that led to the end of isolation

Answer 25

Internal factors:
Socioeconomic changes within japan such as the growth of urban centers and the rise of a merchant class, created pressure for increased trade and economic opportunities
Political instability and dissatisfaction with the tokugawa shogunate rule fueled calls for reform and modernization

External forces:
Pressure from the western powers, particularly the united states, Britain and Russia to open Japanese ports to foreign trade and diplomatic relations
The arrival of commodore Perry black ships in 1853 and 1854 and the signing of convention of kanagawa in 1854 marked the beginning of Japanese forced opening to the west.

Question 26

What changes rook place in the government during the Meiji period?

Answer 26

The Meiji restoration of 1868 led to significant political reforms aimed at the modernizing Japan’s government and institutions. The shogunate was abolished and political power was restored to the emperor, marking the beginning of the Meiji era. New centralized government was established with the emperor as a symbolic figurehead and a modern bureaucracy and constitution introduced.

Question 27

How did this affect the social class structure we studied in the Edo period?

Answer 27

The Meiji restoration brought about significant changes to Japan’s social class structure . The feudal system of daimyo and samurai was abolished, leading to the end of the warrior classes’ privileged status. The rise of a modern industrial economy and capitalist entrepreneurs, and a growing urban middle class. Traditional social hierarchies based on birth and status began to break down, with opportunities for social mobility and meritocracy increasing in the new Meiji era.

Question 28

Why did Japan resist some oft he rapid changes that was taking place?

Answer 28

rapid modernization and industrialization led to social, cultural, and economic traditionalists in Japan feared the erosion of Japanese culture and values in the face of westernization. some sectors of society, such as the samurai class, resisted the loss of their privileged status and authority.

Question 29

Why did the Japanese feel the need to achieve rapid industrialization?

Answer 29

Japan faced pressure from western powers to modernize and industrialize to avoid and maintain sovereignty. The Japanese government recognized the need for economic and military strength to protect against western imperialism. Industrialization was seen as essential for Japan to compete economically and militarily on the global stage.

Question 30

What are 3 Japannese customs that were offensive to the Westerners?

Answer 30

• Bowing instead of shaking hands as a greeting.
  -Removing shoes before entering homes or buildings
  -Eating with chopstickys instead of Western utensils like forks and knives.

Question 31

How did the resist of the Japanese to certain changes lead to the return of a more traditional Japanese worldview?

Answer 31

The rapid pace of change fostered a nostalgic longing for Japan’s pre modern past. some intellectuals and cultural leaders advocated for a return to traditional Japanese values and aesthetic as a response to westernization. this led to a revival of interest in Japanese folklore, arts, and traditional customs as a means of preserving national identity.

Question 32

What was the motto “Civilization and Enlightenment” dropped for the new motto, “Western Science, Japanese essence”?

Answer 32

The old motto implied a one sided adoption fo western culture and values. The new motto reflected a desire to blend Western knowledge and technology with Japanese traditions and identity. It emphasized Japan’s intention to modernize and advance technologically while preserving its unique cultural heritage.

Question 33

What does the motto “wealthy country, strong army” mean? Why did the Japanese adopt this policy?

Answer 33

This motto reflects Japan’s emphasis on economic prosperity and military strength as essentials elements of national power. the Japanese adopted this policy in response to the perceived threats posed by the western imperialism and the need to modernize and defend the country against foreign encroachment. It signaled Japan’s commitment to developing a strong industrial base and military capabilities to safeguard its sovereignty and expand its influence regionally and globally.

Question 34

What impact did Japan’s policy of sakoku (closed country) have on its inteactions with foreign countries?

Answer 34

Sakoku severely restricted Japan’s interaction with foreign countries, allowing only limited trade with select foreign powers, primarily through designated ports. It led to a period of isolationism, during which Japan sought to minimize outside influence and preserve its traditional culture and political stability. Sakuko contributed to Japan’s relative technological and cultural stagnation compared to Western nations, as it limited exposure to new ideas, technologies, and trade opportunities.

Question 35

How did the decline of the samurai class contribute to social changes during the edo period?

Answer 35

The decline of the samurai class resulted from changes in warfare. economics and governance during the edo period. Samurai were gradually disemboweled as centralized government control increased, and their traditional role as warriors because less relevant. Economic changes, such as the rise of merchant class wealth, also underlined the samurais social status. This decline contributed to the emergence of a more stratified society and the growth of urban culture and commerce.

Question 36

Discuss the role of arts and literature in Japanese society during the edo period and how they were influenced by cultural isolation.

Answer 36

Despite cultural isolation, the edo period witnessed a flourishing of arts and literature in Japan. Traditional art forms such as woodblock prints and Kabuki theater experienced significant development and popularity. Literature including haiku poetry and Kabuki plays, thrived as forms of entertainment and cultural expression. While Japanese artists and writers were influenced by domestic trends and traditions, they also drew inspiration from themes and styles imported from china and other Asian cultures

Question 37

Explain the significance of the charter oath in the modernization of Japan during the Meiji period.

