11 NCERT CBSE History
Chapter 7: Paths to Modernisation
Paths to Modernisation: China and Japan in the 19th and 20th Centuries
High School History | Comprehensive MCQ Assessment & Review
Lesson Summary & Overview
This lesson assessment explores the divergent and complex paths to modernization taken by China and Japan from the 19th to the late 20th century. It delves into the initial dominance of Qing China and the isolation of Tokugawa Japan, tracing their subsequent transformations under the pressures of Western colonialism and internal dynamics. Key historical events such as Japan's successful Meiji Restoration, its rapid industrialization, and eventual imperial expansion are examined, alongside China's struggles with foreign intervention, the Opium Wars, the decline of the Qing dynasty, and the tumultuous periods of republican revolution and civil war.
The assessment further investigates the socio-economic, political, and cultural shifts in both nations. For Japan, topics include the 'fukoku kyohei' policy, the 'emperor system,' the rise of 'zaibatsu,' and post-World War II democratization under US occupation, leading to its emergence as a global economic power. For China, the focus is on the establishment of the Republic under Sun Yat-sen's Three Principles, the May Fourth Movement, the Long March, Mao Zedong's Communist revolution, the Great Leap Forward, the Cultural Revolution, and Deng Xiaoping's economic reforms. Understanding these distinct historical trajectories, the interplay between tradition and modernity, and the impact of nationalism and external forces is crucial for grasping East Asian history.
Students will gain insight into how these two major East Asian powers responded to the challenges of the modern world, highlighting the contrasting outcomes of their efforts to redefine national strength, achieve economic development, and navigate geopolitical complexities. This assessment serves as an invaluable tool for reinforcing knowledge of core concepts, key figures, and pivotal moments in the modernization of China and Japan, enhancing comprehension and analytical skills.
Theme Analysis & Strategy
Main ThemeModernization of East Asian Nations
Subject CategoryWorld History
Key Concepts
Question FocusQuestions are designed to test comprehension of the distinct and contrasting paths to modernization taken by China and Japan, focusing on political, economic, and social transformations, key figures, and significant events mentioned in the text.
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, which East Asian country dominated the region?
Hint: Think about the major continental power mentioned as secure in its power.
Answer
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, China, under the Qing dynasty, dominated East Asia.
Explanation
The text states: 'EAST ASIA at the beginning of the nineteenth century was dominated by China. The Qing dynasty, heir to a long tradition, seemed secure in its power...'
Which of the following territories did Japan incorporate by 1910 as part of its colonial empire?
Hint: Recall the specific Asian country mentioned as being annexed by Japan.
Answer
Japan incorporated Korea into its colonial empire by 1910.
Explanation
The text mentions Japan 'even establishing a colonial empire by incorporating Taiwan (1895) and Korea (1910).'
What was a significant contrast in the paths of modernization between China and Japan in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
Hint: Consider the initial outcomes of their responses to colonial challenges.
Answer
Japan built a modern nation-state and empire, while China faced turmoil and lost political control.
Explanation
The text states: 'Yet, within a few decades China was thrown into turmoil unable to face the colonial challenge. The imperial government lost political control, was unable to reform effectively... Japan on the other hand was successful in building a modern nation-state, creating an industrial economy and even establishing a colonial empire...'
Who is considered the greatest historian of early China?
Hint: Look for a specific name associated with early Chinese historiography.
Answer
Sima Qian is considered the greatest historian of early China.
Explanation
The text explicitly states: 'Sima Qian (145-90 BCE) is considered the greatest historian of early China.'
One of the earliest acts of the Meiji government regarding history was to establish a bureau in 1869 to:
Hint: Consider the purpose of historical writing for a new ruling power.
Answer
The Meiji government established a bureau to collect records and write a victor’s version of the Meiji Restoration.
Explanation
The text states: 'One of the earliest acts of the Meiji government was to establish, in 1869, a bureau to collect records and write, as it were, a victor’s version of the Meiji Restoration.'
