Social 8 Study Guide - June 2013
Use the following description to answer question 1.
Mei-Ling and Allison are both in Grade 8, 12 years old and have brown eyes and black
hair. Both have a younger brother, both are on the honour role at school and both say
that their favorite hobby is singing in their school choir. They also similarly think that
they would like to study to be doctors when they grow up.
Mei-Ling lives in Beijing, China and Allison lives in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada.
1. Is it likely that Mei-Ling and Allison share the same worldview?
a. Yes – since they have so much in common, their worldviews would also be very similar.
b. Yes – because they are both girls of the same age they would have the same worldview.
c. No – because communist countries like China do not have, or allow their citizens to
have, a worldview.
d. No – because they live in different countries, in different societies and cultures.
2. Three of the following choices describe problems which occurred in Edo Japan during the
period of isolation. Which one is NOT a problem?
a) Japanese peasants suffered through a series of disasters and famines leading to food
shortages and starvation.
b) Samurai, because of the long period of peace, were often unable to fill their traditional
roles as warriors.
c) Foreign nations began to put pressure on the Japanese government to allow a greater
amount of trade.
d) Japanese cultural and artistic traditions experienced a Golden Age of Creativity.
3. Traditional Japanese and Aztec worldviews were similar because in each worldview they
believed that
a)
b)
c)
d)
the people of their nation were favored by the Gods
the destiny of their nation was to conquer the world
political leaders were ordinary human beings worthy of respect
economic growth and trade were less important than creating an empire
4. The European traders who were still allowed some contact with Edo Japan despite the
Exclusion Laws were
a)
b)
c)
d)
English
French
Italians
Dutch
Use the following graph to answer question #5.
Isolation to Adaption: Japan
5. Which of the following is a trend that is not shown on this graph (above)?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The number of foreign nationals increased from 1980-2004
From 1980-2000, the number of foreign nationals increased approximately 4 million.
The smallest increase in foreign nationals was between the years 1990-1995
From 1980-1985, the number of foreign nationals increased by 3 million people.
6. The Exclusion Laws passed by the government of Edo Japan, were put into effect MOSTLY as
a result of
a)
b)
c)
d)
Western attempts to seize control of Japan
Japanese fears of being conquered and enslaved as the Aztecs were
the distrust of Christianity by the followers of Confucius
the concern of the Shogun over threats to his power and to Japanese culture
7. To a Grade 8 student in Alberta today, which of the following features of Edo Japan’s
isolation would most likely be considered an ADVANTAGE?
a)
b)
c)
d)
The rigid rules which controlled all social classes
The stability and peace which resulted from control
The limits on personal freedom imposed by the rulers
The inability of people to move from one class to another
8. Which of the following statements describes a DISADVANTAGE of the island location of
Japan?
a) An island location helped to protect Japan from foreign invaders.
b) Since Japan is an island, the resources of the sea helped to feed and employ the
Japanese people.
c) An island location allowed Japan to close itself to foreign influences.
d) Since Japan is an island, trade and contact with other nations is more difficult.
Use the following statement to answer question 9.
Japan saw an increase in urbanization in the late Edo Period because poverty among the
peasant class and widespread famine forced rural dwellers to seek work in Japan's cities.
9. This resulted in which of the following?
a)
b)
c)
d)
A period of intense industrialization.
A change in social class roles and behavior.
A more equal population distribution across Japan.
A period of immigration to Japan as the land abandoned by the peasants became
available for new immigrant settlers.
10. In the Meiji period of Japan, which new element of government was considered to be the
MOST ESSENTIAL?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Emphasis on loyalty to the Emperor
Creation of a Western-style democracy
Guarantee of rights to all Japanese citizens
Abolition of the Japanese feudal system
11. Which plan for reform in the Meiji period was carried out with the GREATEST SUCCESS?
a) The desire to create a form of government close to the democracies of the West.
b) The Charter Oath commitment to remove economic distinctions based on social class.
c) The Charter Oath commitment to eliminate customs which discriminated against or
restricted any groups.
d) The intent to increase industrial and military strength to compete with the West.
