Paths to Modernisation class 11 history MCQ & SAQ

Paths to Modernisation class 11 history NCERT SolutioN:

What were the major developments before the Meiji restoration that made it possible for Japan to modernize rapidly?

Answer:

Major developments were:

1. Peasantry was disarmed and only the samurai class could carry swords. This ended frequent wars and stabilized peace.

2. Population growth boosted the commercial economy, and use of money created financial and credit systems.

3. Land was surveyed and owners were asked to pay regular tax.

4. Paying for imports with gold and silver was stopped. Silk industry had achieved extraordinary growth.

5. Cultural growth- new reading habit, study of ancient Japanese literature, and patronization of art and theater by merchants- was another major development.

 

Discuss how daily life was transformed as Japan developed.

Answer:

1. Japan's transformation into a modern society changed everyday life drastically.

2. Patriarchal household system disappeared. People became affluent, and the nuclear family system emerged.

3. In nuclear families, husband and wife lived as breadwinner and homemaker.

4. Their lifestyle in turn generated demands for new types of domestic goods, new types of family entertainment, and new forms of housing.
   
   

How did the Qing dynasty try to meet the challenge posed by the Western powers?

Answer:

To meet the challenge posed by the Western powers, Qing reforms initiated policies to build a modern administrative system, a new army and an educational system.

1. They set up local assemblies to establish constitutional government.

2. To teach the masses about destructive consequences of the western domination, they highlighted negative examples of colonized countries such as the partition of Poland, and participation of Indians in the British army that fought wars against China.

3. They felt that traditional ways of thinking influenced by Confucianism was a major barrier to new ideas and institutions.

4. To train people in modern subjects, students were sent to study in Japan, Britain and France; they brought back many innovative ideas.

5. Chinese thinkers borrowed Japanese translations of European political ideas such as justice, rights and revolution.

 

What were Sun Yat-sen's Three Principles? Answer:

The followings were Sun Yat-sen's Three Principles (San min chui):

1. Nationalism- spreading nationalism to overthrow the Manchu rulers (a foreign dynasty) and other foreign imperialists

2. Democracy - establishing democratic government

3. Socialism - regulating capital and equalizing landholdings

Answer in a short essay

Did Japan's policy of rapid industrialization lead to wars with its neighbors and destruction of the environment?

Answer:

1. Japan's policy of rapid industrialization led to wars with its neighbors and destruction of the environment.

2. To accumulate more raw materials, Japan had to occupy new colonies and exploit resources, and its territorial domination put it in conflict with the local people.

3. The rapid and unregulated growth of industry and the demand for natural resources such as timber led to environmental destruction.

 

Do you think that Mao Zedong and the Communist Party of China were successful in liberating China and laying the basis for its current success?

 

Answer:

1. Mao Zedong and the Communist Party of China were successfuL in Liberating China from colonial domination and established the People's Republic of China in 1949.

2. The Communist Party also laid a strong foundation for the future development of China, and to some extent, it could be attributed to its current success.

3. Vital economic resources were put under government control, and private ownership of natural resources was gradually ended.

4. The Great Leap Forward (1958) boosted the country's industrial growth.

5. Establishment of people's communes enabled the masses to participate in a 'collective and cooperative production' system. It ended exploitation of man by man.

6. With the launch of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution in 1965, the Red Guards (students and professionals) campaigned against old cultural practices, irrational customs and traditional habits.

7. The 'Fifth Modernisation' from 1978 proclaimed the importance of Democracy if other Four defense) had to be achieved.

8. However, the current system in China has been lapsing into an authoritarian political system and has emerged as a strong nee-liberal capitalist state.

9. Critics argue that China is witnessing tremendous socio-economic inequalities due to the market economy, and it has intensified social tensions there.

 

Paths to Modernisation class 11 history MCQ :

1. The Western sciences such as astronomy and mathematics were introduced in China by

(a) Biblical missionary

(b) Jehovah missionary

(c) Jesuit missionaries

(d) Prophet missionary

► (c) Jesuit missionaries

 

2. Syngman Rhee, Korea’s first elected president had to resign, after the April Revolution because:

(a) Rhee got himself elected as president, in 1948 CE, through illegal means.