Naito Konan, a leading Japanese scholar of China, argued in 'Shinaron' (On China, 1914) that republican government could revitalize Chinese society by:
Hint: Focus on what Naito Konan believed republican government would *end* in China.
Answer
Naito Konan argued that republican government offered the Chinese a way to end aristocratic control and centralized power.
Explanation
The text states Naito Konan 'argued that republican government offered the Chinese a way to end aristocratic control and centralised power that had existed since the Sung dynasty (960-1279) – a way to revitalise local society where reform must begin.'
What is the dominant ethnic group in China, as mentioned in the text?
Hint: Refer to the section describing China's physical contrast and demographics.
Answer
The dominant ethnic group in China is the Han.
Explanation
The text explicitly states: 'The dominant ethnic group are the Han and the major language is Chinese (Putonghua)...'
What is the staple crop and major source of protein in Japan, according to the text?
Hint: Think about traditional Japanese cuisine mentioned in the geographical description.
Answer
Rice is the staple crop and fish is the major source of protein in Japan.
Explanation
The text states: 'Rice is the staple crop and fish the major source of protein.'
During the Tokugawa shogunate (1603-1867), who held the actual political power in Japan?
Hint: Recall the figure who 'in theory ruled in the name of the emperor' but held real power.
Answer
The Shogun held the actual political power during the Tokugawa shogunate.
Explanation
The text states: 'An emperor had ruled Japan from Kyoto but by the twelfth century the imperial court lost power to shoguns, who in theory ruled in the name of the emperor. From 1603 to 1867, members of the Tokugawa family held the position of shogun.'
Which class constituted the ruling elite and served the shoguns and daimyo in Tokugawa Japan?
Hint: Think about the warrior class in feudal Japan.
Answer
The samurai were the ruling elite and served the shoguns and daimyo.
Explanation
The text states: 'The samurai (the warrior class) were the ruling elite and served the shoguns and daimyo.'
What was one consequence of the three changes in the late sixteenth century (disarming peasantry, daimyo living in capitals, land surveys) for Japan?
Hint: Consider how stable revenue and urban concentration would affect economic activity.
Answer
The changes led to the growth of a commercial economy and financial and credit systems.
Explanation
The text explains these changes 'led to the growth of a commercial economy, and created financial and credit systems.'
Which classic work of Japanese literature, a fictionalized diary of the Heian court, is mentioned as a central work of fiction?
Hint: Look for a specific literary work associated with the Heian court and Murasaki Shikibu.
Answer
The Tale of the Genji is mentioned as the central work of fiction in Japanese literature.
Explanation
The text highlights: 'A fictionalised diary of the Heian court written by Murasaki Shikibu, the Tale of the Genji became the central work of fiction in Japanese literature.'
Who was the USA Commodore sent to Japan in 1853 to demand trade and diplomatic relations?
Hint: Recall the American naval officer whose arrival significantly impacted Japanese politics.
Answer
Commodore Matthew Perry was sent to Japan by the USA in 1853.
Explanation
The text states: 'In 1853, the USA sent Commodore Matthew Perry (1794-1858) to Japan to demand that the government sign a treaty...'
What was a direct consequence of Commodore Perry's arrival in Japan?
Hint: Consider the shift in political power dynamics after the 'opening' of Japan.
Answer
The emperor, who had little political power, re-emerged as an important figure after Perry's arrival.
Explanation
The text notes: 'Perry’s arrival had an important effect on Japanese politics. The emperor, who till then had had little political power, now re-emerged as an important figure.'
What was the slogan adopted by the Meiji government to develop its economy and build a strong army?
Hint: It's a Japanese phrase meaning 'rich country, strong army'.
Answer
The slogan was 'fukoku kyohei' (rich country, strong army).
