Japan's Taisho Democracy Overview

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary outcome of the secret treaties Japan signed regarding German concessions in China?

The concessions were divided between Japan and other European powers.

Japan gained control over the former German concession in Shandong. (correct)

The area was returned to Chinese control.

Germany retained control over Shandong province.

What major event occurred on May 4th which spurred the May Fourth Movement?

A declaration of war against Japan.

An economic agreement with Western powers.

A national election.

A student demonstration in Beijing. (correct)

Which of the following is a significant characteristic of the May Fourth Movement?

Isolationism from the outside world.

A return to traditional Confucian values.

Transformations in gender roles. (correct)

The strengthening of China's imperial structure.

What was Classical Chinese, as referenced in the text?

A dead written language primarily used by the educated. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the 'May Fourth Incident' from the broader 'May Fourth Movement'?

The incident refers to the initial protests on May 4th, while the movement refers to the extended period of social and intellectual change. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the general effect of the May Fourth Movement on Chinese intellectuals?

They were prompted to consider more radical solutions and political ideologies. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the name given to the cultural shift that began around 1915, and what was it primarily characterized by?

The New Culture Movement: characterized by a period of cultural renaissance. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which political parties were significantly influenced by the May Fourth Movement and went on to play a major role in China's history?

The Nationalists and the Chinese Communist Party. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a core tenet of the New Culture Movement?

Rejection of traditional culture and a desire to define China's future. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a key aspect of the New Culture Movement's view on individualism?

Free romantic love and individual choices were promoted. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which publication served as a major platform for the New Culture Movement?

New Youth (D) Signup and view all the answers

Who was a noted figure that called for the overthrow of the traditional Confucian order?

Chen Duxiu (B) Signup and view all the answers

What societal issue did the New Culture Movement question regarding women?

The traditional subservient role of women. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What traditional expectation was considered devaluing to women?

The expectation of widow chastity. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What phrase epitomized the expected obedience of women in the Qing Dynasty prior to the New Culture Movement?

A good woman must obey in three ways (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a common belief regarding traditional hierarchical structures that fueled the New Culture Movement?

They stifled intellectual curiosity. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary contribution of China to the Allied effort during World War I?

Dispatching a large number of laborers to work in France. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What did many Chinese people hope to achieve through China's contribution to the Allied effort in World War I?

The return of the Shandong province from German control. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Versailles regarding the Shandong province, despite China's support for the Allies?

The province was awarded to Japan, and China was ignored. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which major event was directly triggered by the betrayal of the Treaty of Versailles regarding the Shandong province?

The May Fourth Movement. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant impact of the May Fourth Movement on China?

The promotion of modern and democratic ideas. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of Yuan Shikai in the early Republic of China?

He was a military leader who declared himself emperor. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why did Yuan Shikai's attempt to become emperor ultimately fail?

The Chinese public and his generals opposed his ambitions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of Yuan Shikai's dictatorial actions and failed attempt to reinstate a dynasty?

The strengthening of nationalist and communist movements. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'universal male suffrage' as it relates to Japan?

The right of all men to vote, regardless of social status or wealth, over a specific age. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role did the 'Moga' play in Japanese society?

They represented a new type of city-dwelling, independent and western-influenced Japanese woman. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did some Japanese women, constrained from most professions and public life, make their voices heard publicly?

They began publishing stories and magazines. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of Japan's 'Twenty-One Demands' issued to China?

To expand Japan's political and economic influence in China without military action. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which area was NOT a focus of Japan's 'Twenty-One Demands'?

Securing control of the postal system in China. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which group spearheaded the protest against the '21 Demands'?

Chinese students studying in Japan. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What were the two primary outcomes following Japan's presentation of the 21 Demands to China?

The signing of two treaties and the expansion of the Japanese Empire. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the '21 Demands' impact Chinese North America and the diaspora?

They triggered a wave of outrage. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about changes in fashion for Japanese women during the Tokugawa - Meiji - Taisho periods?

Fashion shifted towards a more Western style and influence. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the formation of the communist party have in Japan?

It promoted a classless society while also recognizing workers rights. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What symbolized modernity and liberation for women in Japan during this period?

Unbound feet and short hair (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Japan's contributions to the Allies during World War I?

Seizing control of German concessions in China (C) Signup and view all the answers

What action did Japan take when World War I broke out in 1914?

