TOWARD MODERNISATION

PATH TO

Modernisation
BY AYANSH KUMAR CHOUDHARY
 PATHS TO MODERNISATION
With time, different societies like Japan and China have evolved with their distinctive modernities. Japan succeeded in being free of
colonialism and achieved rapid economic and industrial progress. The Chinese resisted colonial exploitation and their own bureaucratic
landed elite through a combination of peasant rebellion, reform, and revolution.
Long history of Japanese and Chinese rulers can be found in historical documents. The rulers set official departments to keep records
and write dynastic histories based on the past. Because of Japan being heavily influenced by China, history has given both a lot of
importance.

Japan
Japan is a string of islands like the Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku and Hokkaido islands. There is no major river system. It is a mountainous
region and is situated in a very active earthquake zone.
There are various homogenous ethnic group, like there is a small Ainu minority and Koreans who were forcibly brought as labour when
Korea was a Japanese colony.
Language spoken is mostly Japanese. Japan lacks a tradition of animal rearing. Rice is the staple crop and fish the major source of
protein. Raw fish (sashimi or sushi) has now become a widely popular dish around the world as it is considered very healthy.

Political System of Japan

Japan became a modern country from the days of petty daimyo of Japan.
In the twelfth century the imperial court lost power to shoguns, who in theory ruled in the name of the emperor. They ruled with the
help of the samurais (the warrior class) and daimyo with their capital in Edo (modern Tokyo).
In the 16th century, Samurai insured peace and order.
Japan was divided into more than 250 domains under the rule of lords called daimyo.
In the late sixteenth century, three changes laid the pattern for future development.
The peasantry was disarmed and only the samurai could carry swords. This ensured peace and order.
The daimyo were ordered to live in the capitals of their domains, each with a large degree of autonomy
The land surveys identified owners and taxpayers and graded land productivity to ensure a stable revenue base.
By the mid-17th century, Japan had the most populated city in the world – Edo and two other large cities – Osaka and Kyoto.
Growth of a commercial economy and a vibrant culture blossomed in the towns, where the fast growing class of merchants patronised
theatre and the arts.
Social and intellectual changes like the study of ancient Japanese literature, led people to question the Chinese influence and promotion
of the study of ancient Japanese literature.

AYANSH KUMAR
 MEIJI RESTORATION
In 1853, the USA demanded Japan sign a treaty to allow trade
and diplomatic relations. The USA saw Japan as a route to
Trade Demand China, a major market. At that time, only Holland traded
with Japan.

In 1868, the Shogun was removed, and the Emperor was

brought to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo, meaning 'eastern
Emperor’s Rise
capital.' This shift aimed to develop Japan's economy and
build a strong army.

Administrative: New administrative structure; feudalism abolished in

1871.
Economic: Modernization; first railway (1870-72), modern banks (1872).
Meiji Reforms Industrial: Imported textile machinery; increased factory employment,
especially women.
Agricultural: Agricultural tax to raise funds.

Constitutional: New constitution (1889), created Diet, emperor as military

commander.
Educational: New school system, compulsory for boys and girls, minimal
Modernization Efforts tuition, Tokyo University (1877).
Military: Mandatory military service for men over twenty, modernized
military under emperor’s command.
Modernising the
Economy
Another crucial aspect of the Meiji reforms involved modernizing the economy. This was financed through
an agricultural tax. Japan's inaugural railway line, connecting Tokyo to Yokohama, was constructed
between 1870 and 1872. Textile machinery was imported from Europe, and foreign experts were employed
to train workers, teach in educational institutions, and facilitate the education of Japanese students
abroad. In 1872, modern banking institutions were established.
To promote industrial growth, companies such as Mitsubishi and Sumitomo received subsidies and tax
incentives to become prominent shipbuilders, ensuring that Japanese trade was conducted using
domestic ships. Zaibatsu, large business conglomerates controlled by individual families, held sway over
the economy until after World War II.
The population, which stood at 35 million in 1872, surged to 55 million by 1920. To alleviate population
pressure, the government actively encouraged migration, initially to Hokkaido, where the Ainu indigenous
people resided, and later to destinations such as Hawaii, Brazil, and Japan's expanding colonial empire.
Domestically, there was a shift towards urban areas as industrialization progressed. By 1925, 21 percent of
the population lived in cities, a figure that rose to 32 percent (22.5 million) by 1935.

