Reference no: EM13371272 , Length: 500 words

1. During the 1880s Japan's senior leaders took several steps to protect their power and privilege prior to the promulgation of the Meiji Constitution. These included Press and Peace Preservation Laws, instituting a "transcendental" cabinet, the Peerage Law, and the establishment of the Privy Council. How were these changes meant to preserve the power of the Meiji oligarchy?

2. The Potsdam Declaration of 1945 set the terms for Japan's surrender and stated that if Japan did not surrender, it would face "prompt and utter destruction." What were the terms of the Potsdam declaration? How successful was SCAP in implementing the terms of the declaration? Be sure to describe specific measures that SCAP undertook under the terms of the Potsdam declaration.

3. Ironically, both the Chinese Communist Party and SCAP instituted reforms that benefited three important constituents: peasants, workers, and women. How did the SCAP reforms directly benefit these constituencies? Describe these reforms and there lasting influence on Japanese society. 

4. In the space of a decade, 1895-1905, Japan's victories over China and Russia, established it as a major regional power in East Asia. Choose one of these wars and discuss the impact of the victory on Japan's standing in the world. How did the victory contribute to Japanese plans for expansion in East Asia?

5. Fukuzawa Yukichi (1834-1901) was one of the leading intellectuals and advocates for modernization in the Meiji Era. At the start of his career Fukuzawa held a very favorable view of the West. How did his views change over time? What events caused him to change his views? How would you evaluate his views in terms of the events of the Meiji era? Cynical? Optimistic? Realistic? 

6. Kitta Ikki's Outline Plan for the Renovation of Japan was a right wing plan for the political, economic and social reorganization of Japan. Written in the 1919, the work was a major inspiration for the Japanese military. What were the major proposals of Kita's plan? Why were Kita's proposals popular junior officers in the military in the 1930s?

7. In his memorial to emperor in February 1945 Prince Konoe expressed his sadness over what he saw as Japan's impending defeat. He also expressed his fear for Japan's future. What did Prince Konoe see as the greatest danger to Japan? What steps did he propose to avoid this danger? How did Prince Konoe's fears foreshadow the later "Reverse Course" of the US Occupation?