Seized German soldiers on the Chinese coast (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did the status of women in Japan change due to the increased presence of female teachers?

It created opportunities for educated women (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Japan's diplomatic successes during the Great War?

It marked Japan's ability to use international diplomacy effectively (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason behind the practice of foot binding in Qing society?

It was believed to enhance beauty and increase marriage prospects. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the New Culture Movement challenge the Cult of Widow Chastity?

By promoting women's rights and educational opportunities. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of women's education in urban centers during the New Culture Movement?

It was viewed as a symbol of modernity and progress. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which group primarily facilitated the foot binding practice on young girls?

Mothers and close female family members. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What challenges did urban women face during the New Culture Movement?

Limited access to education and professional opportunities. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the societal view on women with bound feet during the Qing dynasty?

They were perceived as more desirable for marriage. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What motivations were behind the mothers and aunts binding girls' feet?

A misguided belief that it would improve their social status. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What did the New Culture Movement advocate for women's roles in society?

Greater participation in education and public life. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Japan's Taisho Democracy (1912-1926)

Era named after Emperor Taisho, succeeding Emperor Meiji.
Marked by growing consumerism, civil liberties, and general prosperity.
Significant increase in industrialization and shift from agriculture.
Oligarchs (genros) who held power in the Meiji period, began to die or age.
Universal male suffrage (men over 25) was established, a first for East Asia.

Japan's Oligarchs (Genros)

Powerful group holding significant political, economic, and social influence.
Implemented many policies during the Meiji period.
Their influence diminished during the Taisho period as they aged and died.

Universal Male Suffrage in Japan

Gave all adult men the right to vote, regardless of social class, wealth, or education.
Japan became the first East Asian country to implement universal male suffrage.
Women were excluded from voting rights.
Increased recognition of worker's rights with the formation of the Communist Party.

Moga (Modern Girl)

Term capturing the image of modern, city-dwelling, independent Japanese women.
The rise of female writers expressing women's views publicly.
Reflected growing western influence on Japanese women's fashion and lifestyles.
Female writers began publishing stories and magazines making women's voices more prominent.

21 Demands (1915)

Japan issued a list of demands to China.
Aimed to expand Japan's influence in China (Shandong province, railways, coasts).
Demanded control of the Hanyeping mining complex and other concessions.
Demands triggered widespread protests in China, especially amongst university students.
Resulted in growing discontent and protests within China.

Japan's National Diet

Japan's national assembly.
Consisted of two sections: House of Representatives and House of Councillors.
Power shifts from Oligarchs to an elected National Diet.

Versailles Peace Conference (1919)

Japan attended as one of the victorious allies.
First time Japan was included in the treaty conference.

China's May Fourth Movement

Student protests sparked this movement (May 4, 1919).
Series of strikes and demonstrations, challenging traditional culture and promoting modernization.
Occurred from (1915-1921).
Focused on intellectual and social transformation during the revolutionary era of modern China.
Important social protest in China.

Women's Rights During the Movement

Qing Dynasty practices limited women's rights.
Women were expected to obey their fathers, husbands, or sons.
The cult of widow chastity: widows expected to not remarry after their husbands' death.
Foot binding was a common practice limiting women’s physical movement and ability.
Women's roles and rights were questioned during the May Fourth Movement.

Japan's Contributions to WWI

Japan used international diplomacy effectively to expand its influence.
Seized German-held concessions in Shandong province of China.
The act made Japan a significant participant in the Allies.

China's Contributions to WWI

China sent thousands of men to work in France.
Expected better treatment and concessions from the Allies in return for its participation.
Treaty of Versailles (1919): Shandong province awarded to Japan not China, leading to widespread discontent.

Warlordism in China

China returned to a republic after the revolution.
Became unstable with periods of warlordism lasting until the late 1920s.

Puyi, the Last Qing Emperor

Last emperor of the Qing Dynasty.
Abdicated in 1912.

Sun Yat-sen's Three People's Principles

Nationalism, Democracy, and People's Livelihood.
Guiding principles for China’s future.

Yuan Shikai

Became president of China after the revolution, and at the start of the Chinese republic.

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Description

Explore the key aspects of Japan's Taisho Democracy from 1912 to 1926. This era marked significant political changes, including the establishment of universal male suffrage and the decline of the oligarchic power structure. Discover how consumerism and industrialization shaped Japanese society during this transformative period.