Commodore Matthew Perry
Who held the most political power in Japan before Perry's arrival?
Tokugawa Shogunate
What year did the Meiji Emperor officially take power, marking the beginning of the Meiji Restoration?
1868
What was the name of the emperor during the Meiji Restoration?
Emperor Meiji
What type of economy did Japan begin developing during the Meiji era?
An industrial economy
What type of government replaced the Tokugawa shogunate?
A centralized imperial government under the emperor
What country did Perry represent when he arrived in Japan?
USA
What is the name of the period when Japan rapidly modernised after ending centuries of isolation?
The Meiji Restoration
What type of school system did Japan introduce during the Meiji era?
A public, compulsory education system
What was the largest form of currency during this time period?
Rice
What was the name of the new army system where all men had to serve?
Conscription (or universal military service)
Why were Perry’s ships called “black ships”?
Because of their dark hulls and the billowing black smoke they emitted from their smokestacks.
Which social class was officially abolished by the Meiji government in an attempt to create equality among citizens?
Samurai class
Why did the role of the samurai change during the Edo period?
Lack of war meant that samurai had fewer opportunities to serve as warriors, instead they took on new roles: Administrators, Educators, Cultural Contributors
What major industry did the Meiji government invest in to help modernise Japan?
The textile industry (especially silk production)
Which foreign country inspired many of Japan’s army reforms?
Germany (Prussia)
How did the Tokugawa Shogunate initially respond to Perry's demands?
Initially, the Tokugawa Shogunate resisted Perry's demands for opening trade with the United States.
Name one country Japan modelled its military reforms on during the Meiji period.
Germany (Prussia) or France (either is acceptable depending on the military branch—army for Germany, navy for Britain)
What Western-style fashion change symbolised modernisation for government officials?
Wearing suits and cutting off traditional topknots (chonmage).
How did the Meiji government improve transportation to support economic growth?
Built railways, telegraph lines, and modern ports
What was the name of Japan’s new constitution introduced in 1889?
The Meiji Constitution
Why were the Japanese people unhappy with the "unequal treaties"?
They lost control of their trade
What does the word Meiji mean?
What is "enlightened rule"
How did the Meiji government change the role of women in education during the modernisation process?
Girls were included in compulsory education, promoting the idea of “good wife, wise mother” (ryōsai kenbo).
Why did the Meiji government eventually sell factories to private owners?
To encourage private enterprise and reduce government spending (part of creating a capitalist economy)
What was the name of the new parliament created under the Meiji Constitution?
The Imperial Diet