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Paths to Modernisation: NBSE Class 11 History answers, notes
Get summary, textual answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDF to NBSE Class 11 (Arts) History (Themes in World History) Chapter 11: Paths to Modernisation. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Introduction
At the start of the nineteenth century, China held a dominant position in East Asia, while Japan, a small island nation, remained isolated. However, within a few decades, China fell victim to the exploitation of European colonial and imperialist powers. The Chinese imperial government lost control over its people and struggled to implement effective reforms. The country became embroiled in a civil war. In contrast, Japan evolved into a modern nation-state, establishing an industrial economy and a colonial empire by occupying Taiwan in 1895 and Korea in 1910. Japan defeated China in the first Sino-Japanese war in 1894 and Russia, a European power, in 1905.
The Chinese, after enduring numerous challenges, eventually saw the Chinese Communist Party emerge victorious and bring about the Communist Revolution in October 1949. The Communist Government implemented radical changes in the country’s economy. However, by the late 1970s, Communist leaders acknowledged that their ideological system hindered economic growth and development. Consequently, reforms reintroduced capitalism and a free market economy, though the Communist Party maintained political control.
Japan’s modernization was built on capitalist principles within a world dominated by Western colonialism. The rapid economic development of Japan highlighted the resilience of traditional Japanese institutions and society, their capacity for learning, and the power of nationalism.
Textual questions and answers
Very short answer type questions
1. In which period was Japan cut off from all Europe?
Answer: For over two centuries from AD 1638 to 1853, Japan was practically cut off from Europe and Europe from Japan.
2. Japan signed its first trade treaty with which country?
Answer: Japan and the USA concluded the Treaty of Peace, ending Japan’s seclusion.
3. When did Meiji dynasty rule Japan?
Answer: The Meiji dynasty ruled Japan from AD 1867 to AD 1912.
4. What was the first achievement of the Meiji dynasty?
Answer: The first important achievement of Meiji rule was the abolition of feudal system in the country.
5. Write the names of four main businessmen of Japan.
Answer: Satsuma, Choshu, Hizen, and Tosa.
Short answer type questions
1. Write a short note on Shogun period.
Answer: The Shogunate was a period in Japan when the actual power was wielded by the shoguns, or military rulers, while the emperors were only nominal heads of state. During this period, the country was divided into several domains ruled by feudal lords called daimyo. The Tokugawa Shogunate, which began in 1603, lasted for over two and a half centuries and brought political stability, economic growth, and cultural flourishing. However, the system became rigid and isolationist, leading to Japan’s resistance to foreign influence and eventually its downfall in 1868 with the Meiji Restoration.
2. When did Meiji rule come in power and who was its first emperor?
Answer: The Meiji rule began in 1868, marking the restoration of imperial power after the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The first emperor of the Meiji period was Emperor Meiji, who ruled from 1867 to 1912.
3. What was the most important accomplishment of the Meiji dynasty?
Answer: The most important accomplishment of the Meiji dynasty was the modernisation and industrialisation of Japan. The Meiji government implemented a series of sweeping reforms that transformed Japan from a feudal society into a modern industrial state. These reforms included the adoption of Western technology, establishment of a constitutional government, and improvements in education, infrastructure, and military.
4. Take a quick look at the improvements in currency and banking sector during the Meiji period.
Answer: The Meiji government introduced a modern currency system to replace the complex and fragmented feudal monetary system. The new system was based on the yen, which was adopted as the national currency in 1871. The government also established a central bank, the Bank of Japan, in 1882 to stabilize the economy and regulate the money supply. These changes facilitated trade, investment, and economic growth during the Meiji period.
5. What was the result of the 1904-1905 Russia-Japan war?
Answer: The result of the 1904-1905 Russia-Japan war was a decisive victory for Japan. This war marked the first time in modern history that an Asian power had defeated a European power. As a result, Japan gained control of the Liaodong Peninsula and the South Manchurian Railway, as well as recognition of its dominance over Korea. The victory also enhanced Japan’s status as a major military and imperial power in East Asia.
Long Answer Questions
1. Describe the achievements of Meiji rule in Japan.
Answer: The important achievements of the Meiji Government were as follows:
1. Describe the achievements of Meiji rule in Japan.
Answer: The important achievements of the Meiji Government were as follows:
- Abolition of Feudalism: Feudalism was formally abolished in 1871. The daimyo surrendered their lands and people to the Emperor, and Japan was reorganized into prefectures. Peasants were freed and became landowners.
- Industrial Development: The government developed mines, factories, railways, and shipbuilding. Private companies like Mitsui and Mitsubishi (Zaibatsu) gained control over many industries, driving Japan’s industrialization.
- Reforms in Currency and Banking: A uniform currency system was introduced with paper currency and the decimal system. The Bank of Japan was established and became the central issuer of currency.
- Development of Transportation and Communication: Railways, telephones, and shipbuilding industries were developed. The first railway line opened between Tokyo and Yokohama in 1872, and private railways were later nationalized.
- Industrial Workers: By 1913, the number of workers increased to 4 million. More than half were women, but male workers began to increase after 1900.
- Industrialization’s Impact on the Common People: Industrialization did not benefit the common people. While a few wealthy families prospered, peasants remained in poverty. Goods were mainly produced for export.
2. Describe the role of Zaibatsu in the economy of Japan.
Answer: One of the most interesting and famous features of the Japanese industrial structure was the dominance of a few families or financial oligarchy. The dramatic part played by these mighty business houses of Japan with extremely widespread interests is known as the “Zaibatsu.” The term Zaibatsu literally means “money cliques” or plutocracy. The Zaibatsu was a financial oligarchy consisting of four major groups: Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, and Yasuda. These concerns played a vital role in the economic rise of Japan. The Zaibatsu had come to occupy by the later twenties of the 20th century a position in the Japanese economy unparalleled in modern history.
Among the four leading Zaibatsu, the first three groups dominated finance, industry, and commerce. The fourth group was famous primarily for its banking sphere. Every one of these business houses was engaged in activities in finance, commerce, industry, and banking. Mitsui and Mitsubishi owned about twenty percent of the entire share capital of the country. The Zaibatsu earned huge profits, and in collaboration with the government, several enterprises of strategic importance were started both in Japan and in her colonies. A large number of large-scale industries were under their control.
