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Chapter 26 Russia and Japan: Industrialization Outside the West Multiple-Choice Questions 1) Meiji reforms in Japan included A) abolition of the shogunate. B) outlawing of Parliament. C) retention of feudalism. D) election of the chief ministers. Answer: A Rationale: The Meiji Restoration aimed to centralize power under the emperor and abolish the feudal system of the Tokugawa shogunate, making option A correct. The Meiji government did not outlaw Parliament (option B), retain feudalism (option C), or establish elections for chief ministers (option D). 2) Which factor helped spur Japanese imperialism? A) they dismissed great Western powers B) the need to occupy displaced samurai C) the disdain of Russian expansion D) the need for a larger supply of factory labor Answer: B Rationale: The need to find roles for the displaced samurai after the Meiji Restoration was a significant factor driving Japanese imperialism, as many samurai were left without employment. This need influenced Japan's expansionist policies, making option B correct. Options A, C, and D are not directly related to the drivers of Japanese imperialism. 3) Japanese education stressed A) learning Western languages. B) patriotism and group loyalty. C) the importance of individual rights. D) the errors of Japanese tradition before the Meiji era. Answer: B Rationale: Japanese education during the Meiji period emphasized patriotism, loyalty to the emperor, and collective identity, aligning with option B. While Japan did adopt aspects of Western education, it primarily focused on instilling national unity rather than individual rights (option C). Option A is partially correct but does not encompass the primary emphasis of Japanese education during this period. Option D is incorrect as Japanese education aimed to modernize and not solely focus on criticizing pre-Meiji traditions. 4) Early industrialization raised new issues in Japan because of A) similar political factions. B) rapid population growth. C) strong women’s rights protests. D) certainty about Japanese identity. Answer: B Rationale: Rapid population growth during early industrialization in Japan posed significant challenges, including strain on resources, urbanization, and social unrest, making option B correct. While political factions did exist, they were not a primary issue related to industrialization (option A). Women's rights protests were not a major concern during this period (option C). Option D does not directly relate to the challenges posed by early industrialization. 5) Which of the following was taken over by Japan before 1914? A) the Philippines B) Manchuria C) Korea D) Siberia Answer: C Rationale: Japan took over Korea before 1914, making option C correct. The Philippines were taken over by the United States, not Japan (option A). While Japan had influence in Manchuria, it did not fully control the region before 1914 (option B). Siberia was part of the Russian Empire and was not taken over by Japan (option D). 6) Japan and Russia show that ________ is a good measure of “modernizing” change in the late 19th century. A) decline of literacy and schools B) decline of cities C) industrialization D) ability to surpass the West in technology Answer: C Rationale: Both Japan and Russia experienced significant industrialization during the late 19th century, indicating that industrialization is a key measure of modernizing change during this period, making option C correct. Options A, B, and D are not directly related to the modernization process experienced by Japan and Russia. 7) Russia had an advantage over Japan in the area of A) peasant mobility. B) efficient government. C) natural resources. D) independence from the West. Answer: C Rationale: Russia had an advantage over Japan in terms of abundant natural resources, including vast land and mineral wealth, making option C correct. Peasant mobility (option A) and efficient government (option B) were not significant advantages for Russia over Japan during this period. While Russia sought independence from Western influence, it also faced challenges in modernizing its economy and military (option D). 8) Judging by Russian and Japanese experience, latecomer industrialization involves A) a considerable economic role for the state. B) Western control of leading factories. C) rapidly rising living standards for the working class. D) a low rate of protest. Answer: A Rationale: Latecomer industrialization, as observed in both Russia and Japan, typically involves a considerable economic role for the state in guiding and promoting industrial development, making option A correct. Western control of leading factories (option B) was not a characteristic of latecomer industrialization. While industrialization may eventually lead to rising living standards, this is not necessarily immediate (option C). Protest and social unrest often accompany industrialization, especially during its early stages, making option D incorrect. 