Industrial Workers
The number of individuals in manufacturing increased from 700,000 in 1870 to 4 million in 1913, with a
majority employed in small-scale units lacking machinery or electric power, particularly women. Women
organized the first modern strike in 1886, and although the number of male workers increased after 1900,
it wasn't until the 1930s that they outnumbered women.
Factory sizes also expanded over time, with the number of larger factories employing over a hundred
workers increasing significantly. Despite this, a large number of small workshops employing fewer than
five workers persisted, reflecting a family-centric approach. The rapid industrial growth and exploitation of
natural resources resulted in environmental degradation, prompting protests such as Tanaka Shozo's
campaign against industrial pollution in 1897.
AGGRESSIVE NATIONALISM,WESTERNISATION
AND TRADITION
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The Meiji constitution featured a limited franchise and established a Diet with restricted powers, adopting the
German term for parliament due to German legal influence. The leaders of the imperial restoration retained
power and even formed political parties. From 1918 to 1931, prime ministers were elected by the public and
formed cabinets, but later lost authority to national unity cabinets spanning party lines.
The emperor held command over the military, with a 1890 interpretation granting independent control to the
army and navy. In 1899, only serving generals and admirals were allowed to become ministers,
strengthening the military's influence. This military buildup, coupled with Japan's colonial expansion,
stemmed from fears of Western dominance, which were exploited to suppress opposition to military
expansion and higher taxation for defense spending.

Westernisation and Tradition

Successive Japanese intellectuals held varying perspectives on Japan's relationship with other nations.
Fukuzawa Yukichi, a prominent Meiji intellectual, advocated for Japan to adopt Western civilization,
famously stating that Japan must "expel Asia" and embrace Western values. He played a key role in
promoting Western learning and established Keio University.
Fukuzawa criticized traditional Japanese knowledge and emphasized the importance of not just modern
institutions, but also the cultural essence of the West. However, the next generation of intellectuals
questioned this wholesale acceptance of Western ideas, advocating for national pride based on indigenous
values. Some, like Miyake Setsurei, argued for each nation to develop its unique talents for the benefit of
global civilization.
Others, such as Ueki Emori, pushed for democracy and constitutional government, inspired by Western
liberalism and principles like the natural rights of man. This intellectual pressure prompted the government
to announce a constitution, signaling a shift towards more democratic governance.
 DAILY
LIFE
The transition of Japan into a modern society is
evident in the evolution of everyday life.
Traditional patriarchal households, with multiple
generations under the authority of the
household head, gave way to the emergence of
the nuclear family model, where the husband
worked as the breadwinner and the wife as the
homemaker. This shift in domestic structure led
to increased demand for new domestic goods,
family entertainment, and housing options.

In the 1920s, construction companies began

offering affordable housing options, requiring a
down payment of 200 yen and a monthly
installment of 12 yen for ten years. This was
significant considering that the monthly salary of
06. a bank employee, typically a person with higher
education, was around 40 yen at that time.
 OVERCOMING MODERNITY

EXPANSION CONTROL SYMPOSIUM PHILOSOPHY

In the 1930s and During this time, In 1943, the Philosopher Nishitani
1940s, Japan sought to Japan imposed strict 'Overcoming Keiji described
expand its empire in societal controls, Modernity' symposium 'modern' as
China and Asia, imprisoning addressed Japan's combining the
leading to its dissenters. Patriotic struggle against Renaissance,
involvement in World societies emerged to Western influence Protestant
War II after attacking support the war effort, while trying to keep Reformation, and
Pearl Harbor. This with many being modern. Musician natural sciences. He
period saw increased women's Moroi Saburo argued that Japan
societal controls, organizations. These discussed elevating should create a new
suppression of dissent, groups played a music spiritually, not world order,
and the rise of significant role in just adapting integrating science
patriotic societies, promoting Japanese music to and religion for a
many led by women. nationalism and Western instruments. Greater East Asia
aiding the war. vision.
 Ayansh Kumar Page 08 of 10