Explanation
The text states: 'The government launched a policy with the slogan ‘fukoku kyohei’ (rich country, strong army).'
By 1910, what was the status of schooling for boys and girls in Japan under the new school system?
Hint: Consider the reach and accessibility of the new education system.
Answer
By 1910, schooling was compulsory for boys and girls and almost universal.
Explanation
The text says: 'A new school system began to be built from the 1870s. Schooling was compulsory for boys and girls and by 1910 almost universal. Tuition fees were minimal.'
The development of hiragana and katakana phonetic alphabets in Japan primarily contributed to:
Hint: Consider what phonetic scripts enable in terms of literacy and access to information.
Answer
The existence of a phonetic syllabary meant that knowledge spread from the elites to the wider society relatively quickly.
Explanation
The text states: 'The existence of a phonetic syllabary meant that knowledge spread from the elites to the wider society relatively quickly.'
Under the Meiji constitution, what was a significant consequence of the military and bureaucracy being under the direct command of the emperor?
Hint: Think about the implications of the military's direct link to the emperor, separate from the Diet.
Answer
The military and bureaucracy remained outside the control of the government even after a constitution was enacted.
Explanation
The text explains: 'The military and the bureaucracy were put under the direct command of the emperor. This meant that even after a constitution was enacted these two groups remained outside the control of the government.'
What were the large business organizations controlled by individual families that dominated the Japanese economy until after the Second World War called?
Hint: It's a Japanese term for powerful family-controlled industrial and financial conglomerates.
Answer
They were called Zaibatsu.
Explanation
The text defines: 'Zaibatsu (large business organisations controlled by individual families) dominated the economy till after the Second World War.'
What was the consequence of the rapid and unregulated growth of industry in Japan, leading to the first agitation against industrial pollution?
Hint: Recall the politician Tanaka Shozo and his protest.
Answer
The rapid and unregulated growth of industry led to environmental destruction.
Explanation
The text states: 'The rapid and unregulated growth of industry and the demand for natural resources such as timber led to environmental destruction. Tanaka Shozo... launched the first agitation against industrial pollution in 1897...'
Which leading Meiji intellectual expressed the view that Japan must 'expel Asia' and shed its 'Asian' characteristics to become part of the West?
Hint: This intellectual founded Keio University and promoted Western learning.
Answer
Fukuzawa Yukichi expressed the view that Japan must 'expel Asia'.
Explanation
The text identifies: 'Fukuzawa Yukichi, a leading Meiji intellectual, expressed this by saying that Japan must ‘expel Asia’.'
The philosopher Miyake Setsurei's argument that 'To devote oneself to one’s country is to devote oneself to the world' represents a shift from Fukuzawa Yukichi's views by emphasizing:
Hint: Consider how his view contrasts with 'expelling Asia'.
Answer
Miyake Setsurei emphasized building national pride on indigenous values and unique talents.
Explanation
The text states: 'The next generation questioned this total acceptance of Western ideas and urged that national pride be built on indigenous values. The philosopher Miyake Setsurei (1860-1945) argued that each nation must develop its special talents in the interest of world civilisation: ‘To devote oneself to one’s country is to devote oneself to the world.’'
The term 'Moga' in twentieth-century Japan was an abbreviation for 'modern girl' and represented:
Hint: Think about the social changes and new ideas emerging in Japan's urban centers.
Answer
'Moga' represented the coming together of ideas of gender equality, a cosmopolitan culture, and a developed economy.
Explanation
The text defines 'Moga' as: 'An abbreviation for ‘modern girl’. It represented the coming together in the twentieth century of ideas of gender equality, a cosmopolitan culture and a developed economy.'
The influential symposium on 'Overcoming Modernity' in 1943 debated what dilemma facing Japan?
Hint: Consider the context of Japan's expansionist policies during WWII.
Answer
The symposium debated the dilemma of how to combat the West while being modern.