9) What victories did Russia have in the early part of the 19th century? A) defeated Napoleon’s armies and acquired territory in Poland B) defeated Japan’s navy and acquired territory in Korea C) defeated the British navy and acquired territory in India D) defeated Napoleon’s armies and took over the Philippines Answer: A Rationale: Russia achieved victory over Napoleon's armies and gained territory in Poland during the early 19th century, making option A correct. Russia did not defeat Japan's navy or acquire territory in Korea (option B). Options C and D are also incorrect as they do not accurately reflect Russian victories during this period. 10) When did the Decembrist revolt occur? A) December 1835 B) December 1825 C) January 1825 D) December 1815 Answer: B Rationale: The Decembrist revolt occurred in December 1825, making option B correct. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the accurate timing of the Decembrist revolt in Russian history. 11) What happened in Russia between 1830 and 1831? A) Nicholas I brutally repressed a national uprising in Poland. B) Nicholas I encouraged Catholics in Poland to go to church. C) Russia was shaken up by multiple revolts. D) Russia had an epidemic of smallpox. Answer: A Rationale: Between 1830 and 1831, Nicholas I of Russia brutally repressed a national uprising in Poland, making option A correct. There is no historical evidence to support options B, C, or D. 12) How did Russia respond to Western industrialization? A) changed transportation methods B) changed manufacturing methods C) tightened the obligations of serfs D) became an industrial society very quickly Answer: C Rationale: Russia responded to Western industrialization by tightening the obligations of serfs to increase agricultural production and maintain the existing social order, making option C correct. While Russia did eventually undergo industrialization, it did not become an industrial society very quickly (option D). There is no direct evidence to support options A or B. 13) What led to the emancipation of the serfs? A) the Russian Revolution B) the Crimean War C) the Pugachev Rebellion D) the Decembrist revolt Answer: B Rationale: The emancipation of the serfs in Russia was largely prompted by the need for reforms after the Crimean War, making option B correct. The Russian Revolution occurred much later and did not directly lead to the emancipation of the serfs (option A). The Pugachev Rebellion and the Decembrist revolt were earlier events that did not directly result in serf emancipation (options C and D). 14) Which Russian tsar was in power during the Crimean War? A) Nicholas I B) Nicholas II C) Alexander I D) Alexander II Answer: D Rationale: Tsar Alexander II was in power during the Crimean War, making option D correct. Nicholas I preceded Alexander II, and Nicholas II succeeded him (options A and B). Alexander I was the tsar before Nicholas I (option C). 15) Why did Tsar Alexander II want to rid Russia of the old social system? A) to develop Russia into a more dynamic economy B) so workers wouldn’t move to cities to get better jobs C) so workers wouldn’t move to factories to get better jobs D) it was needed to discourage Western agricultural methods Answer: A Rationale: Tsar Alexander II wanted to modernize Russia's economy and society to compete with Western powers, making option A correct. The emancipation of the serfs and other reforms aimed to stimulate economic development. Options B, C, and D do not accurately reflect the motivations behind Alexander II's reforms. 16) Alexander II introduced ________ and ________ between the 1860s to the 1870s. A) limited bureaucracy; new universities B) the Red Army; the Russian navy C) national political councils; new courts D) local political councils; new courts Answer: D Rationale: Between the 1860s and 1870s, Alexander II introduced local political councils (zemstvos) and new judicial reforms in Russia, making option D correct. These reforms aimed to decentralize governance and improve the legal system. Options A, B, and C do not accurately represent the reforms implemented by Alexander II during this period. 17) What was the new Russian railroad called? A) the Trans-Siberian Railroad B) the East India Railroad C) the Orient Express D) the Constantinople Railway Answer: A Rationale: The new Russian railroad constructed during this period was called the Trans-Siberian Railroad, making option A correct. Options B, C, and D refer to different railroads or routes not associated with Russia's railroad system during this time. 18) Who was Count Witte? A) the minister of industry and an economic reformer B) the minister of interior and a political reformer C) the minister of finance and an economic modernizer D) the minister of farming and an agricultural modernizer Answer: C Rationale: Count Sergei Witte served as the minister of finance and was known as an economic modernizer in Russia, making option C correct. He played a significant role in implementing economic reforms and promoting industrialization. Options A, B, and D do not accurately represent Count Witte's role in Russian government and reform efforts. 