Re-emergence of Japan as a Global Economic Power

During the 1930, Japan exercised imperialist policy and invaded China to extend its colonial empire. Under the US-led Occupation
(1945-47) Japan was demilitarised and a new constitution was introduced.
The new constitution had Article 9, the so-called ‘no war clause’ that renounces the use of war as an instrument of state policy.
Agrarian reforms, the re-establishment of trade unions and an attempt to dismantle the zaibatsu or large monopoly houses that
dominated the Japanese economy were also carried out.
Constitution was democratised.
Political parties were revived and the first post-war elections held in 1946.
In 1946 elections, Suffrage was given to women.
The government, bureaucracy and industry had a close relationship.
Japan introduced better goods at cheaper rates in the market with its advanced technologies.
The Japanese economy was strengthened due to US support, and the demand created by the Korean and the Vietnamese wars.
The 1964 Olympics held in Tokyo, symbolized the maturity of Japan’s economy.
Introducing a network of high-speed Shinkansen or bullet trains, which started in 1964, ran at 200 miles per hour, added to its
prosperity.
In 1960s, several pressure groups protested against industrial pollution.
Government action and new legal regulations helped to improve conditions.

China
China is a vast continental country with many climatic zones. A large part of China is mountainous. There are divergent ethnic groups
– Han, Uighur, Hui, Manchu and Tibetan. Major languages spoken are Chinese and Cantonese.
The beginning of modern China can be traced to its first encounter with the West in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Liang Qichao used traditional ideas in new and different way to meet Western challenges. He popularised Chinese nationalism.
Republican revolutionary like Sun Yat Sen inspired by the ideas from the Japan and the West, was the founder of modern China. In
1911 AD, he established a republic.
The Communist Party of China (CCP) wanted to end age-old inequalities and keep the foreigners out.
Later, the Guomindang (the National People’s Party) and the Communist Party of China wanted to unite the Chinese. Chiang Kai Shek,
leader of the Guomindang, militarised China. Mao Zedong, leader of the Communist Party of China organised a Soviets or peasant
councils and fought Japanese colonisation.
When Guomindang (the National People’s Party) intensified attacks, the Soviets shifted the base to Yanan, after a ‘Long March’. The
Communist Party captured power and established the People’s Republic in 1949.
09
Establishing the
Republic
REPUBLIC FORMATION POLITICAL INSTABILITY COMMUNIST RISE NEW DEMOCRACY

The People's Republic of

In 1937, Japan invaded China, established in 1949,
In 1911, the Manchu The May Fourth Movement
China, and the promoted 'New
empire was overthrown, in 1919 spurred protests
Guomindang retreated, Democracy' with
leading to the republic's against foreign control
weakening the country. By government control over
establishment under Sun and old traditions. Sun's
1949, rising prices and the economy. Private
Yat-sen, the founder of ideas shaped the
deteriorating conditions enterprise and land
modern China. His Three Guomindang party, but
devastated ordinary lives. ownership were abolished.
Principles—nationalism, after his death, Chiang
Rural China faced The 1958 Great Leap
democracy, and socialism— Kai-shek focused on
ecological (soil exhaustion, Forward aimed for rapid
sought to eliminate military campaigns. The
deforestation, floods) and industrialization. Mao
foreign influence, create a Guomindang struggled
socio-economic crises mobilized the masses, but
democratic government, with social inequalities
(exploitative land-tenure, the commune system
and address social and failed to modernize
debt, poor technology, and faced issues, prompting
inequalities. effectively.
communication). reforms by Liu Shaochi
and Deng Xiaoping.
 https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/

CONFLICTING VISIONS: 1965-78

The conflict between Maoists advocating for the creation of a 'Socialist Man' and those opposing Mao's
ideological focus over expertise led to the launch of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution in 1965.
Utilizing the Red Guards, comprised mainly of students and the military, Mao initiated a campaign against
traditional culture, customs, and habits. This period saw the prioritization of Communist ideology over
professional knowledge, with denunciations and slogans replacing rational debate.
The Cultural Revolution plunged China into turmoil, weakening the Party and severely disrupting the
economy and education system. However, by the late 1960s, there was a shift in the tide. In 1975, the
Party refocused on greater social discipline and emphasized the need to build an industrial economy to
position China as a global power by the end of the century.

