Question 1

How did political parties operate in Japan? Explain the strengths and weaknesses of the Japanese constitution. 
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

Political parties in Japan operate within a parliamentary system, where the Prime Minister is the head of government and is elected by the National Diet, which is the country's legislative body. The two main political parties in Japan are the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), although there are several other smaller parties as well.

The strengths of the Japanese constitution include its commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. It also provides for a separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. Additionally, the constitution includes provisions for the protection of individual freedoms and the right to vote, as well as the establishment of an independent judiciary.

However, there are also weaknesses in the Japanese constitution. One weakness is the lack of a clear separation of church and state, as the constitution allows for the practice of religion and the funding of religious institutions by the state. Additionally, the constitution has been criticized for its lack of provisions for gender equality and the rights of minority groups. Furthermore, some argue that the constitution's provisions for the protection of individual freedoms are not always upheld in practice, particularly in cases of government surveillance and restrictions on freedom of speech.

Overall, the Japanese constitution provides a strong framework for democratic governance, but there are areas where it could be improved to better protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens.

Question 2

What were the causes of the rebellions that convulsed China between 1850 and 1873? What were the consequences of these rebellions?
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The rebellions that convulsed China between 1850 and 1873 were caused by a combination of social, economic, and political factors. One of the main causes was the widespread poverty and suffering among the Chinese population, exacerbated by overpopulation, natural disasters, and government corruption. The Qing dynasty's inability to effectively address these issues and its resistance to modernization also contributed to widespread discontent and unrest.

The most significant rebellions during this period were the Taiping Rebellion, the Nian Rebellion, and the Muslim Rebellion in the northwest. The Taiping Rebellion, in particular, was a massive uprising led by Hong Xiuquan, who claimed to be the younger brother of Jesus Christ and sought to establish a "Heavenly Kingdom of Great Peace" in China. These rebellions resulted in widespread violence, destruction, and loss of life, as well as significant disruption to the economy and society.

The consequences of these rebellions were far-reaching. The Qing dynasty was severely weakened by the conflicts, and its authority was further undermined. The rebellions also highlighted the urgent need for reform and modernization in China, leading to the Self-Strengthening Movement and the eventual downfall of the Qing dynasty. Additionally, the rebellions contributed to the decline of the traditional Confucian social and political order and paved the way for the rise of new political ideologies and movements in China.

Overall, the rebellions that convulsed China between 1850 and 1873 were a reflection of the deep-seated problems and tensions within Chinese society at the time. They had a profound impact on the course of Chinese history, ultimately leading to the end of the Qing dynasty and the beginning of a new era of change and transformation in China.

Question 3

What were some of the major goals of the Meiji state in Japan? How did some of their programs differ from other reforms in Japanese history? What were the golden years of the Meiji? 
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The major goals of the Meiji state in Japan were to modernize and industrialize the country, strengthen its military and government, and establish Japan as a world power. Some of their programs differed from other reforms in Japanese history in that they were more comprehensive and far-reaching, aiming to completely overhaul and modernize all aspects of Japanese society and government.

One key difference was the Meiji government's focus on centralization and consolidation of power, as opposed to the decentralized feudal system that had been in place for centuries. They also implemented widespread educational and social reforms, aiming to create a more unified and modernized society.

The "golden years" of the Meiji era are generally considered to be from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, during which Japan experienced rapid industrialization, modernization, and economic growth. This period also saw Japan's emergence as a major world power, with victories in the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese wars, and the signing of the Treaty of Portsmouth in 1905, which solidified Japan's status as a major player on the world stage.

In conceptual terms, the Meiji era represents a dramatic shift in Japanese history, marking the transition from a feudal, isolated society to a modern, industrialized nation. The reforms and programs implemented during this time laid the foundation for Japan's future success and influence in the world.

Question 4

How did Japanese intellectuals look at the West? What was their attitude toward modernization? Did the push toward modernization mean the abandonment of Japanese traditional values and identity?
Conceptual
18 What is the significance of Japan's victory over Russia in 1905? What does the victory say about the state of the Japanese economy and technology? How did the Russo-Japanese war change the international standing of Japan?
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

Japanese intellectuals had a complex and

Question 5

Which of the following best describes China's path to modernization before the May Fourth Movement? (Global Perspective, pp. 696-697)

Accepted Answer

A)  China lacked key preconditions, such as high levels of literacy. 
B)  China's Confucian ruling ideology blocked Westernization. 
C)  China modernized more rapidly than Japan because of its capacity to assimilate. 
D)  China followed a separate, non-Western path to modernization. 
A)  China lacked key preconditions, such as high levels of literacy. 
B)  China's Confucian ruling ideology blocked Westernization. 
C)  China modernized more rapidly than Japan because of its capacity to assimilate. 
D)  China followed a separate, non-Western path to modernization.

Question 6

From the late nineteenth century well into the twentieth, women

Accepted Answer

A)  made up more than half the industrial workforce. 
B)  were discouraged from entering the workforce. 
C)  were generally illiterate. 
D)  emerged as political leaders. 
A)  made up more than half the industrial workforce. 
B)  were discouraged from entering the workforce. 
C)  were generally illiterate. 
D)  emerged as political leaders.

Question 7

What is the importance of the Opium War? How does this conflict help explain British attitudes toward colonial areas? What did the Chinese give up in this conflict? What was the importance of India in relation to the war? 
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The Opium War was an important event in

Question 8

Japan's "wonder crop" in the Tokugawa era was

Accepted Answer

A)  opium. 
B)  tea. 
C)  cotton. 
D)  silk. 
A)  opium. 
B)  tea. 
C)  cotton. 
D)  silk.