During financial crises, when older business houses failed, the Zaibatsu usually acquired their properties. The Zaibatsu gave much financial assistance to the government. In return, they managed to get state properties at low prices and obtained valuable contracts.
During the post-First World War years, the Zaibatsu saw a marked growth in their financial and commercial interests. By 1929, Zaibatsu in Japan had reached the zenith of its influence and power. It had swallowed or weeded out many of its rivals and greatly strengthened its influence in the political sphere. The Zaibatsu became politically powerful, influencing government policies. Despite competition from other large business houses in Japan, the Zaibatsu remained the dominant force in Japan’s economy.
3. Describe the economic growth of Japan during the period 1912-1939.
Answer: The Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05 had produced good economic results for Japan. The industrial production was geared up during the war. The credit-worthiness of Japan increased, and foreign capital was employed in industries like metal, electrical, rubber, and shipbuilding. Japan’s foreign trade also started increasing in volume, mainly with Asiatic and North American countries. China absorbed about 90 percent of Japanese cotton textiles, and the U.S.A. took the whole of her silk exports.
The First World War (1914-18) helped stimulate industrial production in Japan. Japan increased industrial production and captured markets in countries like India, East Indies, South America, and Africa. The steel and chemical industries registered remarkable growth, and the government helped newly established industrial concerns by exempting them from paying business and income taxes.
However, from 1920 to 1939, Japan experienced setbacks in its industrial growth due to several causes, such as the reappearance of competition by Western countries, the slump and depression of 1920, the devastating earthquake of 1923, the failure of banks in 1927, and the global depression of 1929-32. Despite these challenges, Japan made efforts to restore industrial growth, and by 1936, industrial production had risen. By 1939, the index of industrial production increased, supported by government policies, advances in loans, and increased exports.
4. Describe the causes of aggressive nationalism in Japan.
Answer: Japan’s successful modernization, economic progress, and military development encouraged her to initiate a policy of territorial expansion after AD 1894. Several factors contributed to the rise of aggressive nationalism:
(i) Economic Urge: Japan sought to acquire control of sources of raw materials to feed her industries and support her fast-expanding population. Manchuria, north China, and inner Mongolia offered potential sources of essential raw materials like iron-ore, fuel, raw cotton, and salt.
(ii) Strategic Factor: Japan’s strategic geographical position was vital for her security. The rise of Russian power in the Far East was a growing concern for Japan, and her military leadership felt the need to control battle lines and military strong points far from her shores.
(iii) Prestige Motive: Japan’s feeling of “manifest destiny” to become the guardian of peace in Eastern Asia reinforced her nationalistic ambitions. The Amau Declaration of 1934, which stated Japan’s responsibility to keep peace in the Far East, was an expression of this ambition.
(iv) Plan of Greater Asia Co-prosperity Sphere: Japan’s penetration in Manchuria in 1931 led extremists to talk recklessly of extending their control over Asia and even into Europe and Latin America. The concept of the “East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere” was eventually to extend deep into Asia and the Pacific.
(v) Patriotic Societies: After 1930, Japan was in economic depression, and many people blamed the government for their ills. They lost faith in the government and demanded a return to “true patriots” to lead the country. The young officers’ group in the army and numerous patriotic societies called for Japan to rule Asia, and if possible, the world.
5. How did the Extremists (militarists) capture power in Japan?
Answer: The political history of Japan since 1931 is a history of extreme nationalism nurtured in a strong military tradition and directed by a politically minded military caste. There was a spate of political murders and assassinations. In 1932, militants murdered Former Finance Minister Inoue Junnosuke, followed by the assassination of the head of Mitsui interests. On May 15, Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi was assassinated by a small group of naval officers. There was no revulsion of popular feelings against the assassins, and they were given light punishments.
In 1936, a more spectacular set of murders was perpetrated by the extremists. On February 26, a group of army officers led a coup designed to seize the capital and overthrow the civil government. They killed key government officials and held public buildings for four days. Finally, reliable troops were called out, and the rebels surrendered.
After this outburst of militarism, the army gained control of national affairs, and political parties faded out of the picture. Under military influence, Japan pursued a vigorous foreign policy, joining the Berlin-Rome Axis in 1939, which led to further expansionist efforts.
6. Describe the events of open civil war between KMT and the Communists during 1947-1949.
Answer: The open civil war between the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Communists started after the failure of the peace talks following the Second World War. In 1947, both sides resumed hostilities, with the KMT led by Chiang Kai-shek and the Communists under Mao Zedong. The fighting was intense and widespread, resulting in heavy losses on both sides. Despite receiving American aid, the KMT forces suffered from poor morale, corruption, and leadership issues.
On the other hand, the Communist forces, with their disciplined troops and support from the rural population, gained ground steadily. By 1949, the Communists had captured key cities and regions, and the KMT government retreated to Taiwan. On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong declared the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, marking the end of the civil war and the beginning of Communist rule in mainland China.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. When did Mesopotamia happen in Japan?
A. 1867-68
B. 1911
C. 1858-59
D. 1899
Answer: A. 1867-68
2. When did China become a republic?
A. 1911
B. 1968-78
C. 1899
D. 1786-87
Answer: A. 1911
3. Under whose leadership did Japan become a republic?
A. Kang Youwei
B. Chiang Kai Shek
C. Dr. Sun Yat Sen
D. None of the above
Answer: D. None of the above
4. Which commander of America signed a settlement treaty with Japan?
A. Matthew Perry
B. Tanaka Shozo
C. Shangon
D. Kang Youwei
Answer: A. Matthew Perry
5. Before the reorganisation of Japan, who had the power?
A. Emperor
B. Shogun
C. Army
D. Prime Minister
Answer: B. Shogun
Comperency Based Questions
Multiple Choice Questions II
1. Consider the following statements:
(i) Mandarin is the main language of China.
(ii) Japan was ruled by the King of Kyoto.
(iii) Japan was ruled by the Shogun kings in the 12th century.
Which statement(s) is/are correct in the above statement?