Explanation
The text mentions: 'An influential symposium on ‘Overcoming Modernity’ in 1943 debated the dilemma facing Japan – of how to combat the West while being modern.'
What was the significance of Article 9, the 'no war clause,' introduced in Japan's new constitution after WWII?
Hint: Think about the demilitarization efforts during the US Occupation.
Answer
Article 9 renounced the use of war as an instrument of state policy.
Explanation
The text states: 'This had Article 9, the so-called ‘no war clause’ that renounces the use of war as an instrument of state policy.'
What contributed to Japan's rapid economic rebuilding after its defeat in WWII, often called a 'post-war miracle'?
Hint: Consider both internal strengths and external factors mentioned in the text.
Answer
Japan's economic rebuilding was rooted in its long history of social cohesion, strengthened by US support and demand from the Korean and Vietnamese wars.
Explanation
The text states: 'The rapid rebuilding of the Japanese economy... was firmly rooted in its long history. The social cohesion of the pre-war years was strengthened, allowing for a close working of the government, bureaucracy and industry. US support, as well as the demand created by the Korean and the Vietnamese wars also helped the Japanese economy.'
The modern history of China has revolved around which central question?
Hint: Think about the main goals of the various reform and revolutionary movements in China.
Answer
Modern Chinese history revolved around regaining sovereignty, ending foreign occupation, and achieving equality and development.
Explanation
The text begins the 'CHINA' section by stating: 'The modern history of China has revolved around the question of how to regain sovereignty, end the humiliation of foreign occupation and bring about equality and development.'
Which group of missionaries introduced Western sciences such as astronomy and mathematics to China in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries?
Hint: Recall the religious order mentioned in the context of early European travelers to China.
Answer
Jesuit missionaries introduced Western sciences to China.
Explanation
The text states: 'The beginning of modern China can be traced to its first encounter with the West in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries when Jesuit missionaries introduced Western sciences such as astronomy and mathematics.'
What commodity did Britain use to expand its lucrative trade with China, leading to the first Opium War?
Hint: The name of the war itself gives a clue.
Answer
Britain used opium to expand its trade with China, leading to the first Opium War.
Explanation
The text clearly states: 'Britain used force to expand its lucrative trade in opium leading to the first Opium War (1839-42).'
Chinese thinkers like Liang Qichao were influenced by the negative example of colonised countries like Poland and India, believing that China needed to:
Hint: Consider the lessons they drew from the fate of other nations under colonial rule.
Answer
They believed China needed to strengthen its system and protect itself from colonization.
Explanation
The text states: 'Qing reformers such as Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao realised the need to strengthen the system and initiated policies to build a modern administrative system... They saw the need to protect China from colonisation. The negative example of colonised countries worked powerfully on Chinese thinkers.'
Why was Confucianism seen as a major barrier to new ideas and institutions in early 20th century China?
Hint: Think about the core tenets of Confucianism and how they might clash with a drive for 'new ideas and institutions'.
Answer
Confucianism's traditional emphasis on good conduct, practical wisdom, and proper social relationships was seen as hindering the adoption of new, modern ideas.
Explanation
The text states: 'Confucianism, developed from the teachings of Confucius... was concerned with good conduct, practical wisdom and proper social relationships... It was now seen as a major barrier to new ideas and institutions.'
What significant reform happened in China in 1905, just after the Russo-Japanese War?
Hint: This system determined entry into the elite ruling class.
Answer
The centuries-old Chinese examination system was abolished in 1905.
Explanation
The text mentions: 'In 1905, just after the Russo-Japanese war... the centuries-old Chinese examination system that gave candidates entry into the elite ruling class was abolished.'
Who is unanimously regarded as the founder of modern China and led the overthrow of the Manchu empire in 1911?
Hint: He established the Republic and proposed the Three Principles.
Answer
Sun Yat-sen is regarded as the founder of modern China.
