Japan: from the Meiji reforms to an empire
Answers are for parents and teachers.
1
Write 5–6 sentences on the results of the Meiji reforms.
Industry and the market developed, estate barriers were removed, a modern army was formed, a constitution and parliament appeared and Japan became a major power.
2
Compare Japan’s development with Russia’s: 2 similarities and 2 differences.
Similar: landowner influence survived and monopolies coexisted with old arrangements. Different: Japan grew faster with state help; Japan had a constitution in 1889, Russia a parliament in 1906.
3
Why did Japan seek neighbouring territories at the end of the 19th century? Write the reasons.
It needed raw materials and markets, domestic purchasing power was low, it had a strong army and wanted colonies like the great powers.
4
Calculate: textiles were 45 percent of Japan’s industry in 1890. What percent was the rest?
55