A. Only statement (i) is correct
B. Only statement (ii) is correct
C. Only statement (iii) is correct
D. Statement (i), (ii), and (iii) are correct
Answer: C. Only statement (iii) is correct
2. 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
Answer: B. Development of trade between Japan and the West
3. Consider the following statements:
(i) Three scripts are used for writing the Japanese language.
(ii) Confucius was a teacher and philosopher of China.
(iii) China got its name from the Chin Dynasty (246-206 BC).
Which statement(s) is/are correct in the above statement?
A. Only statement (i) is correct
B. Only statement (ii) is correct
C. Only statement (iii) is correct
D. Statement (i), (ii), and (iii) are correct
Answer: D. Statement (i), (ii), and (iii) are correct
4. Match the following and select the correct option:
A. American sailor Commodore Matthew Perry reached Japan
B. The revolution against the Manchu dynasty took place in
C. Republic was established in China in
D. Boxer Rebellion
E. Communist Party was established in China in
Column B:
(i) 1911
(ii) 1900
(iii) 1921
(iv) 1853
Options:
A. A-(iv), B-(i), C-(v), D-(ii), E-(iii)
B. A-(iv), B-(i), C-(v), D-(iii), E-(ii)
C. A-(v), B-(i), C-(ii), D-(iv), E-(iii)
D. A-(iv), B-(v), C-(i), D-(ii), E-(iii)
Answer: D. A-(iv), B-(v), C-(i), D-(ii), E-(iii)
5. Consider the following statements:
(i) The idea of Japan’s philosopher Laotse is similar to old Chinese philosophy.
(ii) The first film was produced in Japan in 1908.
(iii) The Yellow River of China is also known as ‘The Trouble of China.’
(iv) Kuo Min Tang is made up of three words.
Which statement(s) is/are correct in the above statement?
A. Only statement (i) is correct
B. Only statements (ii) and (iii) are correct
C. Only statements (iii) and (iv) are correct
D. Only statement (iv) is correct
Answer: B. Only statements (ii) and (iii) are correct
Case-based Question
The Manchu empire was overthrown and a republic established in China in 1911 under Sun-Yat-Sen (1866-1925) who is unanimously regarded as the founder of modern China. He came from a poor family and studied in missionary schools where he was introduced to democracy and Christianity. He studied medicine but was greatly concerned about the fate of China. His programme was called the Three Principles (San min chui). These were nationalism—this meant overthrowing the Manchu who were seen as a foreign dynasty, as well as other foreign imperialists; democracy or establishing democratic government; and socialism regulating capital and equalising land holdings.
1. When was Manchu Empire overthrown and a republic established in China?
Answer: The Manchu Empire was overthrown and a republic established in China in 1911.
2. Who is regarded as the founder of modern China?
Answer: Sun-Yat-Sen is regarded as the founder of modern China.
3. In what institution was Sun-Yat-Sen introduced to democracy and Christianity?
Answer: Sun-Yat-Sen was introduced to democracy and Christianity in missionary schools.
4. What was Sun-Yat-Sen’s programme? What was it called?
Answer: Sun-Yat-Sen’s programme was called the Three Principles (San min chui). These were nationalism, democracy, and socialism.
Pictorial Questions
Identify the following picture and write their name.
A: Picture of a ship used in East Asia to showcase early industrial ships.
B: An artistic portrayal of a foreign merchant or traveler during the times of interaction with East Asia, specifically depicting exaggerated features.
C: The picture includes Japanese script that likely refers to “Taishō Democracy Movement,” a political movement in Japan during the Taishō period.
