Exploring the Meiji Restoration and Japan's Imperial Expansion

The video covers Japan's transformation from a closed nation to a modern state. It begins with Commodore Perry's expedition in 1853, leading to Japan's opening to trade. The Meiji Restoration follows, modernizing Japan and dismantling old social hierarchies. Japan's imperial ambitions lead to conflicts in Asia, including the Sino-Japanese War. During WWI, Japan expands its influence but faces international tensions. Pre-WWII, Japan's military gains control, leading to expansion and eventual defeat in WWII. Post-war, Japan is reconstructed under US occupation, adopting a new constitution.

Who led the American expedition that forced Japan to open up to foreign trade?

• President Franklin D. Roosevelt

• Admiral Chester Nimitz

• Commodore Matthew Perry

• General Douglas MacArthur

What was the central government of Japan called during the period before the Meiji Restoration?

• Samurai Council

• Bakufu

• Diet

• Imperial Court

What significant event marked the beginning of the Meiji Restoration?

• The Satsuma Rebellion

• The restoration of the Emperor as the ruler of Japan

• The arrival of Commodore Perry

• The signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa

Which class was initially the exclusive members of Japan's national military before conscription was introduced?

• Samurai

• Merchants

• Artisans

• Peasants

Which island did Japan take in 1875 as part of its imperial expansion?

• Kyushu

• Hokkaido

• Okinawa

• Taiwan

What was the outcome of the Russo-Japanese War in 1905?

• Japan gained territory and Russia agreed to leave Manchuria

• The war ended in a stalemate

• Russia gained control of Manchuria

• Japan was defeated and lost territory

What major event in 1923 significantly impacted Japan?

• The Great Kanto Earthquake

• The signing of the Treaty of Versailles

• The Meiji Restoration

• The Satsuma Rebellion

What incident in 1937 led to the full-scale invasion of China by Japan?

• The Mukden Incident

• The Marco Polo Bridge Incident

• The Battle of Shanghai

• The Nanjing Massacre

What was the immediate American response to Japan's refusal to back down in 1941?

• The signing of a peace treaty

• An oil embargo

• Economic sanctions

• A declaration of war

What was a significant outcome of Japan's post-war reconstruction?

• Japan became a military superpower

• Japan formed an alliance with Germany

• Japan adopted a new constitution preventing it from declaring war

• Japan regained all its lost territories