Explanation
The text states: 'The Manchu empire was overthrown and a republic established in 1911 under Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925) who is unanimously regarded as the founder of modern China.'
What were the 'Three Principles' (San min chui) advocated by Sun Yat-sen?
Hint: These principles were the foundation of his revolutionary program.
Answer
The Three Principles were Nationalism, Democracy, and Socialism.
Explanation
The text lists them as: '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 landholdings.'
The May Fourth Movement in 1919 was a protest against:
Hint: It was a galvanized movement attacking tradition and calling for modern science, democracy, and nationalism.
Answer
The May Fourth Movement protested the decisions of the post-war peace conference, specifically China not regaining seized territories.
Explanation
The text states: 'On 4 May 1919, an angry demonstration was held in Beijing to protest against the decisions of the post-war peace conference. Despite being an ally of the victorious side led by Britain, China did not get back the territories seized from it.'
Why did the Guomindang, despite its attempts to unite China, ultimately fail?
Hint: Consider which social group the Guomindang primarily focused on, and which it neglected.
Answer
The Guomindang failed due to its narrow social base and limited political vision, specifically ignoring the peasantry and rising social inequalities.
Explanation
The text explains: 'The Guomindang despite its attempts to unite the country failed because of its narrow social base and limited political vision. A major plank in Sun Yat-sen’s programme – regulating capital and equalising land – was never carried out because the party ignored the peasantry and the rising social inequalities.'
Who emerged as a major CCP leader and based his revolutionary program on the peasantry, differing from the traditional Marxist understanding?
Hint: He led the Communist Party to victory in the civil war.
Answer
Mao Zedong based his revolutionary program on the peasantry.
Explanation
The text states: 'Mao Zedong (1893-1976), who emerged as a major CCP leader, took a different path by basing his revolutionary programme on the peasantry.'
What was a significant reform promulgated by Mao Zedong regarding women's rights during the Jiangxi period?
Hint: Think about reforms related to marriage and family structure.
Answer
Mao Zedong promulgated a new marriage law that forbade arranged marriages, stopped purchase or sale of marriage contracts, and simplified divorce.
Explanation
The text notes: 'He had become aware of women’s problems and supported the emergence of rural women’s associations, promulgated a new marriage law that forbade arranged marriages, stopped purchase or sale of marriage contracts and simplified divorce.'
What arduous journey did the Communists undertake from 1934-35 to seek a new base after the Guomindang blockade?
Hint: It was a 6,000-mile journey to Shanxi.
Answer
The Communists undertook the Long March.
Explanation
The text states: 'This led them to go on what came to be called the Long March (1934-35), 6,000 gruelling and difficult miles to Shanxi.'
The People's Republic of China government, established in 1949, was based on the principles of the 'New Democracy,' which was an alliance of:
Hint: It was explicitly contrasted with the Soviet Union's 'dictatorship of the proletariat'.
Answer
The 'New Democracy' was an alliance of all social classes.
Explanation
The text states: 'It was based on the principles of the ‘New Democracy’, an alliance of all social classes, unlike the ‘dictatorship of the proletariat’* that the Soviet Union said it had established.'
What was the policy launched in 1958 to galvanize China to industrialize rapidly, encouraging people to set up steel furnaces in their backyards?
Hint: This policy also involved the creation of 'people's communes'.
Answer
The policy was the Great Leap Forward.
Explanation
The text states: 'The Great Leap Forward movement launched in 1958 was a policy to galvanise the country to industrialise rapidly. People were encouraged to set up steel furnaces in their backyards.'
The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, launched in 1965 by Mao, aimed to counter his critics by emphasizing:
Hint: Recall the role of the Red Guards and the campaign against 'old culture'.
Answer
The Cultural Revolution emphasized ideology (being Communist) over professional knowledge.
Explanation
The text explains the conflict between Maoists and critics, culminating in the Cultural Revolution where 'Ideology (being Communist) was more important than having professional knowledge.'