Extra/additional MCQs
1. When did Japan defeat China in the first Sino-Japanese war?
A. 1894
B. 1910
C. 1868
D. 1905
Answer: A. 1894
Q. In what year did Japan occupy Korea?
A. 1895
B. 1910
C. 1949
D. 1868
Answer: B. 1910
Q. When did the Communist Revolution occur in China?
A. 1868
B. 1949
C. 1910
D. 1979
Answer: B. 1949
Q. Which country did Japan defeat in 1905?
A. China
B. Korea
C. Russia
D. Britain
Answer: C. Russia
Q. When was Taiwan occupied by Japan?
A. 1895
B. 1910
C. 1867
D. 1905
Answer: A. 1895
Q. Who was the greatest historian of early China?
A. Liang Qichan
B. Kume Kunitake
C. Sima Qian
D. Joseph Needham
Answer: C. Sima Qian
Q. When was the department of Oriental Studies established at Kyoto University?
A. 1895
B. 1869
C. 1907
D. 1910
Answer: C. 1907
Q. In which year did the Meiji period begin?
A. 1868
B. 1894
C. 1910
D. 1905
Answer: A. 1868
Q. Who was the emperor during the Meiji period?
A. Mikado Manshihito
B. Naito Konan
C. Sima Qian
D. Joseph Needham
Answer: A. Mikado Manshihito
Q. When did the last shogun of Japan resign?
A. 1905
B. 1867
C. 1889
D. 1949
Answer: B. 1867
Q. What year was the Constitution of Japan completed?
A. 1889
B. 1868
C. 1905
D. 1949
Answer: A. 1889
Q. What is the Japanese term for “enrich the country, strengthen the army”?
A. Fukoku-kyohei
B. Shogunate
C. Daimyo
D. Zaibatsu
Answer: A. Fukoku-kyohei
Q. When was feudalism formally abolished in Japan?
A. 1868
B. 1889
C. 1871
D. 1905
Answer: C. 1871
Q. When was the first government-owned railway line constructed in Japan?
A. 1889
B. 1872
C. 1905
D. 1910
Answer: B. 1872
Q. In what year was the first modern strike in Japan organised by women?
A. 1886
B. 1872
C. 1905
D. 1930
Answer: A. 1886
Q. When did the number of male workers begin to outnumber female workers in Japanese factories?
A. 1905
B. 1913
C. 1930s
D. 1889
Answer: C. 1930s
Q. Who started the programme of mass protest against industrial pollution in Japan in 1897?
A. Mikado Manshihito
B. Naito Konan
C. Tanaka Shozo
D. Joseph Needham
Answer: C. Tanaka Shozo
Q. By 1913, how many people were engaged in manufacturing in Japan?
A. 700,000
B. 4 million
C. 30 million
D. 70 million
Answer: B. 4 million
Q. What system was introduced into Japan’s currency based on the American model?
A. Decimal system
B. Yen system
C. Gold standard
D. Barter system
Answer: A. Decimal system
Q. What year did Japan open up to U.S. trade under Commodore Perry’s treaty?
A. 1853
B. 1867
C. 1905
D. 1910
Answer: A. 1853
Q. What is Japan’s chief crop?
A. Wheat
B. Rice
C. Barley
D. Corn
Answer: B. Rice
Q. When did Japan surrender in the Second World War?
A. August 14, 1945
B. September 2, 1945
C. July 7, 1945
D. May 8, 1945
Answer: A. August 14, 1945
Q. What year did Japan begin its military expansion policy?
A. 1927
B. 1931
C. 1914
D. 1939
Answer: A. 1927
Q. Which economic factor contributed significantly to Japan’s territorial expansion policy?
A. Industrial decline
B. Economic urge
C. Population growth
D. Devaluation of Yen
Answer: B. Economic urge
Q. In which year was the Industrial Rationalisation Bureau established in Japan?
A. 1920
B. 1927
C. 1930
D. 1936
Answer: C. 1930
Q. Which country absorbed 90% of Japanese cotton textiles after the Russo-Japanese War?
A. USA
B. India
C. China
D. Korea
Answer: C. China
Q. By what year did Japan’s industrial production index reach 149?
A. 1936
B. 1939
C. 1929
D. 1931
Answer: B. 1939
Q. What major event in 1923 severely affected Japan’s economy?
A. Bank failure
B. Earthquake
C. World War I
D. Industrial strike
Answer: B. Earthquake
Q. When was the Holding Company Liquidation Commission established to break the Zaibatsu’s power?
A. 1939
B. 1946
C. 1947
D. 1950
Answer: B. 1946
Q. Which Zaibatsu group was primarily known for its banking activities?
A. Mitsui
B. Mitsubishi
C. Yasuda
D. Sumitomo
Answer: C. Yasuda
Q. What year saw the global economic depression that impacted Japan’s economy?
A. 1923
B. 1929
C. 1936
D. 1920
Answer: B. 1929
Q. What major event during 1914-1918 boosted Japan’s industrial growth?
A. The Russo-Japanese War
B. The First World War
C. The Great Depression
D. The Taisho Era
Answer: B. The First World War
Q. What percentage of Japan’s industrial production remained with small units despite Zaibatsu’s dominance?
A. 30%
B. 50%
C. 60%
D. 40%
Answer: C. 60%
Q. When did Japan join the Berlin-Rome Axis?
A. 1939
B. 1940
C. 1936
D. 1941
Answer: A. 1939
Q. What key factor helped Japan restore its economy by 1936?
A. Gold standard restoration
B. Zaibatsu breakup
C. Industrial rationalisation
D. Devaluation of Yen
Answer: D. Devaluation of Yen
Q. Which group was instrumental in establishing industries of strategic importance in Japan’s colonies?
A. Government
B. Zaibatsu
C. Young Officers Group
D. Allied Forces
Answer: B. Zaibatsu
Q. When did Japan surrender unconditionally to the Allied Powers?
A. 1942
B. 1943
C. 1944
D. 1945
Answer: D. 1945
Q. Until what year did Japan remain under U.S. occupation after World War II?
A. 1949
B. 1950
C. 1951
D. 1952
Answer: D. 1952
Q. Who was in complete control of Japan’s administration during the occupation?
A. General Eisenhower
B. General Patton
C. General MacArthur
D. Admiral Nimitz
Answer: C. General MacArthur
Q. What did the new Japanese constitution recognize the Emperor as?
A. A divine ruler
B. The symbol of the state
C. The supreme commander
D. A ceremonial figure
Answer: B. The symbol of the state
Q. At what age did the new Japanese constitution grant voting rights to men and women?
A. 18
B. 20
C. 25
D. 30
Answer: B. 20
Q. Which area of reform in Japan was based on the American model?
A. Military
B. Agriculture
C. Industry
D. Education
Answer: D. Education
Q. Which sector saw the redistribution of land estates during the U.S. occupation of Japan?
A. Manufacturing
B. Trade
C. Agriculture
D. Fishing
Answer: C. Agriculture
Q. When was the peace treaty that recognized Japan as an independent state signed?
A. July 1951
B. September 1951
C. December 1950
D. March 1952
Answer: B. September 1951
Q. Where was the peace treaty signed that ended the occupation of Japan?
A. Tokyo
B. New York
C. Paris
D. San Francisco
Answer: D. San Francisco
Q. In what year did Japan host the Olympic Games, symbolizing its re-emergence?
A. 1952
B. 1960
C. 1964
D. 1972
Answer: C. 1964
Q. What was a significant technological achievement of Japan in 1964?
A. Launching satellites
