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.
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.
Video tutorial
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
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.
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.
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