Japan - The Meiji Restoration Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who was Mathew Perry?

A militant leader who commanded a fleet of well-armed American fleets and brought a letter to Japan demanding them to open its ports to diplomatic & commercial exchange.

What was the Treaty of Kanagawa?

An agreement by Japan with America to open two ports to trade with the U.S. and help shipwrecked U.S. sailors.

What was the Meiji Restoration?

The political program that followed the destruction of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1868, leading to centralization, industrialization, and imperialism.

What does Tokugawa isolation refer to?

Shogun worries about the outside influence and calls for a period of isolation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Russo-Japanese War?

A conflict that grew out of the rival imperialist ambitions of the Russian Empire and the Empire of Japan over Manchuria and Korea. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Sino-Japanese War?

Japan's imperialistic war against China from 1894 to 1895 to gain control of natural resources and markets for their goods. Signup and view all the answers

What is a protectorate?

A nation whose independence is limited by the control of a more powerful country. Signup and view all the answers

What is a zabatsu?

A family business supported by the government. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Figures and Events

Mathew Perry: U.S. naval officer who led a fleet to Japan, demanding the opening of ports for diplomatic and commercial trade.
Treaty of Kanagawa: Signed in 1854, this agreement opened two Japanese ports to American trade and established provisions for the welfare of shipwrecked American sailors.

Political Transformations

Meiji Restoration: A political movement initiated in 1868 that dismantled the Tokugawa Shogunate. Young leaders aimed for centralized governance, rapid industrialization, and expansionist policies.
Tokugawa Isolation: A period of closed borders under the Tokugawa shogunate due to fears of foreign influence, emphasizing Japan's intent to maintain sovereignty.

Conflicts and Imperialism

Russo-Japanese War: A military conflict between Russia and Japan fueled by competition over territories in Manchuria and Korea, illustrating Japan's rising imperial ambitions.
Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895): A war against China for dominance and resource acquisition. Concluded with the Treaty of Portsmouth, granting Japan various territorial and trading rights, including control over Korea and parts of Manchuria.

Political Structures

Protectorate: A term denoting a state that enjoys limited independence while being controlled by a stronger nation, exemplified by Japan's relationships post-war.
Zaibatsu: Powerful family-owned business conglomerates in Japan, which received government support, playing a significant role in the country's industrialization efforts.

Description

Explore key concepts and figures of the Meiji Restoration in Japan through these flashcards. Learn about influential leaders like Mathew Perry and pivotal agreements such as the Treaty of Kanagawa. This quiz will enhance your understanding of Japan's transformation during the 19th century.