REFORMS OF 1978 DENG XIAOPING

Deng Xiaoping kept the party control strong while introducing a socialist market economy. In 1978, the
Party declared its goal as the Four Modernisations – science, industry, agriculture and defence.
‘The Fifth Modernisation’ proclaimed that without Democracy the other modernisations would come to
nothing.
In 1989, on the 17th anniversary of the May Fourth movement many intellectuals called for a greater
openness and an end to ‘ossified dogmas’ (su shaozhi). Student demonstrators at Tiananmen Square in
Beijing were brutally repressed.
The post-reform period had debates on ways to develop China. Revival of traditional ideas of Confucianism
and arguments that China can build a modern society based on its own traditions rather than simply
copying the West.
The story
Taiwan had been a Japanese colony since the Chinese
ceded it after the 1894-95 war with Japan. The Cairo
Declaration (1943) and the Potsdam Proclamation (1949)
restored sovereignty to China.
Taiwan was transformed into a democracy. It saw some

of Taiwan
major changes like:
Martial law was lifted in 1987 and opposition
parties were legally permitted.
Diplomatically most countries have only trade

by GREEK4GREEK.COM
missions in Taiwan instead of complete diplomatic
ties because it (Taiwan) is considered to be part of
China.
The question of re-unification with the mainland
remains a contentious issue but “Cross Strait”
relations (that is between Taiwan and China) have
been improving.
China may be willing to tolerate a semi-autonomous
Taiwan as long as it gives up any move to seek
independence.
AYANSH KUMAR
CHOUDHARY Korea’s story
Source: ___________________________________________
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/

Modernization In the late 1800s, Korea faced pressure from China, Japan, and Western countries. The
1. and Joseon Dynasty tried to modernize but was annexed by Japan in 1910. Korean resentment
Annexation led to protests and a provisional government seeking independence.

Japan's rule ended in 1945 after WWII. Activists helped secure Korea's independence. The
End of
2. Korean Peninsula was divided along the 38th parallel, with the Soviets in the North and the
Colonial Rule U.N. in the South. This division became permanent in 1948.

In 1950, war broke out between North and South Korea, with North backed by China and
3. Korean War South by the U.N. The war ended in 1953 with an armistice, leaving Korea divided. The war
caused significant damage and delayed economic and political progress.

South Korea's first president, Syngman Rhee, extended his rule illegally. Protests in 1960 led
Political
4. to his resignation. The Democratic Party struggled with internal conflicts, leading to the rise
Struggles of reformist movements and the student unification movement.

In May 1961, General Park Chung-hee led a military coup, overthrowing the Democratic Party
5. Military Coup government. This marked the end of civilian rule and the beginning of military control in
South Korea.
 RAPID INDUSTRIALIZATION
UNDER STRONG LEADERSHIP
In October 1963, Park Chung-hee, the leader of a military coup, was elected president, initiating a
state-led, export-oriented economic policy to drive economic growth. This policy favored large
corporations, focused on expanding employment, and enhanced Korea's competitiveness.
Economic growth began in the early 1960s with a shift from import substitution industrialization
(ISI) to export-oriented policies, supporting labor-intensive light industries. Later, the focus
shifted to value-added heavy and chemical industries, including steel, machinery, shipbuilding,
electronics, and chemicals.
The New Village Movement, introduced in 1970, aimed to modernize agriculture and mobilize
rural communities. It empowered rural populations to develop their villages and improve living
conditions, later expanding to urban areas. Korea's economic success was attributed to strong
leadership, skilled bureaucrats, ambitious entrepreneurs, and a capable labor force. High levels
of education, foreign investment, domestic savings, and remittances from overseas workers
further fueled economic growth.
Park's administration extended its power through constitutional revisions, allowing him to run for
a third term and implementing the Yusin Constitution in 1972, granting the president extensive
authority. However, political instability arose due to economic challenges, opposition to
authoritarian measures, and Park's assassination in October 1979, ending his administration.
 Civilian President
In 1992, Kim Young-sam, an opposition leader,
was elected as the first civilian president, ending
military rule and promoting democracy further.