19) By 1900, approximately half of Russian industry was ________ and ________. A) native-owned; native-operated B) foreign-owned; foreign-operated C) foreign-owned; native-operated D) government-owned; government-operated Answer: B Rationale: By 1900, approximately half of Russian industry was foreign-owned and foreign-operated, reflecting significant foreign investment in Russian industrial development, making option B correct. Options A, C, and D do not accurately represent the ownership and operation structure of Russian industry at that time. 20) By 1900, Russia ranked high in ________ and ________ production. A) iron; precious metals B) vodka; whiskey C) cotton; silk D) steel; petroleum Answer: D Rationale: By 1900, Russia ranked high in steel and petroleum production, reflecting its growing industrial capacity and natural resource extraction, making option D correct. Options A, B, and C do not accurately represent the industries in which Russia excelled at that time. 21) What year was Alexander II assassinated? A) 1881 B) 1891 C) 1871 D) 1888 Answer: A Rationale: Alexander II was assassinated in 1881, making option A correct. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the correct year of Alexander II's assassination. 22) In Russia, new measures of repression were directed against A) Russian anarchists. B) Russian peasants. C) minority nationalities. D) majority nationalities. Answer: C Rationale: In Russia, new measures of repression were directed against minority nationalities, particularly those seeking autonomy or independence, making option C correct. While repression did occur against other groups, such as anarchists and peasants, the focus on minority nationalities was particularly notable during this period. 23) Around what time did a group of radical leaders become attracted to Marxist doctrines? A) 1790s B) 1890s C) 1880s D) 1900s Answer: B Rationale: A group of radical leaders became attracted to Marxist doctrines around the 1890s, reflecting the rise of socialist and revolutionary movements in Russia, making option B correct. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the timing of the adoption of Marxist doctrines in Russia. 24) Which country did Russia suffer a defeat to in 1905? A) Poland B) the United States C) Korea D) Japan Answer: D Rationale: Russia suffered a defeat to Japan in the Russo-Japanese War of 1905, making option D correct. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not represent the country to which Russia suffered a defeat in 1905. 25) What conflict did Russia plunge into before the Russian revolution? A) World War I B) World War II C) the Spanish-American War D) the Austro-Hungarian Conflict Answer: A Rationale: Russia plunged into World War I before the Russian Revolution, contributing to the social and economic strains that eventually led to the revolution, making option A correct. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the conflict that preceded the Russian Revolution. 26) What Russian physiologist advanced the understanding of unconscious responses in human beings? A) Karl Marx B) Ivan Pavlov C) Leo Tolstoy D) Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Answer: B Rationale: Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist, advanced the understanding of unconscious responses in human beings through his work on classical conditioning, making option B correct. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent individuals known for advancements in the understanding of unconscious responses. 27) The following helped cause the Russia’s 1905 revolution? A) winning the war against Japan B) peasant discontent with the conditions of emancipation C) conservative demands among business and professional groups D) replacement of the tsar by a reform-minded military group Answer: B Rationale: Peasant discontent with the conditions of emancipation was a significant factor that contributed to Russia's 1905 revolution, making option B correct. The Russo-Japanese War (option A) and conservative demands among business and professional groups (option C) also played roles in the revolution, but they were not as central as peasant discontent. Option D is incorrect as there was no replacement of the tsar by a reform-minded military group during the 1905 revolution. 28) In addition to emancipation of the serfs, late-19th century Russian reforms included A) new law codes and revision of criminal punishments. B) abolishment of local government councils. C) efforts to contain literacy. D) legalization of trade unions. Answer: A Rationale: In addition to the emancipation of the serfs, late-19th century Russian reforms included new law codes and revisions of criminal punishments, reflecting broader legal and social reforms during this period, making option A correct. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the reforms implemented in late-19th century Russia. 