(b) Rhee extended his rule by illegally amending the constitution.

(c) Koreans protested against a rigged election, which took place in 1960 CE.

(d) Koreans desired unification of North and South Korea, which Rhee was unwilling to accommodate.

► (c) Koreans protested against a rigged election, which took place in 1960 CE.

 

3. Japanese rule in Korea, which lasted till 1945 CE, was not liked by Koreans because:

(a) Koreans preferred being ruled by China, instead of Japan.

(b) Japan, a puppet of Western powers, ruled as per the latter’s desires.

(c) Japan wanted to suppress Korean culture and forcibly assimilate Koreans.

(d) Koreans wanted restoration of Joseon rule in Korea.

► (c) Japan wanted to suppress Korean culture and forcibly assimilate Koreans.

 

4. The third longest river in the world that flows in China is the

(a) Pearl River

(b) Xi River

(c) Yangtze River (Chang Jiang)

(d) Yellow River (Huang He)

► (c) Yangtze River (Chang Jiang)

 

5. Mao Tse Tung advocated ways of solving social problems based on a survey conducted in 1930 in

(a) Fuzhou

(b) Jiujiang

(c) Nanchang

(d) Xunwu

► (d) Xunwu

6. The Korean president, whose resignation was demanded by citizens, through candlelight protests, was:

(a) Park Chung-hee

(b) Park Geun-hye

(c) Chun Doo-hwan

(d) Roh Tae-woo

► (b) Park Geun-hye

 

7. After the Korean War, South Korea received economic assistance from:

(a) U.S.A.

(b) U.N.O.

(c) China

(d) Japan

► (a) U.S.A.

 

8. Japanese borrowed their written script from

(a) China

(b) Russia

(c) Korea

(d) Taiwan

► (a) China

 

9. The independence of Korea, after World War II, was ensured due to:

(a) Japan’s defeat and surrender in World War II

(b) Continued efforts of freedom activists within and outside Korea

(c) Support of international leaders for Korea’s independence

(d) Temporary division of Korean peninsula

► (b) Continued efforts of freedom activists within and outside Korea

 

10. An immediate result of Commodore Matthew Perry's visit to Japan in 1853 was _________.

(a) an alliance between Japan and USA

(b) development of trade between Japan and the West

(c) a war between Japan and USA

(d) the increased isolation of Japan

► (b) development of trade between Japan and the West

 

11. Japan imported luxury goods from ______.

(a) China

(b) Russia

(c) Korea

(d) India

► (a) China

 

12. Silk industry was developed in ______ so as to reduce import of silk.

(a) Osaka

(b) Kyushu

(c) Nishijin

(d) Beppu

► (c) Nishijin

 

13. In 1867-68 CE, ______ rule in Japan ended.

(a) The Shogun

(b) The Meiji

(c) The Nishijin

(d) None of the above

► (a) The Shogun

 

14. The slogan ‘Fukoku Kyohei’ under the Meiji rule in Japan meant _______.

(a) rich country, strong army

(b) strong lands, strong rivers

(c) rich lands, strong rivers

(d) rich country, weak neighbor

► (a) rich country, strong army

Paths to Modernisation class 11 history SAQ:

Q. 1. Write features of expansion of cities in Japan by the mid-seventeenth century.

Ans. (i) By the mid-seventeenth century, Edo city of Japan was the most populated city of Japan.

(ii) Osaka and Kyoto emerged as larger cities.

(iii) At least six castle towns were there with a population of 50,000 or more.

Q. 2. How did the Japanese do printing in the last years of the sixteenth century?

Ans. The Japanese did not like European printing.

Therefore printing was done with wooden blocks.

Popularity of books tells us that printing of books was done on a large scale.

Q. 3. Why was Japan considered rich in the sixteenth and the seventeenth centuries?

Ans. Japan imported luxury goods like silk from China and textiles from India. It paid with gold and silver for these imports. That is why Japan was considered rich in the sixteenth and the seventeenth centuries.

Q. 4. Which two steps were taken by Japan to reduce the strain on the economy which was exerted due to paying for imports in gold and silver?