12. The changes in the early years of Westernization in Meiji Japan were of concern to
conservatives in Japan because of a tendency to
a)
b)
c)
d)
neglect the development of Japanese industry
change the status of the Emperor
reduce the emphasis on agricultural production
discard Japanese traditions and practices
Use the following methods of the Meiji Government to answer Questions 13 and 14.
Method 1: Send representatives to Europe and the United States to learn about Western
culture.
Method 2: Hire foreign experts to install machinery in Japan and teach Japanese workers how
to use the equipment.
Method 3: Establish large businesses with government funds, then sell them at a low price to
large family firms.
Method 4: Expand education to create more skilled workers.
13. The common objective of the methods described above was to
a)
b)
c)
d)
increase the foreign ownership of Japanese business
increase the level of industrialization in Japan
improve living conditions for Japanese workers
improve relations with the nations of the West
14. In implementing these Methods, the principle which was MOST IMPORTANT to the Meiji
government was the desire to
a)
b)
c)
d)
complete industrialization as quickly as possible
ensure that no changes occurred within Japanese society
modernize Japan without losing traditional values and beliefs
adjust to Western culture by increasing Japanese military strength
15. The Japanese creation of terraces for crops, use of silkworms for clothing material and
harvesting of seaweed and soybeans WOULD ALL be MOST useful in explaining how, during
the Edo period, Japan was
a)
b)
c)
d)
able to exist self-sufficiently
capable of feeding a large population
dependent upon foreign trade
reliant upon industrial production
16. In Meiji Japan, the backlash of people who were concerned about the rapid pace of
Westernization in Japan was BEST described by the motto
a)
b)
c)
d)
Civilization and Enlightenment
Western science, Japanese essence
Westernization at any Cost
Following the Path of Our Ancestors
17. The worldview of the Japanese includes the image that they are one great, unified family
with common values and beliefs, a similar nature and culture. This worldview developed
and was reinforced by which of the following conditions?
a) The physical geography of Japan. The geography of Japan physically isolated the
Japanese from other countries and cultures. The geography of Japan also leaves only
small regions of Japan suitable for human settlement, leading to high populations
densities in these areas and allowing the development of a distinct common culture.
b) An open society during the Edo Period. During this time, foreigners, their food, ideas
and aspects of their culture were of great interest to the Japanese people. The Japanese
culture adopted different cultural traditions which they thought would enhance life in
Japan.
c) A period of warfare. The 17th and 18th centuries saw Japan involved in many violent
conflicts which required the Japanese people to put their differences aside, unite as
one, and focus on defeating foreign aggressors.
d) A policy of 'Sakoku' during the Meiji Period. Sakoku (or 'locked up country') was
practiced during the Meiji period, banning foreign trade, travel and tourism. This
culturally isolated the Japanese and led to them becoming a unified 'homogenous'
society.
Use the following diagram to answer question 18.
18. The center of the diagram is best labeled:
a.
b.
c.
d.
propoganda
worldview
westernization
oligarchy
19. In the early years of Meiji Japan, the increase in meat in the Japanese diet, the cutting of
men’s topknots, and the wearing of Western clothing were ALL associated with
a)
b)
c)
d)
Western practices rejected by the Japanese
customs supported by Japanese traditionalists
customs forced on Japan by the arrival of Western imperialism
practices adapted by many Japanese to conform to Western customs
20. The samurai, the daimyo and the shogun all share the common experience of
a)
b)
c)
d)
loss of social status after the end of Edo Japan
increase in political power during the Meiji Restoration
decrease in economic wealth during the Edo period
gain in social influence during the Meiji Restoration
Use the following cartoon to answer questions 21.
21. What would be the most appropriate title for the above illustration?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Religion and the Samurai
Stages of Samurai dress
Samurai and tradition
The emperor of Japan
Use the following laws to answer question 22.
1. All Christian missionaries and foreign traders must leave Japan.
2. No newcomers may enter Japan.
3. Japanese citizens may not leave Japan.
4. Japanese travelling or living outside Japan may not return to Japan.
5. Large ships that can make long voyages may not be built and any existing ships will be
destroyed.
6. Foreign objects are banned, including Christian and scientific books.
22. The laws listed above are best described as:
a. The strict rules which governed the behavior of each social class during the Edo Period
of Japan.
b. The Exclusion Laws enacted by the Tokugawa Iemitsu during the Edo Period of Japan.
c. The job description of the ronin – the samurai without masters who had no shogun or
daimyo to serve and were placed in charge of serving the needs of all Japanese society.
d. Japan's foreign relations policy after 1868.