B. Building nuclear power plants
C. Developing high-speed bullet trains
D. Creating advanced automobiles
Answer: C. Developing high-speed bullet trains
Q. What type of poisoning appeared in Japan’s industrial areas in the 1960s?
A. Arsenic poisoning
B. Cadmium poisoning
C. Lead poisoning
D. Cyanide poisoning
Answer: B. Cadmium poisoning
Q. What environmental issue became prominent in Japan during the 1960s and 1970s?
A. Air pollution
B. Soil erosion
C. Mercury poisoning
D. Nuclear waste
Answer: C. Mercury poisoning
Q. Which war helped strengthen Japan’s economy after World War II?
A. Vietnam War
B. Korean War
C. Persian Gulf War
D. Afghanistan War
Answer: B. Korean War
Q. What event marked the end of the Chinese Manchu dynasty?
A. Boxer Uprising
B. Opium Wars
C. Sino-Japanese War
D. 1911 Revolution
Answer: D. 1911 Revolution
Q. Who led the 1911 revolution that made China a republic?
A. Mao Zedong
B. Yuan Shikai
C. Kang Youwei
D. Sun Yat Sen
Answer: D. Sun Yat Sen
Q. In which year did the Sino-Japanese War take place, leading to China’s defeat?
A. 1885
B. 1894
C. 1905
D. 1911
Answer: B. 1894
Q. What treaty ended the Sino-Japanese War in 1895?
A. Treaty of Versailles
B. Treaty of Portsmouth
C. Treaty of Shimonoseki
D. Treaty of Nanking
Answer: C. Treaty of Shimonoseki
Q. What policy did America declare to gain trade concessions with China?
A. Monroe Doctrine
B. Open Door Policy
C. Fair Trade Agreement
D. Continental System
Answer: B. Open Door Policy
Q. What was the primary issue that led to the Opium Wars?
A. Taxation
B. Trade restrictions
C. Diplomatic disagreements
D. Opium trade
Answer: D. Opium trade
Q. When was the Communist Party of China established?
A. 1921
B. 1924
C. 1934
D. 1945
Answer: A. 1921
Q. Who was the founder of the Kuomintang (KMT)?
A. Mao Tse Tung
B. Chiang Kai Shek
C. Dr. Sun Yat Sen
D. Chou En-Lai
Answer: C. Dr. Sun Yat Sen
Q. In which year did Chiang Kai Shek become the leader of China?
A. 1925
B. 1934
C. 1921
D. 1949
Answer: A. 1925
Q. What was the name of the Communist army that fought against Chiang Kai Shek’s forces?
A. Red Army
B. People’s Liberation Army
C. National Revolutionary Army
D. Imperial Army
Answer: C. National Revolutionary Army
Q. How many miles did the Communists cover during the Long March?
A. 3,000 miles
B. 6,000 miles
C. 1,000 miles
D. 10,000 miles
Answer: B. 6,000 miles
Q. When did the Communists complete the Long March?
A. 1934
B. 1936
C. 1945
D. 1949
Answer: B. 1936
Q. In which year did the Communist Party of China establish the People’s Republic of China?
A. 1936
B. 1945
C. 1947
D. 1949
Answer: D. 1949
Q. Where did Chiang Kai Shek flee after the Communist takeover?
A. Japan
B. Taiwan
C. South Korea
D. Hong Kong
Answer: B. Taiwan
Q. When did Mao Tse Tung launch the Great Leap Forward?
A. 1949
B. 1958
C. 1965
D. 1978
Answer: B. 1958
Q. What was the primary focus of the Great Leap Forward movement?
A. Economic reforms
B. Political restructuring
C. Cultural revolution
D. Industrialisation
Answer: D. Industrialisation
Q. When did the Communist government introduce the concept of collective farming in China?
A. 1949
B. 1952
C. 1958
D. 1965
Answer: C. 1958
Q. Which year did the Sino-Japanese war lead to the breakdown of the United Front between the KMT and the Communists?
A. 1934
B. 1937
C. 1945
D. 1941
Answer: D. 1941
Q. In what year did Mao Tse Tung launch the Cultural Revolution?
A. 1949
B. 1958
C. 1965
D. 1978
Answer: C. 1965
Q. Who was sent by the US in 1945 to mediate between the Communists and Nationalists in China?
A. George C. Marshall
B. Franklin D. Roosevelt
C. Dwight D. Eisenhower
D. Harry S. Truman
Answer: A. George C. Marshall
Q. What led to the United States’ mediation attempt between the KMT and the Communists in 1945?
A. The Japanese surrender
B. The Chinese civil war
C. The Great Leap Forward
D. The Cultural Revolution
Answer: A. The Japanese surrender
Q. What type of warfare did the Communist forces use during the Sino-Japanese war?
A. Trench warfare
B. Frontal assaults
C. Guerrilla warfare
D. Naval warfare
Answer: C. Guerrilla warfare
Q. Which event marked the beginning of open civil war in China in 1947?
A. The Sino-Japanese war
B. The Communist military offensive
C. The Long March
D. The Great Leap Forward
Answer: B. The Communist military offensive
Q. What was Mao’s ideological focus during the Cultural Revolution?
A. Modernisation
B. Capitalism
C. Education reform
D. Socialist ideology
Answer: D. Socialist ideology
Q. When did Mao’s Cultural Revolution end, leading to more focus on economic recovery?
A. 1949
B. 1965
C. 1975
D. 1985
Answer: C. 1975
Q. When did China become a member of the World Trade Organisation?
A. 1949
B. 1975
C. 1992
D. 2001
Answer: C. 1992
Q. Which country did China increasingly establish trade relations with after 1978 reforms?
A. Soviet Union
B. Japan
C. USA
D. India
Answer: C. USA
Q. What significant economic reform was introduced in China in 1992?
A. Great Leap Forward
B. Collective farming
C. Liberal economic policies
D. Nationalisation of banks
Answer: C. Liberal economic policies
Q. When did Japan take over Formosa as a colony?
A. 1895
B. 1904
C. 1943
D. 1949
Answer: A. 1895
Q. At which conference did the Allies state that Japan should be stripped of Formosa?
A. Yalta Conference
B. Potsdam Conference
C. Cairo Conference
D. Tehran Conference
Answer: C. Cairo Conference
Q. When did the Communists formally proclaim the establishment of the People’s Republic of China?
A. October 1, 1949
B. January 21, 1949
C. December 7, 1943
D. April 22, 1946
Answer: A. October 1, 1949
Q. When did Chiang Kai-Shek resign as President of China?
A. April 1946
B. October 1949
C. January 21, 1949
D. December 1949
Answer: C. January 21, 1949
Q. In which year did Chiang Kai-Shek establish the Nationalist Republic of China in Formosa?
A. 1943
B. 1949
C. 1951
D. 1975
Answer: B. 1949
Q. When did martial law end in Taiwan, leading to the recognition of opposition parties?
A. 1956
B. 1962
C. 1987
D. 1997
Answer: C. 1987
Q. When did Chiang Kai-Shek die?
A. 1949
B. 1964
C. 1975
D. 1987
Answer: C. 1975
Q. Between which years did the United States provide over half a billion dollars in aid to Formosa?
A. 1951-1955
B. 1949-1952
C. 1946-1950
D. 1950-1953
Answer: A. 1951-1955
Q. What year did the USA conclude a treaty with Chiang Kai-Shek’s government stating an attack on Formosa would lead to war?
