Social Structure
Who was at the very top of the feudal system in Japan?
The Emperor
What weapon is most closely associated with samurai
Katana (sword)
Who held the real political power: the emperor or the shogun?
The Shogun
What was the period of isolation called?
Sakoku
Which American naval officer forced Japan to end its isolation?
Commodore Matthew Perry
What was the role of the Shogun?
Military ruler who held real political power
How did samurai train for battle from a young age?
Martial arts, swordsmanship, archery, and discipline training
How did the Tokugawa Shogunate maintain peace and control in Japan?
Strict laws, alternate attendance, and banning foreign influence
In what year roughly did Japan begin its isolation policy?
1639 (will accept 1600s)
What nickname did the Japanese give to Perry’s fleet of ships?
The Black Ships
Which class of people in feudal Japan were warriors who served the Shogun and Daimyo?
Samurai
What was the relationship between samurai and daimyo?
Samurai served daimyo as warriors in exchange for land or payment
Who was the first Shogun of Japan?
Minomoto no Yoritomo
Which Japanese port city was the main location for controlled foreign trade during isolation?
Nagasaki
What was the main goal of Perry’s expedition to Japan?
To open Japan to trade and establish diplomatic relations
Who were the daimyo, and what did they control?
Powerful landowners who controlled lands and samurai
How did the introduction of firearms change warfare in Japan?
It reduced the importance of samurai sword fighting and changed battle tactics
Why was Japan isolated from most of the world during this period?
To prevent foreign influence, Christianity, and protect shogunate control
Which foreign country was the only one allowed to trade with Japan during isolation?
The Netherlands (Dutch)
In what year did Commodore Perry first arrive in Japan?
1853
What code of honour did samurai follow?
Bushido
How many years did Japan experience peace under the Tokugawa Shogunate?
250 years
What events eventually led to the collapse of the shogunate?
Western pressure to open trade, internal unrest, and the Meiji Restoration
What happened to Japanese people who tried to leave the country during isolation?
They were banned from returning (sometimes punished by death).
What gift did Matthew Perry bring to showcase American technology?
A miniature locomotive
Why were merchants considered the lowest class in feudal Japan despite often being wealthy?
They did not produce goods, only traded, which was seen as less valuable
Which event forced the years of peace to be broken?
The arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry
Who was the last Shogun of Japan?
Tokugawa Yoshinobu
What treaty officially ended Japan’s isolation period in 1854?
The Treaty of Kanagawa
Which city did Matthew Perry land near?
Edo (now Tokyo)