29) Serfdom and peasant conditions constituted burning issues in 19th-century Russia because A) once peasants gained the vote, they insisted on wider reforms. B) peasant protest threatened to topple the tsarist regime. C) the size of the peasantry meant that economic change depended on new flexibility in rural life. D) declining birth rates among impoverished peasants made it impossible for Russia to maintain the size of its armies. Answer: C Rationale: Serfdom and peasant conditions were burning issues in 19th-century Russia because the size of the peasantry meant that economic change depended on new flexibility in rural life, making option C correct. While peasant protest (option B) and declining birth rates (option D) were concerns, they did not capture the central economic and social implications of serfdom and peasant conditions. Option A is incorrect as peasants did not gain the vote during the 19th century in Russia. 30) Emancipation of the serfs caused new discontent because it A) gave the nobles all of the land. B) totally disrupted village governments. C) saddled peasants with redemption payments. D) prevented any development of an urban labor force. Answer: C Rationale: The emancipation of the serfs caused new discontent because it saddled peasants with redemption payments, which often left them in debt bondage to the landowners, perpetuating economic inequality and discontent, making option C correct. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the consequences of serf emancipation. 31) In contrast to Western monarchies, the tsarist government in the 19th century A) developed too many new economic functions. B) faced more serious political protest. C) lacked central parliamentary institutions. D) dismantled its political police. Answer: C Rationale: The tsarist government in the 19th century lacked central parliamentary institutions, unlike many Western monarchies that had developed such institutions, making option C correct. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately contrast the nature of the tsarist government with Western monarchies. 32) The Marxist movement became exceptionally important in Russia because it A) was larger than those of the West. B) was well organized and radical. C) outnumbered other radical organizations in Russia. D) won secret support from the tsarist government. Answer: B Rationale: The Marxist movement became exceptionally important in Russia because it was well organized and radical, attracting a significant following among intellectuals, workers, and peasants, making option B correct. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately explain why the Marxist movement gained prominence in Russia. 33) Japanese industrialization differed from Russian in that it caused A) little change in military life. B) less widespread or revolutionary protest. C) no serious disruption of prior conditions. D) little attention to heavy industry as opposed to consumer goods. Answer: B Rationale: Japanese industrialization differed from Russian in that it caused less widespread or revolutionary protest, as the Japanese government managed industrialization in a more controlled manner, mitigating social unrest, making option B correct. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the differences between Japanese and Russian industrialization. 34) In contrast to China, both Russia and Japan A) had traditions of weak central government. B) had a large native middle class. C) had traditions of imitation of outside cultures. D) were strongly influenced by Christianity. Answer: C Rationale: In contrast to China, both Russia and Japan had traditions of imitation of outside cultures, as evidenced by their adoption of Western technology, institutions, and ideologies during the modernization period, making option C correct. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately contrast Russia and Japan with China. 35) What was the result of Decembrist revolt? A) Political opponents were given a platform. B) The secret police disbanded. C) Nicholas I embraced more outright conservatism. D) The press and schools were given free expression. Answer: C Rationale: The result of the Decembrist revolt was that Nicholas I embraced more outright conservatism, tightening control over dissent and resisting further liberal reforms, making option C correct. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the outcome of the Decembrist revolt. 36) What tensions were rising in early industrializing Russia? A) in growing factories, shorter hours and fair pay B) populations were rapidly declining C) peasants deeply resented aristocratic estates D) peasants were eager to pay off taxes Answer: C Rationale: Tensions were rising in early industrializing Russia as peasants deeply resented aristocratic estates, leading to social unrest and sporadic revolts, making option C correct. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the tensions present in early industrializing Russia. 