Under Deng Xiaoping's leadership from 1978, what was the Party's declared goal for China's development?
Hint: This policy marked a significant shift towards economic development.
Answer
The Party declared its goal as the Four Modernisations (to develop science, industry, agriculture, defence).
Explanation
The text states: 'In 1978, the Party declared its goal as the Four Modernisations (to develop science, industry, agriculture, defence).'
Which area in Kyoto became renowned for its silk industry, producing what was considered the best silk in the world?
Hint: This place specialized in expensive silk products.
Answer
Nishijin in Kyoto became renowned for its silk industry.
Explanation
The text notes: 'They also took steps to develop the silk industry in Nishijin in Kyoto so as to reduce imports. The silk from Nishijin came to be known as the best in the world.'
What was the 'triangular trade' described in the context of the Opium War?
Hint: It involved Britain, India, and China, and was designed to solve Britain's balance-of-trade problem with China.
Answer
The 'triangular trade' was between Britain, India, and China, involving opium from India sold in China for silver, which was then used to buy Chinese goods for Britain.
Explanation
The text explains: 'The East India Company found a new option – opium, which grew in India. They sold the opium in China and gave the silver that they earned to company agents in Canton... The Company used the silver to buy tea, silk and porcelain to sell in Britain. This was the ‘triangular trade’ between Britain, India and China.'
The spread of the 'nuclear family' concept and new domestic goods in Japan during its modernization indicates:
Hint: Consider how increased affluence and new concepts of 'home' would affect family dynamics.
Answer
It indicates a shift in social norms and family structures, moving away from the multi-generational patriarchal household.
Explanation
The text states: 'The patriarchal household system comprised many generations living together under the control of the head of the house, but as more people became affluent, new ideas of the family spread. The new home... was that of the nuclear family... This new concept of domesticity in turn generated demands for new types of domestic goods...'
Which two major forces emerged after the republican revolution, striving to unite China and bring stability?
Hint: These were the two main rival parties in the Chinese Civil War.
Answer
The Guomindang (National People's Party) and the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) emerged as major forces.
Explanation
The text mentions: 'After the republican revolution the country entered a period of turmoil. The Guomindang (the National People’s Party) and the CCP emerged as major forces striving to unite the country and bring stability.'
The growth of civil society movements in Japan during the 1960s was primarily a response to:
Hint: Recall issues like Minamata disease and air pollution.
Answer
Civil society movements grew in response to industrialization's disregard for health and environmental effects, such as cadmium and mercury poisoning.
Explanation
The text states: 'The 1960s saw the growth of civil society movements as industrialisation had been pushed with utter disregard to its effect on health and the environment. Cadmium poisoning... followed by mercury poisoning in Minamata... and problems caused by air pollution...'
Despite the appearance of an industrial working class in Chinese cities like Shanghai by 1919, why was industrial growth still considered slow and limited?
Hint: Consider the composition of the urban workforce described in the text.
Answer
Industrial growth was slow and limited because the majority of urban workers were 'petty urbanites' (traders and shopkeepers), with only a small percentage employed in modern industries.
Explanation
The text notes: 'Industrial growth was slow and limited. In cities such as Shanghai... by 1919 an industrial working class had appeared numbering 500,000. Of these, however, only a small percentage were employed in modern industries such as shipbuilding. Most were ‘petty urbanites’ (xiao shimin), traders and shopkeepers.'
What did Chinese leaders feel was retarding economic growth and development by the end of the 1970s, leading to wide-ranging economic reforms?
Hint: This led to the introduction of elements of capitalism and free markets.
Answer
Chinese leaders felt the ideological system was retarding economic growth and development.
Explanation
The text states: 'However, by the end of the 1970s Chinese leaders felt that the ideological system was retarding economic growth and development. This led to wide-ranging reforms of the economy that brought back capitalism and the free market even as the Communist Party retained political control.'
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