A. 1949
B. 1956
C. 1951
D. 1954
Answer: C. 1951
Q. In which year was the Meiji Constitution enacted in Japan?
A. 1872
B. 1889
C. 1904
D. 1910
Answer: B. 1889
Q. When was the Kuomintang (KMT) founded by Sun Yat-sen?
A. 1910
B. 1912
C. 1919
D. 1921
Answer: B. 1912
Q. When did Japan annex Korea?
A. 1904
B. 1910
C. 1921
D. 1931
Answer: B. 1910
Q. When did Japan’s invasion of China take place?
A. 1921
B. 1931
C. 1934
D. 1941
Answer: B. 1931
Q. In which year did China attack India over a border dispute?
A. 1956
B. 1962
C. 1966
D. 1976
Answer: B. 1962
Q. When did Mao Zedong die?
A. 1966
B. 1975
C. 1976
D. 1987
Answer: C. 1976
98. When was Hong Kong returned to China by Britain?
A. 1966
B. 1976
C. 1987
D. 1997
Answer: D. 1997
Extra/additional questions and answers
1. What was the dominant power in East Asia at the beginning of the nineteenth century?
Answer: China was a dominant power in East Asia at the beginning of the nineteenth century.
Q. Who defeated China in the First Sino-Japanese War of 1894?
Answer: Japan defeated China in the First Sino-Japanese War of 1894.
Q. When did Japan occupy Taiwan and Korea?
Answer: Japan occupied Taiwan in 1895 and Korea in 1910.
Q. Which European power did Japan defeat in 1905?
Answer: Japan defeated Russia, a European power, in 1905.
Q. Which party brought the Communist Revolution in China in October 1949?
Answer: The Chinese Communist Party brought the Communist Revolution in China in October 1949.
Q. What slogan did the Meiji leaders adopt to strengthen Japan?
Answer: The Meiji leaders adopted the slogan “Fukoku-kyohei,” meaning “Enrich the country and strengthen its armed forces.”
Q. Who was the emperor during the Meiji Restoration?
Answer: The emperor during the Meiji Restoration was Emperor Mikado Manshihito, often called Meiji.
Q. What were the four main islands of Japan?
Answer: The four main islands of Japan are Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku, and Hokkaido.
Q. Describe the contrasting developments of China and Japan during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Answer: At the beginning of the nineteenth century, China was a dominant power in East Asia, while Japan was isolated. However, within a few decades, China became prey to exploitation by imperialist and colonial powers of Europe. The imperialist government of China lost control over the people and failed to introduce reforms effectively, leading to civil war. In contrast, Japan developed into a modern nation-state, established an industrial economy, and succeeded in building a colonial empire by occupying Taiwan in 1895 and Korea in 1910. Japan defeated China in 1894 in the First Sino-Japanese War and Russia in 1905, showcasing its rapid modernization and military strength.
Q. What role did historical writing traditions play in China and Japan?
Answer: China and Japan inherited a long tradition of historical writings that guided their rulers. The past provided standards by which they would be judged. Both countries established official departments to maintain records and write dynastic histories. In China, the greatest historian of early times was Sima Qian (145-90 BC). In Japan, history was given similar importance; in 1869, the Meiji Government established a bureau to collect records and write history to give a victor’s version of the Meiji Restoration. The written word and literary ability were highly valued, and modern scholars have built their accounts on the works of intellectuals like Liang Qichao in China and Kume Kunitake in Japan.
Q. Explain the significance of the Constitution of 1889 in Japan.
Answer: The Constitution of 1889 was significant as it was the first to be granted by a monarch of East Asia. It emphasized the institution of the Emperor, who was the source of all authority and combined all sovereignty. Laws were sanctioned and ordered by him for execution, and he was the head of the executive branch of the government. The legislature, called the Diet, consisted of two chambers: the House of Peers and the House of Representatives. The Diet was very powerful; no law could be passed, and no new taxes could be imposed without its consent. This constitution marked the entrance of liberal democratic theories of the West into the autocratic Far East, transforming Japan from feudalism to a constitutional monarchy.
Q. What were the key economic reforms initiated by the Meiji Government?
Answer: The Meiji Government initiated several key economic reforms to modernize Japan. These included the abolition of feudalism, allowing for freedom of movement, enterprise, occupation, and industry. They developed mines, built factories, railways, docks, and steamships, and established cotton and silk mills, paper mills, chemical works, and factories producing glass and cement. The government reformed the currency and banking systems, introducing paper currency and the decimal system. They developed means of transportation and communication by constructing government-owned railways and introducing the telephone system. These reforms aimed at strengthening the country to meet foreign threats and promote rapid industrialization.
Q. How did industrialization affect the common people in Japan?
Answer: Despite the great achievements in industrialization, it did not significantly help the common people in Japan. Industrialization was guided towards strengthening and achieving greater glory for the state rather than benefiting individuals. While a few industrial families amassed great wealth, peasants languished in poverty. The population increased from 30 million in 1850 to 70 million in 1915, but goods were produced primarily for export, not for the home market. The business combinations, known as Zaibatsu, controlled various enterprises, and the wealth was concentrated among a few families, leaving the majority of the population with little economic improvement.
Q. Discuss the ways in which Japan’s modernization during the Meiji era differed from Western models.
Answer: Japan’s modernization during the Meiji era was distinct from Western models in several ways, especially concerning industrialization and economic development. While Japan adopted Western technologies and organizational methods, it tailored them to fit its own cultural and social contexts. The Meiji government played a significant role in directing and promoting industrialization, unlike the more laissez-faire approach seen in Western countries like the United States.
The government initiated and funded key industries, such as mining, shipbuilding, and textile production, before selling them to private entrepreneurs, often at low prices, leading to the rise of powerful business conglomerates known as Zaibatsu (e.g., Mitsui, Mitsubishi). These conglomerates differed from Western monopolies as they controlled a diverse range of industries rather than specializing in a single market.