Ans. (i) Export of precious metal was restricted.

(ii) Silk industry was developed in Nishijin (Kyoto) so as to reduce the import of silk. Very quickly this industry became the largest industry of the world.

Q. 4. Discuss any three aspects of the growth of the silk industry in Nishijin (Kyoto).

Ans. (i) From 1713 CE, only domestic yarn began to be used there, which greatly encouraged this industry.

(ii) Only the most expensive products were manufactured in Nishijin.

(iii) In 1859 CE, Japan’s silk exports became a major source of profit for the Japanese economy.

Q. 4. What is meant by the Meiji Restoration?

Ans. In 1867-68 CE, the Shogun (the Tokugama dynasty) rule in Japan ended and it was replaced by new officials and advisors. These people ruled in the name of the Japanese emperor. Thus, the emperor again became all powerful in the country. He took the title of the Meiji. This event is termed as the Meiji Restoration in Japanese history.

Q. 7. What is meant by the slogan ‘Fukoku Kyohei’ under the Meiji rule in Japan?

Ans. The slogan ‘Fukoku Kyohei’ under the Meiji rule in Japan meant ‘rich country, strong army’. In fact, the government felt that it must develop its economy and build a strong army, otherwise they would be enslaved like India. Hence, they gave the slogan of ‘fukoku kyohei’.

Q. 4. What did Japanese scholars mean

Ans. By the term ‘emperor system’ Japanese scholars meant the system which was run collectively by the emperor, the bureaucracy and the military.

The bureaucracy and the military were answerable to the emperor.

Q. 9. Tell two changes made by the Meiji government.

Ans. (i) All youngmen over twenty years of age had to do a fixed period of military service. (ii) A modern military force was developed.

Q. 10. What were the consequences of giving importance to two different ideals of a democratic government and a modern army in Japan?

Ans. (i) Japan developed economically.

(ii) The army asked for a strict foreign policy to acquire more territory. This policy led to war with China and Russia. Japan came out victorious in both the wars. Very soon it established a colonial empire.

Q. 11. Why did Britain sign the Anglo-Japanese treaty in 1902 CE ? What was the importance of this treaty for Japan?

Ans. Britain signed the Anglo-Japanese treaty in 1902 CE, because it wanted to reduce Russian influence in China. This treaty was of great importance for Japan because this treaty raised its status like other colonial powers.

Q. 12. Write any three steps taken to modernize the economy in the Meiji Age.

Ans. (i) Agricultural tax was levied to raise funds.

(ii) Textile machinery was imported from Europe.

(iii) Japan’s first railway line was built in 1870– 72 between Tokyo and the port of Yokohama.

Q. 13. On which two cities of Japan were bombs dropped in the Second World War and why ? Was the use of bombs justified?

Ans. In the Second World War, bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki cities of Japan.

It was argued that the use of bombs was necessary for early end of the war. No, the use of bombs was not justified because it caused heavy destruction.

Q. 14. What was the effect of the U.S. control (1945–47 CE) on Japan ?

Ans. (i) Japan was demilitarized.

(ii) A new Constitution was introduced with Article 9, the so-called ‘no war clause’ which renounces the use of war as an instrument of state policy.

Q. 15. In 1903, what views did the Chinese thinkers express criticizing India?

Ans. Chinese thinkers wrote that India was a country which was not destroyed by any country but by a company, i.e., East India Company. They also criticized Indians that they were cruel to their own men and were subservient to the British.

Q. 16. From 1870 to 1914, China enjoyed the position of an international colony. How?

Ans. From 1870 to 1914, China had fallen prey to imperialism. Though it was not ruled by any imperialist country, yet it had been divided into spheres of influence of almost all imperialist powers of the world. Thus, China enjoyed a position as an international colony.

Q. 17. What do you know about the Opium Wars?

Ans. The Opium Wars were fought in China due to illegal trade of opium. The British merchants carried large quantities of opium to China.

Consequently, the Chinese became addicted to opium, which resulted in their physical and moral damage. So the Chinese had to fight against the British.

