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 is the term for large Japanese businesses that grew during industrialisation and were often family-owned?
Zaibatsu
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
What was the name of the new class system introduced by the Meiji government to replace the old feudal hierarchy?
The kazoku system (which created a new nobility) or simply a modern class system with more equality
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
List two major provisions of the Treaty of Kanagawa.
Two key provisions of the Treaty of Kanagawa were that Japan agreed to protect American sailors shipwrecked on its shores and open two ports for refueling and provisioning American ships: Shimoda and Hakodate.
What was the Iwakura Mission, and why was it significant for Meiji Japan?
A diplomatic voyage (1871–1873) where Japanese officials travelled to Western countries to study their political, military, economic, and educational systems to help modernise Japan.
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