Economic Expansion
and Crisis
Korean companies grew globally with
government support until the 1990s. In 1997, an

KOREAN DEMOCRACY economic crisis hit, leading to IMF assistance and

citizen efforts like the Gold Collection Movement.

AND IMF CRISIS

First Direct Election
Peaceful Power
Transfers
In 1987, South Korea held its first direct election since Kim Dae-jung was elected president in 1997, followed
1971, electing military leader Roh Tae-woo. Despite by peaceful power transfers to Lee Myung-bak in
his military background, the country continued 2008 and Park Geun-hye in 2012. Park was impeached
moving towards democracy. in 2016, and Moon Jae-in was elected in 2017.
 TWO ROADS TO MODERNISATION & CONCLUSION PART

This is the concluding slide of the chapter for theoretical point of view (Path to Modernisation)

Two Roads to Modernisation

Conclusion
Basis Details
Japan, China, Taiwan, and Korea became
independent and modern nations by the late
Japan maintained independence while 19th and 20th centuries. Led by its elite,
JAPAN'S modernizing, fostering aggressive nationalism Japan's modernisation resulted in aggressive
and a repressive regime, and establishing a
MODERNIZATION colonial empire.
nationalism and a colonial empire was put
up. A highly centralised and modernised
state was developed. China's modernisation
CHINA'S China's modernization influenced by foreign
imperialism and internal strife, leading to the hindered by foreign imperialism and there
MODERNIZATION CCP rejecting traditions to build a centralized was internal political and social instability.
state.
The Communist Party's efforts to modernise
China was successful in terms of economy
ECONOMIC China achieved economic growth through
market reforms, but its political system remains but there was a repressive political system.
GROWTH IN CHINA tightly controlled. Taiwan and Korea also underwent
modernisation processes. Taiwan's was
INEQUALITIES IN The controlled political system in China has led being led by a authoritarian government
to social inequalities and a resurgence of while Korea had political instability and
CHINA suppressed traditions. economic development. Thus we see how
Japan, China, Korea and Taiwan's histories
CHALLENGE FOR Balancing development with cultural heritage show they became modernised.
preservation.
CHINA
 Page 16

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Short Questions with Answers

Question 1. Question 2.
Transformed Daily Life commodore Matthew Perry?
In early Japan, a patriarchal system prevailed Matthew Perry was an American naval officer who
with many generations under one leader. As new was dispatched to Japan in 1853 by the U.S.
ideas and wealth emerged, the nuclear family government. His mission was to negotiate a treaty
gained prominence, boosting demand for that would allow for open trade and establish
domestic goods and farming methods. diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Question 3.
Confucianism Question 4.
Confucianism was mainly concerned with the China influenced by Japan.
teachings of Confucius and his disciples. It laid
To train its citizens in modem subjects and
emphasis on good conduct, wisdom and social
ideas. Students now went to England, Japan
relationships. It also influenced the Chinese
and France to acquire modem education.
attitude towards life.
Many Chinese became republicans under the

Question 3.
Japanese influence.

Guomindang Party Question 4.