Q. 18. When did the Revolt of Boxer occur in China ? What was its significance?

Ans. The Revolt of Boxer occurred in China in 1889–90 CE. This revolt was collectively suppressed by the armies of Britain, Japan, Germany and the USA. China was on the verge of partition because of this revolt.

Q. 19. Give a brief description of the establishment of a republic in China.

Ans. 

Q. 20. What was the Great Leap Forward (1958–59) in China? Why did it fail?

Ans. The Great Leap Forward (1958–59) was a policy to galvanize China for rapid industrialisation.

But the Chinese leaders failed in this policy. Its main reasons were the following:

(1) Communes were formed in China and people were forced to join them.

(2) Agricultural production decreased.

(3) Valuable resources were wasted.

All this created a serious crisis in the country in 1960–62. The Great Leap Forward drew China backward instead of taking her forward.

Q. 1. Describe in brief China’s physiography, ethnic groups and languages.

Ans. Physiography. China is a large continental country. She had several climatic zones. There are three major river systems in her major region viz. the Yellow River or Huang Ho, the third longest river in the world Yangtze river and the Pearl river. A large part of the country is mountainous.

Ethic Groups and Languages. The Han are the dominant ethic group in China. Other ethnic groups included the Uighur, Hui, Manchu and Tibetan. The major language in China is Chinese. Other minority languages are also spoken in China except dialects like Cantonese (Yue) and Shanghainese (Wu).

Q. 2. Write a note on Chinese food.

Ans. Regional diversity existed in Chinese food. It included mainly four types of food.

(i) Southern or Cantonese cuisine is the best known. This is the cuisine of Canton and its interior regions. It is famous as most overseas Chinese come from the Canton area. It includes dim sum (literally touch your heart). It is a dish of pastries and dumplings.

(ii) Wheat is the Staple food in northern China.

(iii) In Szechuan, Buddhist monks brought spices in the ancient period along the silk route. Chillies were brought by Portuguese traders in the fifteenth century. These have created a fiery cuisine.

(iv) Both rice and wheat are eaten in the eastern China.

Q. 3. Briefly discuss the physical features of Japan.

Ans. The physical features of Japan are as follows:

(i) Japan is a string of islands. Among these islands the four largest are Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku and  Hokkaido. The Okinawan Chain is the southernmost. Around 50% of the land area of the main islands is mountainous.

(ii) Japan is situated in a quite active zone of earthquake.

(iii) The population of Japan is mainly Japanese.

But a small minority of Ainu and Koreans also live over there. They were forcibly brought to Japan as labor when Korea was a Japanese colony.

(iv) Animals are not reared in Japan.

(v) Rice is the staple crop and fish is the major source of protein in Japan.

Q. 4. How long did Shoguns of the Tokugawa dynasty rule over Japan ? How did they run their rule?

Ans. There had been the rule of an emperor who lived in Kyoto. But by the twelfth century real power came to Shoguns. They in theory ruled in the name of the emperor. From 1603 to 1867 CE, the position of Shogun was held by the members of the Tokugawa family. Whole of the country was divided into 250 domains which were ruled by the lords called Daimyo.

Daimyos were controlled by the Shogun who ordered them to stay for a long period at the capital Edo (modern Tokyo) so that they would not become a threat to them. Major cities and mines were also controlled by the Shoguns. The warrior class of Japan, the Samurai, were the ruling elite. They served the shoguns and daimyo.

Q. 5. Examine the changes that occur in the Japanese economy under the Tokugawa rule.

Ans. Under the Tokugawa rule, Japan was considered a rich country. This is because luxury goods like silk from China and textiles from India were imported into Japan. These imports were paid with gold and silver. It strained the economy. As a result restrictions were put, by the Tokugawa, on the export of precious metals. They also took certain steps to develop the silk industry in Nishijin in Kyoto so that the import of silk could be reduced. The silk produced at Nishijin came to be known as the best silk in the world. The increased use of money and the creation of the stock market in rice show that the economy was developing in new ways.

Q. 6. Throw light on Commodore Perry’s arrival in Japan and its importance.

Ans. In 1853 CE, Commodore Matthew Perry was sent to Japan by the U.S.A. He demanded a treaty to be signed by the Japanese government. According to it, Japan would make diplomatic and trade relations with the USA. Japan signed this treaty in 1854. In fact, Japan was seen as a country on the route to china which the U.S.A. saw as a major market.