37) Many Russian radicals were ________ who wanted ________. A) socialistists; a division of classes B) anarchists; to reorganize government policies C) anarchists; all government abolished D) communists; to restore monarchy Answer: C Rationale: Many Russian radicals were anarchists who wanted all government abolished, advocating for a stateless society based on voluntary associations, making option C correct. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the ideologies and goals of Russian radicals. 38) What did the Romanticism encourage in eastern Europe? A) classical music traditions B) a Western culture movement C) cultural and political nationalisms D) a pan-European movement Answer: C Rationale: Romanticism encouraged cultural and political nationalisms in Eastern Europe, fostering a sense of identity and solidarity among various ethnic and national groups, making option C correct. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the influence of Romanticism in Eastern Europe. 39) What entity ran Japan in the early 19th century? A) the shogunate B) samurais C) Japanese aristocrats D) Confucian schools Answer: A Rationale: The shogunate ran Japan in the early 19th century, holding de facto power and governing on behalf of the emperor, making option A correct. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the governing authority in early 19th century Japan. 40) What kind of regime did emperor Mutsuhito usher into Japan? A) Shojo, or “horizontal rule” B) Meiji, or “enlightened rule.” C) Daijo, or “vertical rule” D) Qing or “dynastic rule” Answer: B Rationale: Emperor Mutsuhito ushered in the Meiji Restoration, which marked the beginning of "enlightened rule" in Japan, characterized by modernization, industrialization, and centralization of power under the emperor, making option B correct. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the regime introduced by Emperor Mutsuhito. 41) How did the Japanese government take a more active role in its industrialization? A) It developed new technology. B) It built banking systems and transportation. C) It lessened the power of wealthy businessmen and aristocrats. D) It allowed dissident groups to have their say in free presses. Answer: B Rationale: The Japanese government took a more active role in its industrialization by building banking systems and transportation infrastructure, providing financial support and logistical frameworks for industrial development, making option B correct. Options A, C, and D do not accurately describe the ways in which the Japanese government facilitated industrialization. 42) What did early industrialization depend upon in Japan? A) mass worker exploitation B) farmers tilling the soil C) Marxist intellectuals D) foreign capital Answer: A Rationale: Early industrialization in Japan depended upon mass worker exploitation, as labor was a crucial factor in driving industrial growth, making option A correct. Options B, C, and D do not accurately represent the primary factors behind early industrialization in Japan. 43) The Japanese copied Western fashion and hairstyles, along with adopting A) Western judicial and educational practices. B) the Hebrew calendar and the standard system of measures. C) the Western calendar and the metric system. D) Christianity as the country’s main religion. Answer: C Rationale: The Japanese copied Western fashion and hairstyles, along with adopting the Western calendar and the metric system, as part of their efforts to modernize and Westernize during the Meiji period, making option C correct. Options A, B, and D do not accurately describe the aspects of Westernization adopted by Japan. 44) How was the role of Japanese women affected by rapid industrialization? A) There was a new reliance on women’s work in factories. B) Women were elevated by staying at home. C) A new law promoted polygamy. D) Mistresses were discouraged from the upper classes. Answer: A Rationale: The role of Japanese women was affected by rapid industrialization as there was a new reliance on women’s work in factories to meet the labor demands of industrial production, making option A correct. Options B, C, and D do not accurately describe the changes experienced by Japanese women during industrialization. 45) What prompted Japanese interest in territorial expansion? A) inviting Western interests B) imitation of Western models C) ability to export its coal D) ability to export its oil Answer: B Rationale: Japanese interest in territorial expansion was prompted by imitation of Western models, particularly the European imperial powers, as Japan sought to acquire colonies and assert its influence in the region, making option B correct. Options A, C, and D do not accurately describe the reasons behind Japanese territorial expansion. 46) What elements did Japanese nationalism build upon? A) rebellion and struggle B) dignity and religious fervor C) humility and individuality D) deference and obedience to rulers Answer: D Rationale: Japanese nationalism built upon deference and obedience to rulers, emphasizing loyalty to the emperor and the state, making option D correct. Options A, B, and C do not accurately describe the foundations of Japanese nationalism. 