Section Quiz 15-2 East Asia Under Challenge 1800 -1914

Port Arthur was a city in Manchuria that was seized by Japan. This city played a significant role in the Russo-Japanese War as it was a strategically important port. The capture of Port Arthur by the Japanese forces was a major victory for Japan and it helped them establish dominance in the region. The seizure of Port Arthur also marked the beginning of Japan's expansion into Manchuria, leading to further conflicts and tensions in the area.

Daimyo refers to traditional local Japanese nobles. They were powerful feudal lords who ruled over territories known as domains or han during the feudal period in Japan. Daimyo were granted land and authority by the shogunate in exchange for their loyalty and military service. They were responsible for governing their domains and maintaining order within their territories. The daimyo played a significant role in Japanese history and were instrumental in shaping the country's political and social landscape.

The term "prefectures" refers to the territories or administrative divisions that were governed by the new governors. This suggests that the new governors were responsible for overseeing and managing specific regions or areas within a larger jurisdiction. The word "territories" in the question implies that these prefectures were separate and distinct from one another, indicating that the new governors had authority over multiple regions or districts.

The Meiji education system in Japan included universal education, instruction in technology, and an American-style structure. However, one feature that was not included in the system was Japanese-only teaching staffs. This suggests that the teaching staffs in the Meiji education system were not limited to Japanese individuals, but may have included teachers from other nationalities as well.

The term "concessions" refers to the political compromises made by the daimyo during the Townsend Harris era in Japan. These compromises involved granting certain privileges or rights to foreign powers, particularly in the Port Arthur region. This was done in order to maintain peace and avoid conflicts with Western countries, as well as to protect Japanese interests and maintain control over the prefectures. These concessions allowed for a level of foreign influence and trade, while still preserving Japanese sovereignty to some extent.

The Meiji Restoration in Japan marked a significant shift in the country's political and social landscape. It aimed to modernize and westernize Japan in order to catch up with the advancements of the Western world. As a result, Japanese interest grew in various aspects of Western culture, including Western fashions, ballroom dancing, and baseball. However, the shogunate, which was the feudal military government that ruled Japan prior to the Meiji Restoration, was not a subject of interest but rather a target for reform and eventual abolition.

The 1904 war between Russia and Japan resulted in the humiliating defeat of Russia. This war, known as the Russo-Japanese War, was fought over territorial disputes in East Asia, specifically over control of Korea and Manchuria. Despite Russia's initial advantage in terms of military power and resources, Japan emerged victorious, which was a significant blow to Russia's prestige and international standing. The defeat exposed the weaknesses of the Russian military and government, leading to social unrest and ultimately contributing to the Russian Revolution of 1905.

The Meiji Restoration was a period of major political and social change in Japan in the late 19th century. It aimed to modernize and strengthen the country by adopting Western ideas and practices. The restoration led to the weakening of the power of traditional nobles, the creation of a constitution, and the promotion of industry. However, it did not involve rejecting all Western ideas, including industrialization. On the contrary, the Meiji government actively embraced Western industrialization and technology to drive Japan's modernization and economic growth.

The Meiji reformers created a new imperial army in 1871 based on compulsory military service. This means that all citizens were required to serve in the military, rather than relying on a feudal structure or hiring mercenaries. This was a significant change as it allowed for a more unified and disciplined army, strengthening the central government's control over the military and promoting modernization in Japan.

Townsend Harris is the correct answer because he was the U.S. consul who signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Japan in 1858. This treaty opened up diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries, marking the end of Japan's isolationist policy. Harris played a crucial role in negotiating this treaty, which helped to establish a foundation for future relations between the United States and Japan.