Besides, the USA needed a place in the Pacific Ocean so that her ships could be refueled. At that time, Holland was the only one western country that traded with Japan.

Importance. Japanese politics was greatly affected by the arrival of Perry. Until then, the emperor had possessed very little political power. Now he reemerged as an important political power in the country. In 1868 CE, a movement was started with which Shogun was forcibly removed from power. It brought the emperor to Edo. Edo was made the capital and was renamed as Tokyo which means ‘eastern Capital.’

Q. 7. What arrangements were given in favor and against Japan’s opening to the outer world?

Ans. Officials and the people of Japan knew that some of the European countries were establishing their colonial empires in India and at many other places. News of Chinese defeat from the British were spreading and were even depicted in plays. It created a fear in people that Japan might be made a colony if it came in contact with the outer world. Still many scholars and leaders of the country wanted European ideas and technologies to be learnt. But some other scholars wanted to exclude the Europeans.

Some people wanted that there must be a limited and gradual opening of the country to the outer world.

Therefore, the Japanese government launched a policy with the slogan of ‘Fukoku Kyohei’ which means rich country, strong army. They came to know that they are required to develop their economy and build a strong army, otherwise they would be enslaved like India. For the purpose, creation of a sense of nationhood among the people and transformation of subjects into citizens were needed.

Q. 8. How was the ‘Emperor system’ rebuilt in Japan?

Ans. The Meiji government of Japan started building the ‘emperor system’. By the ‘emperor system’ Japanese scholars meant a system in which power was exercised by the emperor, along with the bureaucracy and the military. The bureaucracy and the military were accountable to the emperor. The government sent some officials to European countries to study their monarchies on which they planned to make their own. The emperor was considered a direct descendent of the Sun Goddess. With this, he was also made the leader of westernization. His birthday was declared as a national holiday. He began to wear western-style military uniforms. In his name, edicts were issued to set up modern institutions. The Imperial Rescript on Education of 1890 motivated the people to get education, advance public good and to promote common interests.

Q. 9. Write a note on a new school system adopted in Japan from the 1870s.

Ans. From the 1870s, a new school system was adopted in Japan. According to this system, Schooling was made compulsory for all boys and girls. By the 1910s, no child was deprived of schooling as the tuition fees were very less. In the beginning, the curriculum was based on Western ideas. But by the 1870s, stress was given on loyalty and the study of Japanese history, along with modern ideas. The Education Ministry started to keep a control over the curriculum, in selection of textbooks and in training of teachers.

Learning of the subject of moral culture was made compulsory for everyone. Books started to motivate the children to respect their parents, be loyal to the nation and become good citizens.

Q. 10. What measures did the Meiji government of Japan take to integrate the nation?

Ans. The government established a new administrative structure by altering old village and domain boundaries. It was necessary for each administrative unit to have enough revenue so that the local schools and health facilities could be maintained. It also had to serve as a recruitment center for the military. It became necessary for all young men, over the age of twenty, to do a fixed period of military service. One modern military force was developed. A legal system was also developed to control the formation of political groups. Censor system was to be made strict. The government had to face opposition in the measures taken by it. Military and bureaucracy were kept under direct control of the emperor. Its objective was to keep both these groups outside the control of the government even after a constitution was enacted.

Paths to Modernisation class 11 history long question:

Q. 1. Briefly discuss Aggressive Nationalism, Westernization and Tradition in Japan.

Ans. Aggressive Nationalism. The Meiji Constitution was based on limited franchise. There were limited rights of Diet (Parliament) created by the constitution. The leaders who brought imperial restoration remained in power and organized political parties. During 1918–1930, cabinets were formed by popularly elected prime ministers. After that, they formed national cabinets across party lines.

The emperor was the commander of armed forces and from 1890 CE, it has been considered that the army and the navy had independent control. In 1899 CE, the prime minister ordered that only serving generals and admirals could become ministers.