Answer 37

The charter oath, proclaimed by Emperor Meiji in 1868, outlines the guiding principles from Japan’s modernization efforts. It called for the establishment of deliberative assemblies, the promotion of public welfare, the pursuit of knowledge, and the adoption of western technology. The Charter Oath signaled a departure from the feudal system and a commitment to political, social, and economic reforms aimed at modernizing Japan and strengthening its position in the world. It laid the groundwork for the Meiji Restoration and the rapid transformation of Japan into a modern industrialized nation-state.

Question 38

How did the implementation of a constitutional monarchy affect the balance of power in Japan?

Answer 38

The implementation of a constitutional monarchy during the Meiji Restoration shifted power away from the feudal lords (daimyo) and the samurai class toward the central government. The Emperor was restored to a position of symbolic authority, while real political power was concentrated in the hand of the oligarchs and later the elected representatives of the people. The establishment of a constitutional and a parliamentary system introduced element of democracy and checks on governmental power, redistributing authority more broadly among different branches of government and the citizenry.

Question 39

Describe the role of education reform in Japan’s modernization efforts during the Meiji period.

Answer 39

Education reform was a crucial aspect of japan’s modernization efforts in the Meiji period. The government established a centralized educational system modeled after Western systems, with a focus on universal education and the inculcation of nationalist values. The education system aimed to produce a literate and disciplined workforce capable of contributing to Japan’s industrialization and military modernization.

Question 40

What are some geographic features of Japan?

Answer 40

Japan is an archipelago consisting of over 6,800 islands, with the four main islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku comprising the majority of its land area. It is characterized by mountainous terrain, with over 70% of its land area covered by mountains. Japan experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire. The country has a diverse climate ranging from temperate in the north to subtropical in the south, with distinct seasonal variations

Question 41

How was Japan able to reamina a self-sufficient and homogeneous society?

Answer 41

Japan’s geographic isolation as an island nation contributed to its ability to remain relatively self-sufficient and homogeneous. The country’s rugged terrain and limited arable land encouraged a focus on domestic agriculture and industry to meet the needs of its population. Japan’s long history of centralized governance and cultural homogeneity also played a role in fostering a sense of national unity and shared identity among its people.

Question 42

What was the overall goal of the shogun in the Edo period?

Answer 42

The primary goal of the shogun during the Edo period was to maintain political stability and centralized control over Japan. The shogunate, led by the Tokugawa family, sought to consolidate power by establishing a strict feudal system, with the shogun at the apex and regional daimyo serving as vassals. The shogunate implemented policies such as sakoku (closed country) to limit foreign influence and prevent internal unrest. Additionally, the shogunate aimed to promote economic prosperity and social order through policies that regulated commerce, restricted the movement of people, and promoted cultural and intellectual pursuits.

Question 43

Why did the government implement the exclusion laws?

Answer 43

The exclusion laws also known as sakoku were implemented by the Tokugawa shogunate in the early 17th century. the primary reason for these laws was to maintain political stability and control over Japan by limiting foreign influence and preventing the spread of Christianity. the shogunate feared that foreign ideas and religions particularly Christianity, would undermine the authority of the ruling regime and lead to social and political unrest. The exclusion laws effectively isolated Japan from the outside world, allowing only limited trade and diplomatic relations with select foreign powers.

Question 44

Why did Japan sign the unequal treaties.

Answer 44

Japan signed unequal treaties with western powers in the mid 19th century due to pressure from western imperialism and military superiority. The arrival of commodore Perry’s black ships is 1853 and subsequent diplomatic missions demonstrated Japan’s vulnerability to western military technology and expansionist ambitions. Faced with the threat of military invasion and economic coercion, Japan reluctantly entered into unequal treaties that granted extraterritorial rights to western powers, opened Japanese ports to foreign trade, and imposed unequal tariffs. The unequal treaties were seen as a necessary compromise to avoid outright colonization an maintain a degree of sovereignty in the face of western imperialism.

Question 45

Why did Japan become an imperialist country?

Answer 45

Japan became an imperialist country in the 19th and early 20th centuries due to a combination of domestic and external factors. Internally, japans rapid modernization and industrialization during the Meiji restoration transformed it into a regional power with ambitions for expansion. The desire for resources, markets, and strategic dominance drove japans imperialist policies, particularly in east Asia. Additionally, Japan’s experiences with unequal treaties and western imperialism fostered a sense of national pride and a desire to assert its independence and influence in the region. Expansionist ideologies, such as nationalism and militarism, gained prominence within Japan’s political ad military leadership, leading to aggressive territorial expansion and imperialistic ventures in Korea, China, and south east Asia.