Modernisation

Question 1

What was Rangaku (Dutch Learning)?

Answer 1

• Body of knowledge developed by contact with the Dutch during Sakoku.
• It helped the Japanese keep up with Western technology and medicine.
• The Dutch introduced things like clocks, telescopes and medical instruments.

Question 2

What were some internal and external troubles that were happening during Sakoku?

Answer 2

1. Internal - Merchants were becoming wealthier and the daimyo and samurai resented this.
2. External - Other countries were forcing China to open up to foreign trade, which made Japan nervous.

Question 3

Who rocked up to Edo on the 8th July 1853?

Answer 3

U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry with 4 naval ships (1000 men/61 guns) and a message from the American President to the Emperor.

Question 4

What did the Americans want? (3 demands)

Answer 4

1. Japan should allow free trade between the two countries.
2. Shipwrecked sailors should be treated ‘with kindness’.
3. American steamships should be able to stop in Japanese ports for coal, water, and fuel.

Question 5

What was Commodore Perry’s attitude towards Japan?

Answer 5

INTIMIDATION:
- He refused to leave Edo without having an audience with the most superior ranking representatives.
- He threatened them by aiming his guns at the city.
- He said he would return with a bigger naval force if they didn’t comply.

Question 6

What was the response from Japan?

Answer 6

The government realised they were in no position to defend themselves, and couldn’t continue with the Sakoku policy without risking war.

Question 7

After returning to Japan with 8 powerful naval steamships, what did Commodore Perry obtain?

Answer 7

• The Kanagawa Treaty. This action opened Japan to the rest of the world.

Question 8

What did the Kanagawa Treaty allow for America? (4 things)

Answer 8

1. American ships could trade at two ports.
2. Shipwrecked sailors would be treated well.
3. An American Consul would reside in Shimoda.
4. Americans could live and work in Japan.

Question 9

What was the knock-on effect of the Kanagawa Treaty?

Answer 9

• Within 2 years Russia, France, Britain and Holland had signed similar treaties.
• Foreign governments had the right to apply their own laws in their territories, despite these being on Japanese soil.
• The policy of Sakoku was doomed to fail.