The strengthening of the military and the expansion of Japanese colonies were connected with the fear that Japan was dependent on the mercy of the western powers. This fear was used to collect funds for military expansion and taxes were imposed. Questions were raised against these taxes but they were suppressed.

Westernization and Tradition.

The successive generations of Japanese intellectuals had different views about relations of Japan with other countries.

Some were of the view that the USA and western European countries are at the top of civilization. So Japan must aim to reach those heights. Fukuzama Yukichi was one of the important intellectuals of Meiji times. He was of the view that Japan must expel Asia from itself. By this, he meant that Japan must leave its Asian features and should become a part of the west.

Next generation objected to completely adopting the western ideas and urged that national pride must be built on local values. The philosopher Miyake Setsurai (1860–1945) argued that every country must develop its specific features for world civilization.

Devoting oneself to the country is just like devoting towards the world. On the other hand, many intellectuals were attracted towards western liberalism. They wanted Japan to build itself on the basis of democracy, not military.

Ueki Emori (1857–1892) was a leader of the popular Rights Movement which demanded a constitutional government. He was an admirer of the French Revolution’s doctrine of natural right of man and popular sovereignty.

He was in favor of liberal education which could develop each individual. Some others even recommended voting rights for women.

This pressure forced the government to announce a constitution.

Q. 2. Describe the developments in Japan between the two World Wars.

Ans. The drive for expansion had been a characteristic feature of Japanese history since the beginning of her modernisation in the second half of the nineteenth century. She had made big colonial gains at the end of the First World War. The treaty she signed in Washington restricting the growth of her navy had still left her as the greatest naval power in the Pacific.

For a time, she pursued ‘peaceful’ ways of extending her domination over China as well as South-east Asia through economic means. However, the growth of the movement for China’s national unification as well as of the influence of the Chinese Communist Party created the danger that Japan would not be able to extend her control over China.

One of her major objectives was to prevent China’s national unification.

Occupation of Manchuria and Invasion of China. One of the first major acts of aggression after the First World War was committed by Japan when she occupied Manchuria and later set up a puppet government there.

After consolidating her conquest of Manchuria she launched a massive invasion on China. Within a few months, large parts of northern China, including the cities of Beijing, Nanking and Shanghai, were occupied by the Japanese troops. The Japanese bombed the Chinese cities which had no military significance, and committed atrocities on the Chinese population.

In 1938 they proclaimed what they called a ‘‘New Order in East Asia’’ which would bring Japan, China and Manchuria into a political union. The League of Nations condemned the Japanese aggression but nothing was done to put an end to it.

In 1936 CE, she had signed the Anti-Comintern Pact with Germany. She planned to establish her hegemony all over Asia and the Pacific, as Germany along with Italy planned doing it over the rest of the world.

Economic Progress. The Japanese economy continued to grow after the war and she became the biggest exporter of cotton textiles, rayon and raw silk.

Her dependence on other countries for raw materials, machinery and food stuff had made the economy somewhat fragile.

To overcome some of these problems, there was a lot of expansion of iron and steel and heavy engineering industries. But direct control over the resources and markets of China and other countries was considered essential by Japanese industrialists and political and military leaders.

Q. 3. Describe the imperialistic expansion of Japan before the First World War.

Ans. The emergence of Japan as the only imperialist power in Asia began in the last decade of the nineteenth century.

In the beginning, the Western countries failed to establish their foothold in Japan. In 1853, the American warships under Commodore Perry, had compelled the Japanese Government to open their country to American shipping and trade. Britain, France, Holland and Russia also got similar concessions. In 1867, there was a change in government of Japan known as Meiji Restoration.

Thereafter, Japan made considerable industrial progress. Like the imperialist powers of the West, Japan also wanted to expand in order to get raw material for her industries and new markets to sell her manufactured goods.

In the last decade of the nineteenth century, Japan embarked upon her imperialist designs. In 1874 CE, Japan annexed Ryukyu islands and forced Korea, a tributary of China, to open her doors to Japanese trade.

This was resented by China and a war followed in which China was defeated. China ceded Formosa and the Liaotung Peninsula to Japan in addition to paying a heavy war indemnity. China was forced to give up her claim on Korea.

Thus, Japan’s influence in China increased.