47) Russia and Japan were both initially spurred to major 19th-century reform by A) a desire for greater prosperity for the people. B) the acquisition of new colonies with inviting markets. C) newly disturbing contacts with the West. D) a wave of popular unrest. Answer: C Rationale: Russia and Japan were both initially spurred to major 19th-century reform by newly disturbing contacts with the West, particularly encounters with Western military technology and political institutions, prompting efforts to modernize and strengthen their respective states, making option C correct. Options A, B, and D do not accurately describe the catalysts for reform in Russia and Japan. 48) How was the liberation of serfs more generous than the liberation of slaves in the Americas? A) The serfs received a one-time pension. B) The serfs received most of the land they worked on. C) The serfs gained political rights at the national level. D) The serfs could travel freely to other villages. Answer: B Rationale: The liberation of serfs in Russia was more generous than the liberation of slaves in the Americas as the serfs received most of the land they worked on, providing them with a means of economic independence and self-sufficiency, making option B correct. Options A, C, and D do not accurately describe the differences between the liberation of serfs and slaves. 49) What shook Japan out of its traditional reliance on its own superiority? A) The British invaded the western coast of Japan. B) The Russians invaded the northern coast of Japan. C) The shogunate force used Western weapons to defeat the samurai. D) The samurai used Western weapons to defeat a shogunate force. Answer: D Rationale: Japan was shaken out of its traditional reliance on its own superiority when the samurai used Western weapons to defeat a shogunate force during internal conflicts, highlighting the effectiveness of Western technology and prompting Japan to modernize and adapt, making option D correct. Options A, B, and C do not accurately describe the events that challenged Japan's traditional mindset. 50) What reform did the Meiji period focus on? A) the production of the automobile B) the acceptance of homosexuality C) the establishment of a new army D) mass education for men only Answer: C Rationale: The Meiji period in Japan focused on the establishment of a new modern army, which was crucial for Japan's efforts to modernize and defend itself against foreign powers, making option C correct. Options A, B, and D do not accurately describe the primary reform focus of the Meiji period. Short Answer Questions 51) In what ways did Japanese political reform not fully replicate Western political patterns? Answer: Japanese political reform did not fully replicate Western political patterns in terms of the establishment of a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy. While Japan did adopt some elements of Western political systems, such as a constitution and a bicameral legislature, the emperor retained significant political power, and the government maintained a strong influence over political affairs, which diverged from the more decentralized and democratic nature of Western political systems. 52) How did Russian tsars define conservatism before 1861? Answer: Before 1861, Russian tsars defined conservatism as maintaining the autocratic rule of the monarchy, upholding the power and privileges of the nobility, and resisting significant political or social reforms that could undermine their authority. They emphasized traditional Russian values, Orthodox Christianity, and the hierarchical structure of society, while suppressing liberal or revolutionary movements that advocated for greater rights or freedoms. 53) Briefly discuss three signs of strain in Japanese society by 1900. Answer: Three signs of strain in Japanese society by 1900 included: 1. Social unrest among peasants and workers due to rapid industrialization and urbanization, leading to labor strikes and protests against poor working conditions and low wages. 2. Growing political discontent among intellectuals and middle-class professionals who sought greater political participation and civil liberties, challenging the authority of the conservative oligarchy that dominated government. 3. Increasing militarism and nationalism fueled by territorial expansionist ambitions, resulting in tensions with neighboring countries and internal divisions over Japan's role in global affairs, particularly in relation to Western imperialism. 54) Briefly discuss the characteristic political and social structure of the smaller eastern European countries by 1900. Answer: By 1900, the smaller eastern European countries typically exhibited a political structure characterized by varying degrees of authoritarianism or constitutional monarchy, often under the influence of larger neighboring powers such as Russia, Austria-Hungary, or Germany. Socially, these countries were marked by ethnic diversity, with tensions between different ethnic and religious groups contributing to political instability and occasional conflicts. Industrialization and modernization efforts were uneven across the region, leading to socioeconomic disparities and rural-urban divides. 