Furthermore, Japan’s industrialization was driven by a strong sense of nationalism and the desire to protect national autonomy. The government was cautious about foreign capital and influence, seeking to modernize without compromising sovereignty. This approach meant that while industrialization led to significant economic growth, it was primarily aimed at strengthening the state rather than improving individual prosperity. The focus was on producing goods for export to compete globally, often at the expense of the common people, who did not see immediate benefits and continued to live in poverty. Thus, Japan’s path to modernization was unique, blending Western innovations with traditional Japanese values and state-led economic policies.
Q. What war produced good economic results for Japan in 1904-05?
Answer: The Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05 had produced good economic results for Japan. The industrial production was geared up during the war, and the credit-worthiness of Japan increased.
Q. What were the main causes of Japan’s industrial setback after 1920?
Answer: The revival of competition by Western countries, the slump and depression of 1920, the devastating earthquake of 1923, the failure of banks in 1927, and the World Wide Economic Depression of 1929-32.
Q. In what ways did the First World War stimulate industrial production in Japan?
Answer: During the First World War, all the western industrialised countries were pre-occupied with the war and engaged in the production of war material. Taking advantage of the situation, Japan increased her industrial production and captured markets in countries like India, East Indies, South America, and Africa. The steel and chemical industries registered remarkable growth, and the government supported new industries by exempting them from paying business and income taxes.
Q. What measures did the Japanese government take to restore industrial growth after the setbacks of the 1920s?
Answer: The Japanese government introduced economic and financial reforms such as the restoration of the gold standard and the value of Yen to its pre-war parity. The Industrial Rationalisation Bureau was set up in 1930 to overhaul the industrial system by effecting rationalisation of industries. These measures, along with the devaluation of Yen and other supportive policies, helped restore Japan’s economy to normalcy by 1936.
Q. Discuss the factors that led to the economic growth of Japan between 1904 and 1920.
Answer: The Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05 produced good economic results for Japan. The industrial production was geared up during the war, enhancing the country’s credit-worthiness to such an extent that nations began offering to lend capital resources to Japan. Foreign capital was employed in industries like metal, electrical, rubber, and ship building. Japan’s foreign trade increased significantly, mainly with Asiatic and North American countries. China absorbed about 90 percent of Japanese cotton textiles, and the U.S.A. imported all of Japan’s silk exports. The First World War further stimulated industrial production as Western countries were pre-occupied with the war. Japan increased her industrial output and captured markets in countries like India, East Indies, South America, and Africa. The steel and chemical industries saw remarkable growth. The government supported new industries by exempting them from business and income taxes. By the end of WWI, Japan had emerged as an industrialised nation.
Q. Evaluate the role of the Zaibatsu in Japan’s economic development.
Answer: The Zaibatsu, meaning “money cliques,” were a financial oligarchy consisting of four major groups: Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, and Yasuda. They dominated finance, industry, commerce, and banking in Japan. By the late 1920s, they occupied a position in the Japanese economy unparalleled in modern history. The Zaibatsu owned about twenty percent of the entire share capital of the country and controlled a large number of large-scale industries. They earned huge profits and, in collaboration with the government, started several enterprises of strategic importance both in Japan and its colonies. During financial crises, they often acquired properties of failed business houses, further consolidating their power. The Zaibatsu provided significant financial assistance to the government, obtaining state properties at low prices and securing valuable contracts in return. By 1929, they had reached the zenith of their influence, extending their power into the political sphere. They had intimate contacts with politicians and began to influence government policies. The public opinion in the 1930s turned against the Zaibatsu due to the concentration of economic resources in the hands of a few families and their role in suppressing the trade union movement. Post-World War II, their monopolistic position was dismantled through government actions like the Holding Company Liquidation Commission, anti-trust laws, and corporate break-ups, leading to a severe setback in industrial production but eventually paving the way for Japan’s tremendous economic progress after 1949.
Q. What were the key factors that helped in the industrial development of Japan?
Answer: Three key factors contributed to the astonishing industrial development of Japan: state participation, tariffs and subsidies, and the Zaibatsu. The Zaibatsu played a significant role by dominating finance, industry, commerce, and banking, and investing in various sectors like mining, metals, engineering, textiles, and more. Government intervention also contributed by supporting industries through policies like tax exemptions, restoration of the gold standard, and setting up the Industrial Rationalisation Bureau. While tariffs and subsidies were minor supports, they benefited industries like woollen, sugar, copper, iron and steel, and dye stuffs. The collaboration between the government and private enterprises led to the establishment of enterprises of national and strategic importance. Despite challenges like economic depressions and natural disasters, these combined efforts led to Japan’s transformation into a major industrial power by 1970, surpassed only by the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R.
Q. When did Japan surrender unconditionally before the U.S.A. and the Allied Powers?
Answer: In 1945, Japan surrendered unconditionally before the U.S.A., and the Allied Powers.
Q. Who was in complete control of Japan’s administration after World War II?
Answer: General Mac Arthur was in complete control of administration of Japan.
Q. Until what year did Japan remain under U.S. occupation?
Answer: Japan remained under the occupation of the U.S.A. till the signing of the peace treaty in 1952.
Q. What constitution did the new constitution replace in Japan?
Answer: The new constitution replaced the Meiji constitution.
Q. Describe the administrative control in Japan immediately after World War II.
Answer: After World War II, General Mac Arthur was in complete control of administration of Japan. The Emperor was only a constitutional head. Mac Arthur took every care not to link up the Japanese affairs with American domestic affairs. He became highly popular among the Japanese by his rational outlook and democratic administration. The Japanese adjusted themselves to the changed circumstances and did not hesitate to submit to Mac Arthur’s authority.
Q. What were the key features of the new Japanese constitution post-World War II?
Answer: The new constitution replaced the Meiji constitution. All men and women of the age of twenty or over were given the right to vote in all elections. The Emperor was recognized as “the symbol of the state and unity of the people, deriving his powers from the will of the people with whom resides sovereign power”. This marked a significant shift towards democratic governance in Japan.
Q. Discuss the changes brought about by the new Japanese constitution after World War II.
Answer: The new constitution of Japan, which replaced the Meiji constitution, was a transformative document that redefined the nation’s governance and societal structure. It granted all men and women aged twenty or over the right to vote in all elections, thereby establishing universal suffrage and promoting democratic participation. The Emperor was redefined as “the symbol of the state and unity of the people, deriving his powers from the will of the people with whom resides sovereign power,” effectively making him a ceremonial figurehead without political power. This shift reduced the potential for authoritarian rule and placed sovereignty firmly in the hands of the Japanese people. The constitution also embraced principles of pacifism, human rights, and the separation of powers, setting the stage for Japan’s post-war democratic identity.