England and Japan entered into an agreement in 1902 CE, which is known as the Anglo-Japanese Agreement. Japan declared war and defeated Russia in 1904–05. As a result of this war, Japan got the southern half of Sakhalin and gained control of the southern part of the Liaotung Peninsula with Port Arthur, which was leased to her.

In 1910 CE, Korea became a colony of Japan. It became a province of Japan. Thus by the year 1914 CE, when the First World War began, Japan emerged as a great imperialist power of the east. By this time almost all of Asia was swallowed up by the imperialist countries.

Q. 4. What is meant by Meiji Restoration ? What were its consequences on the future development of Japan ?

Ans. For centuries Shoguns exercised real power in Japan. But in 1869, the rule of shoguns was overthrown and Japan saw the emergence of new rulers and advisers. They ruled in the name of the Japanese emperor. In this way, the emperor’s authority was restored. He took the title of ‘Meiji’. In the history of Japan, this event is known as the ‘Meiji’ Restoration’.

Consequences. Meiji restoration had a great impact on future development of Japan, which is as under :

1. Industrial Growth. During the Meiji period, Japan prospered industrially. The government made heavy investments in the industrial sector. Subsequently these industries were sold to capitalists. Afterwards, government’s support in starting industries was no longer needed. The impoverishment of the peasants also benefited industries. An increasing number of peasants migrated to the cities where they provided cheap labor for the industries.

By the early years of the twentieth century, Japan became a great industrial power. Japanese goods could successfully compete in the international market with European goods.

2. New Constitution. Japan got a new Constitution in 1889 CE. Its salient features were as under:

(1) The emperor enjoyed a special position as the head of the state. All ministers were appointed by him and were answerable to him. He was believed to be ‘heaven descended, divine and sacred’. He was considered pre-eminent above his subjects and was revered.

(2) The constitution provided for a parliament called the ‘Diet’. The Diet enjoyed limited powers and was under military control.

(3) Police enjoyed extensive powers. It could check any activities opposed to monarchy.

3. Colonial Expansion. By the 1890s, Japan had started pursually her colonial ambitions. She went to war with China in 1895 CE, defeated her and annexed Formosa. In 1905, Korea was made a protectorate of Japan and annexed by her five years later.

In this way, Japan emerged as a great power after the Meiji Restoration. In 1899, Japan’s status as a great power was recognised by the US and European countries. Some countries entered into treaties with Japan on terms of equality.

Q. 5. Describe Japan’s progress as a world power from the last decade of the 19th century till the end of the First World War.

Ans. Japan was the alone imperialist power of Asia. It started its imperialist expansion in the last decade of the 19th century. Earlier, it saved itself from becoming the victim of imperialism. In 1853 CE, Commodore Perry, with its military ships, reached the coast of Japan.

Perry used the force and compelled Japan to give certain facilities of trade and others to the U.S.A. Japan also signed treaties with Britain, Holland, France and Russia. Even then it saved itself from the bad experiences of other Asian countries.

Japan became Powerful. In 1867 CE, an important power transformation took place in Japan which is known as Meiji restoration. Japan made huge progress under Meiji rule. It started to modernize its economy and within a few decades, it became one of the major industrial countries of the world. Except this, those powers were also active in Japan which made the European countries imperialist. Like western countries, Japan also had very less raw material for its industries.

It wanted to have new markets for the consumption of new products. As a result, it wanted to have colonies which could fulfill both of its demands.

In this way Japan joined the race of imperialism.

Imperialist Expansion. Imperialist expansion of Japan is given below:

(i) Japan was situated near China and China could have been a better market for it. Both the countries also had fought against each other in 1894 CE on the issue of Korea. After this, Japanese influence increased a lot in China.

(ii) Anglo-Japanese treaty was signed in 1902 CE.

According to this, Japan was also given equal status like other European countries.

(iii) Japan defeated Russia in 1905 CE. As a result, it received the southern part of Skhalin. It also captured Leontung island.

(iv) Korea became a Japanese Colony in 1910 CE.

In this way, until the First World War, Japan also emerged as a world power. It could have expanded further in China if it could not have been checked by the Western powers.