Use the following information to answer questions 23.
Goals for the Restructuring of the Government of Meiji Japan
1. Create a strong central government to unite the citizens of Japan and provide effective rule.
2. Create a form of government closer to that of the Western democracies.
23. Why did Meiji leaders create these specific goals to restructure the government of Japan?
a) To prevent a feudal society from forming again in Japan, where wealthy daimyo could
unite and overthrow the Emperor.
b) To return Japan's political structure to what it had been before the Tokugawa Shoguns
of the Edo Period modified it to further their own goals.
c) To structure Japan as a 'Western' nation so Japan could be included in global
organizations like the G8, and would have more input and control over global issues and
politics.
d) To create a basis upon which a strong economy and military could be built thus
decreasing the threat of invasion by western powers and making Japan a strong nation
in the modern world.
24. The story of the 47 ronin is MOST used to illustrate the importance in Japanese culture of
the values of
a)
b)
c)
d)
military service and obedience
duty and honour
revenge and power
harmony and peace
25. To the rulers of Edo Japan, the element of Christianity seen as the greatest threat to the
control of the Shogun was the
a)
b)
c)
d)
moral code that was followed by Christians
Christian belief in using missionaries to convert new people
Christian belief that God’s word is higher than the laws of political leaders
corruption and wealth of the Christian Church
Use the following characteristics to answer Questions 26 and 27.
Characteristic 1: The Japanese have proven adept at learning from others and adapting these
ideas to Japanese culture.
Characteristic 2: The Japanese have stressed the importance of learning and education.
Characteristic 3: The Japanese have had the desire to make their country powerful and
respected in the world.
Characteristic 4: The Japanese have been willing to sacrifice by working hard for the benefit of
the group and society.
26. The characteristics would be most useful in helping to explain Japan’s …
a)
b)
c)
d)
social hierarchy
cultural traditions
economic success
political strength
27. Which of the above characteristics would be seen as most negative to an opponent of rapid
Japanese Westernization?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Characteristics 1 and 2
Characteristics 2 and 3
Characteristics 1 and 3
Characteristics 3 and 4
28. “A warrior class, living according to a strict code of honour, dedicated to serving one
master” BEST describes what group in Edo Japan?
a)
b)
c)
d)
The daimyo
The Ainu
The samurai
The shogun
29. To the rulers of Edo Japan, the element of Christianity seen as the greatest threat to the
control of the Shogun was the
e)
f)
g)
h)
moral code that was followed by Christians
Christian belief in using missionaries to convert new people
Christian belief that God’s word is higher than the laws of political leaders
corruption and wealth of the Christian Church
Use the statements of the following speakers to answer Questions 30, 31, 32.
Speaker 1: “Westerners do not respect us for adopting their styles, they laugh at us. What we
need to do in Japan is to stop this mad rush to become just like the West; we need to look
closely at what the West has to offer, then take the best features and adapt them to our
Japanese ways.”
Speaker 2: “The Shogun must remain strong in order to ensure that harmony, security and
respect for tradition continue in Japan as they always have. The Exclusion Laws will guarantee
the protection of Japanese culture from foreign contamination.
Speaker 3: “The compulsory seclusion of the Japanese is a wrong, not only to themselves but
to the civilized world…The Japanese undoubtedly have an exclusive right to the possession of
their territory; but they must not abuse that right to the extent of the barring of all other
nations from a participation in its riches and virtues.”
Speaker 4: “We have no choice but to Westernize. If we do not build our industrial and military
strength quickly there is a good chance that Japan will end in the same state as China. We must,
in a sense, beat the West at the West’s own game.”
30. Which question BEST describes the issue being addressed by ALL the speakers?
a) Should the West be given control of Japan?
b) How should the leaders of Japan ensure that they have the power they need to govern
Japan?
c) To what extent should Japan adopt a policy of imperialism?
d) How should Japan respond to contact with influences from outside its borders?
