25.

1 JAPAN
1. What happened during the Meiji Restoration and what was its effect?
Japanese leaders traveled overseas to learn about Western governments, economies,
technologies, and customs. They came back with knowledge of industrialization techniques.
Japan evolved from its rigid feudalism and adapted into a modern, industrial economy. Japan
adapted the German model of government with a Diet.
2. What was Japans society and government like prior to reform and industrialzation (in
the 1600s)?
Japan was ruled by shoguns in Edo. Daimyos, landowning warrior lords helped rule Japan,
while emperors still lived in Kyoto. The Japanese were forbidden to travel overseas. The only
window to the outside world was Nagasaki, where the Dutch were allowed very limited trade.
The nation developed in isolation.
24.5 CHINA
1. Explain what led up to and caused the Opium Wars.
Europe (mainly Britain) desperately wanted Chinese goods such as porcelain, silk, and tea,
while the Chinese only wanted gold and silver. China had a trade surplus, while Britain had a
trade deficit. In order to get out of this situation, the British started to sell opium to the Chinese,
getting them addicted on the drug. After the constant buying of opium, China, in an effort to save
its economy, banned the use of opium and demanded the British merchants stop selling it to
them. They did not listen, leading to wars.
2. Why was the Qing Dynasty in decline?
Irrigation systems were poorly kept, caused massive floods in the Huang valley. The population
explosion caused problems for peasants. The imperial court spend too much money, the rich
people evaded taxes, and the Taiping Rebellion happened, weakening the dynasty even more.
There was constant pressure from Europe and Russia.
24.4 INDIA
1. Explain how Britain exploited Indian diversity to their advantage.
Under the Mughal empire, India was united. After it fell, India was fragmented with many
different people, regions, and cultures who had feelings of nationalism. The British encouraged
competition and disunity among rival princes. After governments became unstable, Britain
overpowered rulers with their superior weapons and technology.
2. Who is Ram Mohun Roy and what was his legacy on India?
He was a scholar who saw the points of view of both the west and India. He spoke many Asian,
European, and Classical languages. He was the founder of Hindu College, which provided an
English-style education for people in India. He condemned rigid caste distinctions, child
marriage, purdah (the isolation of women), and other conservative practices. He is considered
the founder of Indian nationalism.
24.2 AFRICA
1. Why was the Berlin Conference called and what became of it?
King Leopold II of Belgium had private treaties with the Congo. Many nations of Europe met
(without African nations) and called for free trade on African rivers. They now allowed European
nations to claim any part of Africa if they had set up a government office there. This began the
race to colonize Africa.

2. Give 3 examples in which an African leader/nation either fought against or accepted

Western culture.
Samori Toure fought French forces in the west. The Asantes put themselves under the control of
their queen, Asantewaa who led her people in a war with Britain. Ethiopia, under Menelik II,
decided to hire European experts to help in modernizing the nation. With new technology, and a
stronger army, Menelik crushed Italian invaders.