Meiji+Restoration+and+the+Rise+of+Japan+as+a+World+Power

=The Meiji Restoration=



The Japanese experience when faced with Western imperialism was markedly different than that of the Chinese, and indeed, even the Koreans. They managed - with some difficulty - to modernize their nation rapidly to become a world power in a very short period of time. Eventually they too would become an imperialist power. Notes:


 * Homework**

Read pp. 109-117 and answer the questions below.


 * 1) What is the historical significance of the Japanese expression //kurobune//? What does it suggest now?
 * 2) Why might the Japanese be disappointed with the Treaty of Kanagawa? What did one of the elements reminded them of the Chinese experience under a similar treaty?
 * 3) What choices did the Shogun have when faced with the treaty?
 * 4) Who were the shishi? What contribution didl they be make in Japan’s history prior to World War II?
 * 5) Where were the Satsuma and Choshu clans? What was their position regarding the future of Japan? How is the reminiscent of an earlier time?


 * Follow the notes given here about the Black Ships and the Meiji Restoration [[file:meijirestorationversion2-1226411917891665-9.ppt]]**

=Modernization - Brain storm & Slogans=


 * Homework**

Read pp. 117 to 130 (omit the biographical sections) and follow the instructions below for the next class after the reading has been completed..


 * Think-Pair-Share - "Two heads are better than one," at least when it comes to solving a question or problem. For each of the questions below be prepared to share your thoughts to complete a unified response to that question.**


 * 1) What was probably the biggest challenge in modernizing Japan? Support your opinion.
 * 2) What purpose(s) does forming a conscripted army serve in nation building?
 * 3) What characteristics of Prussia (later Germany) might have attracted Meiji reformers to copy much of their constitution for Japan?
 * 4) Look at the graphic evidence on p. 129, cite specific pieces of evidence that you believe supports the notion that Japan was becoming an industrialized nation.

=**The New Japan and Its Asian Neighbors**=
 * =Korea - The Fulcrum of Power in East Asia=
 * =**__Taiping and Boxer Rebellions__**=