Question 9

How and why did Japan become involved in World War II? Why did Japan suffer defeat in this war? Explain the nature of Japanese fascism and compare it with German Nazism. 
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

Japan became involved in World War II pr

Question 10

Compare the effects of World War I and the Great Depression on China and Japan. What were the major outcomes in each country? Which country better weathered the two crises? Which factor or factors do you think best account(s) for their relative success? 
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

World War I and the Great Depression had

Question 11

The largest rebellions against the Manchu began (Map 28-1, p. 699)

Accepted Answer

A)  in the north and the west. 
B)  in the south and the east. 
C)  in the south and the west. 
D)  in the north and the east. 
A)  in the north and the west. 
B)  in the south and the east. 
C)  in the south and the west. 
D)  in the north and the east.

Question 12

What were the primary causes of the emergence of Japan's modern economy?
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The primary causes of the emergence of J

Question 13

Describe the similarities and differences in Chinese and Japanese responses to Western influence. Why was Japan more open to foreign concepts than was China? What was the role of nationalism in this issue? 
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The similarities in Chinese and Japanese

Question 14

Compare and contrast the Taiping Rebellions and the Boxer Rebellion. What were the ideological foundations of each movement? What were the aims of the rebellions? What were the long-term effects of these uprisings? 
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The Taiping Rebellions and the Boxer Reb

Question 15

Describe the zaibatsu model. To what extent did the zaibatsu model contribute to the economic success of Japan? Was this system compatible with modern capitalism? 
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The zaibatsu model was a form of busines

Question 16

What were the effects of Western imperialism on China during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries?
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The effects of Western imperialism on Ch

Question 17

The chief weakness of the Taiping movement was

Accepted Answer

A)  the selfish nature of the rural gentry who led the movement. 
B)  overly rapid land distribution. 
C)  creation of secret societies. 
D)  weak leadership. 
A)  the selfish nature of the rural gentry who led the movement. 
B)  overly rapid land distribution. 
C)  creation of secret societies. 
D)  weak leadership.

Question 18

How did Mao Zedong alter communism to fit Chinese society? What were the consequences of this alteration?
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

Mao Zedong altered communism to fit Chin

Question 19

Discuss the political situation in Japan from 1853 to 1868. Why was Perry able to make such a dramatic impact on the country? What were the goals of the central government and why did they fail? What influence did the samurai have in this time period? 
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The political situation in Japan from 18

Question 20

What were the most important turning points in the shift away from traditional Confucianism toward Western rationality in China? How did this shift affect China's road to modernization? How did this shift contribute to the spread of Marxism-Leninism in China? 
Conceptual

Accepted Answer

The shift away from traditional Confucia

Exam 28: Modern East Asia

How did political parties operate in Japan? Explain the strengths and weaknesses of the Japanese constitution. Conceptual

What were the causes of the rebellions that convulsed China between 1850 and 1873? What were the consequences of these rebellions? Conceptual

What were some of the major goals of the Meiji state in Japan? How did some of their programs differ from other reforms in Japanese history? What were the golden years of the Meiji? Conceptual

Which of the following best describes China's path to modernization before the May Fourth Movement? (Global Perspective, pp. 696-697)

From the late nineteenth century well into the twentieth, women

What is the importance of the Opium War? How does this conflict help explain British attitudes toward colonial areas? What did the Chinese give up in this conflict? What was the importance of India in relation to the war? Conceptual

Japan's "wonder crop" in the Tokugawa era was

How and why did Japan become involved in World War II? Why did Japan suffer defeat in this war? Explain the nature of Japanese fascism and compare it with German Nazism. Conceptual

Compare the effects of World War I and the Great Depression on China and Japan. What were the major outcomes in each country? Which country better weathered the two crises? Which factor or factors do you think best account(s) for their relative success? Conceptual

The largest rebellions against the Manchu began (Map 28-1, p. 699)

What were the primary causes of the emergence of Japan's modern economy? Conceptual

Describe the similarities and differences in Chinese and Japanese responses to Western influence. Why was Japan more open to foreign concepts than was China? What was the role of nationalism in this issue? Conceptual

Compare and contrast the Taiping Rebellions and the Boxer Rebellion. What were the ideological foundations of each movement? What were the aims of the rebellions? What were the long-term effects of these uprisings? Conceptual

Describe the zaibatsu model. To what extent did the zaibatsu model contribute to the economic success of Japan? Was this system compatible with modern capitalism? Conceptual

What were the effects of Western imperialism on China during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries? Conceptual

The chief weakness of the Taiping movement was

How did Mao Zedong alter communism to fit Chinese society? What were the consequences of this alteration? Conceptual

Discuss the political situation in Japan from 1853 to 1868. Why was Perry able to make such a dramatic impact on the country? What were the goals of the central government and why did they fail? What influence did the samurai have in this time period? Conceptual

What were the most important turning points in the shift away from traditional Confucianism toward Western rationality in China? How did this shift affect China's road to modernization? How did this shift contribute to the spread of Marxism-Leninism in China? Conceptual

The Birth of Civilization

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Iran, India, and Inner Asia to 200 C.E

Africa: Early History to 1000 C.E

Republican and Imperial Rome

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Imperial China, 589-1368

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East Asia in the Late Traditional ERA

State Building and Society in Early Modern Europe

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Political Consolidation in Nineteenth-Century

Northern Transatlantic Economy and Society, 1815-1914

Latin America From Independence to the 1940s

India, the Islamic Heartlands, and Africa, 1800-1945

Imperialism and World War I

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Postcolonialism and Beyond: Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East

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