Question

How did Japan transform itself after the arrival of US Commodore Perry in 1853?

Answer 1

The arrival of Perry was both a blessing and a curse. Japan had been isolationist for a lengthy period of time and marooned sailors who washed up on the shores of Japan were often mistreated and seen as 'invaders'. Russia and the United States were in a competition for trade in the Pacific and Perry's arrival meant that the United States was seeking better treatment of marooned mariners and use of port facilities. This caused Japan to become more engaged and engaging in international commerce, gave the United States a foothold in a new trade relationship and caused Japan to find the need to modernize, economically, politically and culturally.

Answer 2

Sample response: After the arrival of the United States, the Japanese realized they had fallen far behind the West as a result of their isolationist policies. The Tokugawa Shogunate fell, and the Meiji restoration returned power to the emperor. The new government pursued rapid industrialization and the modernization of Japanese society. By 1900, Japan was the most powerful nation in East Asia, having defeated China and Russia in war. This allowed Japan to expand its territory, and create an imperialist empire, similar to the nations of the West.

Facts to include:

• the Meiji restoration and modernization of government
• loss of power of the samurai
• industrialization
• the end of isolationism
• war with China and Russia
• territorial expansion and the growth of imperialism