The Guomindang Party of China was established in failure of Mao’s Great Leap
1912 by a nationalist leader. Dr. Sun Yat-sen. It had
New agricultural techniques aimed to boost crop
three objectives:
production but backfired. Overcrowded sowing
To liberate China from the foreign domination.
and planting wheat and maize together led to
To establish modem democratic institutions in
failure. Irrigation projects were poorly located,
China.
causing erosion, and other essential crops weren't
To liberate the peasants from the clutches of the
cultivated at all.
feudal lords by introducing reforms.
Question 1.
OUR CHINA
Did Deng raise Chinese people’s expectations?
Answer:
Undoubtedly, Deng raised the Chinese people’s expectations. The people of Beijing and other cities organized
demonstrations on a wide scale in the November of 1978. These prompted the government to ban marches.
To counter this, the people built ‘Democracy Walls’ all over China. On the walls, people pasted anonymous
posters and thus demanding a wide range of human rights. Deng did not approve of this. He said “Without
the party China will retrogress into division and confusion”. Its leaders were treated as dissidents. Main
leaders were arrested and put behind the bar.
Question 2.
When was Guomindang Party formed? What were its objectives?
Answer:
The Guomindang Party of China was established in 1912 by a nationalist leader. Dr. Sun Yat-sen. It had three
objectives:
To liberate China from the foreign domination.
To establish modem democratic institutions in China.
To liberate the peasants from the clutches of the feudal lords by introducing reforms.
Guomindang became popular under Dr. Sun Yat-sen. The objectives of this party had almost the same to
that of Communist Party established in 1921. But soon there emerged differences between the two parties.
Sun Yat-sen died in 1925 and the leadership of the Guomindang Party passed into the hands of Chiang-Kai-
shek. He committed atrocities on the Communists. The Communist leader Mao Tse-tung was compelled to
undertake his 6000 miles Long March to increase his influence in North China. In October 1949, he drove
away Chiang-Kai-shek to the Island of Formasa (Taiwan) and established Communist rale in China.
Question 3.
Discuss the reasons for the failure of Mao’s Great Leap Forward.
Answer:
The reasons for the failure of Mao’s Great Leap Forward were as follows:
To enhance the production of crops new agricultural techniques were adopted. The technique was quite
faulty. Seeds were sown into the soil beyond their capacity.
Wheat and maize were grown on the same field. This approach proved futile.
The officials installed irrigation projects at the wrong places which caused massive erosion.
The cultivation of other essential crops and vegetables was nil.
QUESTION & ANSWER
VERY SHORT QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
Q. 1. Write features of expansion of cities in Japan by the mid-seventeenth century.
Ans. By the mid-seventeenth century, Edo city of Japan was the most populated city of the Japan. Osaka and Kyoto emerged as larger cities.
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. Japanese did not like the European printing. Therefore printing was done with wooden blocks. Popularity of books tell 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 strain on economy which was exerted due to paying for imports in gold and silver?
Ans. Export of precious metal was restricted. Silk industry was developed in Nishijin (Kyoto) so as to reduce import of silk. Very quickly this industry became the largest industry of
the world.
Q. 5. Discuss any three aspects of the growth of silk industry in Nishijin (Kyoto).
Ans. From 1713 CE, only domestic yarn began to be used there, which greatly encouraged this industry. Only the most expensive products were manufactured in Nishijin.
In 1859 CE, Japan’s silk exports became a major source of profit for Japanese economy.
Q. 6. 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. 8. 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. All young men over twenty years of age had to do a fixed period of military service.
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. Japan developed economically.
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.
QUESTION & ANSWER
VERY SHORT QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
Q. 11. Why Britain signed 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 modernise the economy in the Meiji Age.
Ans. Agricultural tax was levied to raise funds.Textile machinery was imported from Europe. 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 dimilitarised.
(ii) A new Constitution was introduced with an 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 criticising 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 criticised 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 a 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 of 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. 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 galvanise 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.
QUESTION & ANSWER
SHORT QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
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 Yangtse river and the Pearl river. A large part of the country is mountainous region.
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 pasteries 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:
Japan is a string of islands. Among these islands the four largest are Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku and Hokkaido. The Okinawan Chain is the southern most. Around 50% of the land
area of the main islands is mountainous region.
Japan is situated in a quite active zone of earthquake.
The population of Japan is mainly Japanese.But small minority of Ainu and Koreans also live over there. They were forcibly brought to Japan as labour when Korea was a Japanese
colony.
Animals are not reared in Japan. 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 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 as a rich country. This is because the 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 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 stock market in rice show that the economy was developing in new ways.
QUESTION & ANSWER
SHORT QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
Q. 6. Throw light on Commodere Perry’s arrival in the 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 hina 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 only one western country that traded with Japan.
Japanese politics was greatly affected by the arrival of Perry. Till 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 favour 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 that European ideas and technologies must 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 subject into citizens
were needed.
Q. 8. How the ‘Emperor system’ was rebuilt in Japan?
Ans. The Meiji government of Japan started building of 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 westernisation. His birthday was
declared as a national holiday. He began to wear western-style military uniforms. On 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 1910s, no child was deprived of schooling
as the tution 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 centre 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.
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