Q. Explain how Japan re-emerged as a global economic power after World War II.
Answer: Japan’s re-emergence as a global economic power after World War II is often referred to as a post-war “Miracle.” Several factors contributed to this resurgence. During the Occupation Period, General Mac Arthur implemented reforms in social, educational, and economic spheres, laying a strong foundation for growth. After the occupation ended, the close collaboration between the government, bureaucracy, and industry—often termed as “Japan Inc.”—fostered a conducive environment for economic development. U.S. support through financial aid and open markets, along with the demands of the Korean and Vietnamese wars, provided significant economic stimuli. The 1964 Tokyo Olympics symbolized Japan’s return to the global stage, while the introduction of high-speed bullet trains showcased its technological prowess. Japan’s focus on producing better and cheaper machine goods allowed it to capture international markets, solidifying its position as a leading economic power.
Q. When did the civil war between the Nationalists and the Communists begin?
Answer: The civil war between the Nationalists and the Communists had begun from early 1947. It spread throughout the length and breadth of the country.
Q. How did the Communists gain an advantage in Manchuria?
Answer: The Communists occupied the countryside around the major cities, being helped by the Russians, who turned over to them the arms the Japanese had surrendered in Manchuria.
Q. What strategic mistake did the Kuomintang forces make in Manchuria?
Answer: The Kuomintang forces in Manchuria found themselves in indefensible positions and were forced by the end of 1948, to surrender to the Chinese Red Army.
Q. Which major cities did the Communists capture after their victories in the north?
Answer: They took Nanking, Wuhan and Shanghai, and the remnants of Kuomintang Army evacuated Canton.
Q. Where did Chiang Kai-Shek flee after the Communist takeover?
Answer: Chiang fled to the island of Formosa (Taiwan) along with his shattered forces while in Peking the Communist leader, Mao-Tse Tung, proclaimed the People’s Republic of China.
Q. How did the Russian Revolution of 1917 influence the Communist Revolution in China?
Answer: The Russian Revolution of 1917 had a profound impact on China. In 1917, the people of Russia brought about a Communist Revolution, ending the despotic rule of the Czars. The Chinese were deeply influenced by this event and established the Communist Party of China in 1921. This development prepared them for a similar revolution in their own country. The success of the Russian Revolution served as both inspiration and a practical model for Chinese revolutionaries, demonstrating that a determined Communist movement could overthrow an old regime and establish a new social order based on communist principles.
Q. What factors led to the progressive weakening of the Kuomintang (KMT)?
Answer: The progressive weakening of the power of the Kuomintang largely contributed to the success of Communism in China. In its rule of nearly twenty years, the Nationalist Government failed to give China either power or prosperity. Almost half of the time had been spent fighting against Japan, and the remaining years were marked by internal turmoil. Corruption, privation, and uncertainty pressed hard even the patient Chinese. Inflation impoverished the intellectual class and other persons of modest means. Against this inner political decay, Chiang Kai-Shek stood helpless. The inability of the Kuomintang to address these issues eroded public confidence and support, paving the way for the Communists to gain influence.
Q. How did the leadership of Mao-Tse-Tung and Chou-En-Lai impact the Communist Revolution?
Answer: The Communists were led by capable leaders like Mao-Tse-Tung and Chou-En-Lai for a long time. Mao’s Long March at the head of 140,000 Communist workers paved the way for the Revolution of 1949. Their leadership provided strategic vision and inspired confidence among the Communist ranks. Mao’s emphasis on guerrilla warfare tactics and his ability to adapt Marxist principles to Chinese conditions were crucial. Chou-En-Lai’s diplomatic skills helped in building alliances and managing internal party affairs. Together, they were instrumental in steering the Communist Party through challenging times toward ultimate victory.
Q. In what ways did Russian assistance aid the Chinese Communists?
Answer: The Communists received Russian help on several occasions. For instance, the Soviet Union permitted the Chinese Communists to acquire from Japan arms necessary for the Manchurian campaign and provided other forms of assistance. The transfer of Japanese arms significantly bolstered the military capabilities of the Communist forces. Additionally, ideological support and training from the Soviet Union helped in organizing and strengthening the Communist Party’s structure. This external support was crucial in tipping the balance of power in favor of the Communists during critical phases of the civil war.
Q. What were the characteristics of the Communist Army that contributed to their success?
Answer: The Communist armed forces were under effective unified command, and beneath that command, there was uniformity in military and political strategy and tactics. The Communist troops were orderly and disciplined and never looted the civilians, nor outraged women. The common people were convinced that the Communist soldiers were sincerely concerned with their welfare. This conduct contrasted sharply with that of other armies at the time and helped in winning the trust and support of the civilian population. The discipline and moral conduct of the Communist Army were significant factors in their successful campaigns across China.
40. Discuss the economic and social transformations in China following the Communist Revolution of 1949.
Answer: At the time of the Communist Revolution, the economic condition of China was most deplorable. The agricultural and industrial production was very low, making China one of the poorest countries in the world. Soon after the Communist Revolution, the government devoted its attention to the economic reconstruction of the country. Measures for land reforms and the promotion of agriculture were implemented. The traditional feudal system was abolished, and landlords were deprived of their lands, which were distributed among millions of actual cultivators during the land reform movement between 1950-52. In the next phase, collective farming was introduced, where farmers continued to own their land but worked collectively, sharing equipment and livestock. By 1958, collectivization was completed, and People’s Communes were established, allowing inhabitants to manage their economic activities themselves. Heavy industries were established, banks were nationalized, and rigid control over foreign industries and corporations was imposed. Like the Soviet Union, China started five-year plans for economic reconstruction, establishing 141 industrial units with Soviet help in 1951. These transformative policies aimed at rapidly industrializing China and restructuring its agrarian economy, leading to significant social changes and laying the foundation for future economic growth.
