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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did the Japanese do with the first Englishman to arrive?

2. About what time did the American ships finally anchor in Edo Bay?

3. Who was the first Englishman to arrive in Japan?

4. What was the Emperor required to study?

5. What did many of the daimyos believe?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who did the Americans awaken to see the next morning and what would they be considered today?

2. Describe the time before this setting when the Japanese were not cut off from the rest of the world.

3. Who held the real power in Japan?

4. Who were the samurai?

5. What did the Japanese try to do and what did Commodore Perry order his men to do and why?

6. Where did messengers ride when the ships were spotted, and what was the consequence?

7. What did the native Japanese who served the Dutch have to do?

8. What were some of Commodore Perry's accomplishments in addition to convincing the Japanese to receive him?

9. Describe the role of the Emperor of Japan at that time.

10. Who were the daimyos?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Japan had maintained a fairly rigid policy of isolationism for many years before Commodore Perry arrived, except for a brief period of more openness in the 1500s. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term isolationism mean in context of a country's foreign policy?

2. Discuss three reasons the ruling class of Japan may have had to maintain a policy of isolationism.

3. Discuss three reasons you think the policy of isolationism was not beneficial to the Japanese people.

4. Do you think in this century (end of first decade of 21st century), it is possible for

Essay Topic 2

The setting of Commodore Perry in the Land of the Shogun is quite important. Research the feudal system under which Japan existed in the mid 19th century and answer the following questions:

1. How was the feudal system organized? Could one move from the class of their birth to another class? Who was responsible for the protection of the peoples of Japan? Who made the decisions?

2. Discuss three advantages and three disadvantages of the feudal system.

3. What did the Americans seem to think of the feudal system? Give examples.

4. Did your research reveal any countries today that are organized in a feudal-like system? Discuss any that are mentioned.

5. Why do you think most countries abandoned the feudal system?

Essay Topic 3

Despite being seen as a child of the sun goddess, Amaterasu, the Emperor only presided over religious ceremonies, and was otherwise a mere puppet. Discuss the following:

1. Who held the real power in Japan? Why? How did he/they hold on to their power?

2. How did those who held the reins of power gain that power?

3. Do you think the Emperor preferred to be a mere figurehead? Or do you think most Emperors of those times in Japan would prefer to have a voice in the decisions of the country in which he supposedly governs?

4. Research the reign of Emperor Meiji and compare/contrast his reign to that of the Emperor Komei, who held the position of Emperor when Commodore first arrived in Japan.

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