Tokugawa/Meiji Japan

Question 1

What was the role of the Peasants in the Tokugawa time period?

Answer 1

The largest social class which included farmers and fishermen. They had no political power and were only valued because of the food they produced for other classes. Often made material for textiles and paid their taxes with rice and work.

Question 2

What event occurred in 1910?

Answer 2

Japan annexed Korea and made into an official colony until 1945, the end of WWII

Question 3

What was the role of Merchants in the Tokugawa time period?

Answer 3

Sold goods and produce made by others. Very low social status and lived off the efforts of others. Not allowed to mix with other classes unless for business.

Question 4

What was the structure of feudal Japan?

Answer 4

Emperor- figure head
Shogun- warrior class
Daimyo
Samurai
Ronin
Peasants- 90% of Population
Artisans
Merchants- lowest class
Eta- lowest of the low

Question 5

What was Bunraku?

Answer 5

A theatrical performance underscored by music and acted out with puppets.

Question 6

When did Japan become a Global Power?

Answer 6

1912

Question 7

What was Noh Theater?

Answer 7

A style of theatrical performance in which the performers wear over exaggerated masks.

Question 8

What was the role of the Samurai in the Tokugawa time period?

Answer 8

Professional warriors who were loyal only to the Shogun and their respected Daimyo. They had high social status but close to no political power.

Question 9

What was the punishment for violating Bushido?

Answer 9

Normally Death

Question 10

What was Kabuki Theater?

Answer 10

Came into existence in 1603. In 1629 women were banned for performing and men were allowed to perform. “Unorthodox” or “Eccentric”.

Question 11

Who were the Geisha?

Answer 11

“Companions” who worked in tea houses, brothels, and other areas of entertainment. Often prostitutes.

Question 12

What was the Sino-Japanese war?

Answer 12

In 1894-1895, Japan fought with neighbor China over Korean territory. The Japanese won and the Treaty of Shimonoseki, in which Japan got ye territory of Taiwan and a piece of Manchuria.

Question 13

What was the role of the Daimyo in the Tokugawa time period?

Answer 13

Part of the warrior class and the title means “Great Names”. Ran territories under the Shogun’s rules (governors), they were called Fudai or Tozama which mean inside or outside daimyo.

Question 14

What was the role of the Emperor in the Tokugawa time period?

Answer 14

The Emperor was merely a figurehead under the Shogun’s clan. He was the religious leader and still is a part of modern day Japan.

Question 15

What was the Treaty of Portsmouth?

Answer 15

Arranged by Teddy Roosevelt in 1905, in which Japan was back in Manchuria and Korea.

Question 16

What changed from Tokugawa to Meiji Japan?

Answer 16

1. Constitutional Monarchy Established
2. Emperor and Prime Minister receive power and Shogun Abolished
3. Daimyo (mostly) become Governors
4. Citizens receive guaranteed political rights
5. Class structure abolished
6. Becomes Industrial
7. No longer Isolated (war and expansion)

Question 17

What were the 8 virtues of Bushido?

Answer 17

1. A sense of justice and honor
2. Courage and contempt for death
3. Self control
4. Sympathy towards all people
5. Politeness and respect for etiquette
6. Sincerity and respect for ones word of honor
7. Absolute loyalty to ones superior
8. A duty to defend the honor of ones name and guild

Question 18

What was Bushido?

Answer 18

It was the code of conduct followed by samurai in order to maintain their honor. Very rigid rules to follow.

Question 19

What was Seppuku?

Answer 19

The honorable way for a samurai to die. It was a way to atone for their mistakes by inserting a dirk (small knife) into their abdomen and slicing up without showing emotion while a friend (kaishaku) would decapitate them shortly after.

Question 20

What was the role of the Eta in the Tokugawa time period?

Answer 20

Name meant “Full of Filth” and were the lowest in social class due to the Buddhist prohibitions against killing and Shinto concepts of nature. Were normally butchers, leather workers, grave diggers, tanners, and executioners.

Question 21

What was the role of the Shogun in the Tokugawa time period?

Answer 21

He was the military as well as political leader of Japan. Highest in warrior (samurai) class. Technically higher than the Emperor. Clans fought for this status.

Question 22

What was the Russo-Japanese war?

Answer 22

In 1904-1905, Japan went to war with Russia. Under a surprise attack, Japan won and wiped out the entire Russian fleet (38 ships!)

Question 23

What was the role of the Artisans in the Tokugawa time period?

Answer 23

Craftspeople who made variety of products. Respected swords craftsmen. Had lower social power than peasants.

Question 24

What was the role of the Ronin in the Tokugawa time period?

Answer 24

Wandering samurai with no Daimyo superior. They served as body guards and soldiers. They had low social class and no political power.

Question 25

What event caused the rapid industrialization of Imperialist Japan and was the start of the Meiji period?

Answer 25

Millard Fillmore, President of the US in 1852, sent 4 warships headed by Commodore Mathew Perry to Japan. The US bullied Japan into a trade deal and became an ally of the US.

Question 26

What country did Japan force trade with in the 1870’s?

Answer 26

Korea

In 1876 the Kangwha treaty was signed and unequal trade began.

Question 27

What was “The Floating World”? Examples?

Answer 27

Forms of Entertainment and Pleasure. Samurai were forbidden to partake in these activities. Located in major Urban areas.

i.e. Teahouses, Theaters, Brothels, Public Baths