55) Compare Russian and Japanese reform periods. What changes were similar, which were different? Answer: Both Russian and Japanese reform periods were characterized by efforts to modernize and strengthen their respective countries in response to external pressures and internal challenges. Similar changes included the abolition of feudal systems (serfdom in Russia, feudal domains in Japan), the implementation of centralized bureaucracies, the adoption of Western technology and institutions, and the pursuit of territorial expansion. However, differences arose in the pace and nature of reforms, as well as the degree of political openness. Japan underwent a more rapid and systematic modernization process during the Meiji Restoration, which included the establishment of a constitutional monarchy and the rapid development of industry and infrastructure. In contrast, Russian reforms were more gradual and top-down, often limited by the resistance of conservative elites and the persistence of autocratic rule, leading to slower progress in certain areas such as political liberalization and social equality. Essay Questions 56) What set Japan and Russia apart from other non-Western societies during the late 19th century? Answer: Japan and Russia were set apart from other non-Western societies during the late 19th century primarily due to their successful modernization efforts and territorial expansion. Both countries actively adopted Western technology, institutions, and military strategies, enabling them to assert themselves as major regional powers and challenge Western dominance in Asia and Europe. 57) What were the similarities between reforms initiated in Japan and Russia in the later 19th century? Answer: The similarities between reforms initiated in Japan and Russia in the later 19th century included the abolition of feudal systems (serfdom in Russia, feudal domains in Japan), the establishment of centralized bureaucracies to modernize administration, the adoption of Western technology and industrial practices to stimulate economic growth, and the pursuit of territorial expansion to strengthen national security and prestige. 58) Why did greater social protest develop in Russia than in Japan during the early industrialization period? Answer: Greater social protest developed in Russia than in Japan during the early industrialization period due to several factors. In Russia, the rapid industrialization led to harsh working conditions, economic disparities, and social upheaval, exacerbated by the persistence of autocratic rule and the resistance of conservative elites to meaningful reform. In contrast, Japan's modernization was more controlled and gradual under the Meiji Restoration, with the government implementing social policies to mitigate unrest and maintain stability, such as land redistribution and labor regulations. 59) By 1900, what were the main ways in which Japan was neither Western nor westernizing? Answer: By 1900, Japan was neither Western nor westernizing in several key aspects. Despite adopting Western technology and institutions, Japan maintained its traditional cultural values, social hierarchies, and religious practices. Additionally, Japan pursued a policy of territorial expansion and imperial ambitions in Asia, challenging Western colonial powers and asserting its own dominance in the region on its own terms. Furthermore, Japan's unique blend of modernization and traditionalism set it apart from Western nations, demonstrating its ability to adapt foreign influences while preserving its own identity. 60) Imagine a conversation between a typical Japanese and a typical Chinese political leader, about 1870, discussing how to respond to the West. Answer: Japanese Leader: "We must follow the path of modernization set by the West. Their technological advancements have allowed them to dominate the world, and we cannot afford to fall behind." Chinese Leader: "But at what cost? Western imperialism has exploited and humiliated our people. We must preserve our cultural identity and resist foreign influence." Japanese Leader: "I understand your concerns, but isolationism will only lead to further weakness. We must adapt and strengthen ourselves to protect our sovereignty." Chinese Leader: "Perhaps you are right. But we must proceed cautiously, ensuring that we modernize on our own terms and do not sacrifice our values in the process." This hypothetical conversation highlights the differing approaches of Japan and China to responding to Western influence, with Japan advocating for rapid modernization and engagement with the West, while China emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation and cautious reform. Test Bank for World History in Brief: Major Patterns of Change and Continuity Peter N. Stearns 9780205896301, 9780134085623