31. In which of the following choices is one of the above speakers CORRECTLY identified?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Speaker 1— a Japanese supporter of Western democratic government
Speaker 2 – a supporter of the traditions of Edo Japan
Speaker 3 – an American opponent of trade with Japan
Speaker 4 – a member of the conservative backlash to changes in Meiji Japan
32. Which Speakers express opinions which are MOST SIMILAR?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Speakers 1 and 2
Speakers 1 and 3
Speakers 2 and 3
Speakers 3 and 4
Use the following map to answer Question 33.
33. Using the map above, which statement about Japan is INCORRECT?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Japan is more than 1000 km from the nearest country.
Japan and three other nations border the Sea of Japan.
Koreans are the closest neighbours to the Japanese.
The bulk of Japan’s population is on the island of Honshu.
34. The case study of Japanese contact with other cultures could best be used as evidence to
suggest that
a) contacts between cultures usually ends with one of the cultures being overwhelmed by
the other
b) only isolation from outside cultural contact is effective in preserving cultural traditions
of a nation
c) cultures must be willing to accept the beliefs and values of the new worldviews with
which they come into contact
d) cultural ideas and values can be successfully borrowed and adapted without the
destruction of either culture
Use the following excerpts from the Exclusion Laws to answer Questions 35 and 36.
Excerpt I: Foreign objects, such as any book containing a Christian message, and any scientific
books, are banned.
Excerpt II: Japanese are not allowed to go abroad; any Japanese out of the country will not be
allowed to return.
Excerpt III: All Christian missionaries and foreign traders must leave Japan, and may not return.
Excerpt IV: Japanese ships able to make long ocean voyages must be destroyed, and new ships
may no longer be built.
35. All of these provisions in the Exclusion Laws resulted in Edo Japan’s policy of
a)
b)
c)
d)
imperialism
isolationism
expansionism
militarism
36. If a nation in the modern world wanted to impose similar restrictions in its country, the
widespread use of the Internet would pose the GREATEST challenge to the enforcement of
a)
b)
c)
d)
Excerpt I
Excerpt II
Excerpt III
Excerpt IV
37. Three of the following statements identify reasons for the success of Japanese
industrialization during the Meiji period. Choose the EXCEPTION.
a) Japan had a long tradition of adapting foreign features to Japanese culture
b) Japanese society has encouraged hard work and sacrifice for the good of the community
or nation.
c) Japan’s naturally abundant resources allowed rapid industrial and economic growth.
d) Japanese government leaders coordinated and organized a national effort to develop
new industry.
38. The feudal system of society which Japan had through the Edo Period was dismantled by
the Meiji government. Which two feudal social classes were most affected by the reforms
made by the Meiji leaders?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The Shogun and daimyo
The commoners and nobility
The merchants and peasants
The daimyo and samurai
39. The case study of Japanese contact with other cultures could best be used as evidence to
suggest that
e) contacts between cultures usually ends with one of the cultures being overwhelmed by
the other
f) only isolation from outside cultural contact is effective in preserving cultural traditions
of a nation
g) cultures must be willing to accept the beliefs and values of the new worldviews with
which they come into contact
h) cultural ideas and values can be successfully borrowed and adapted without the
destruction of either culture
Use the following quotation to answer Questions 40 and 41.
We recognize the excellence of Western civilization. We value the Western theories of rights,
liberty and equality; and we respect Western philosophy and morals….Above all, we esteem
Western science, economics and industry. These, however, ought not to be adopted simply
because they are Western; they ought to be adopted only if they can contribute to Japan’s
welfare.
40. The writer of the quotation, taken from a Japanese newspaper in 1889, was most likely a
supporter of
a)
b)
c)
d)
Japanese isolationism from outside influences
Westernization of Japanese culture and industry
Japanese borrowing of Western economic and political ideas
Democratization of the Japanese political system
41. The writer of this quotation and people who hold the same belief would have seen the early
actions of the Meiji Restoration as
a) acceptable, because they led to industrial growth in Japan
b) acceptable, because Japan’s government was made to resemble that of the United
States
c) unacceptable, because Japanese traditions were followed too closely
d) unacceptable, because Japanese traditions were often ignored in implementing foreign
practices
Use the following statement to respond to Question 42.
The Japanese were forced, rather unwillingly, to change from an isolated society, controlled by
a rigid refusal to change, to a nation which had to adapt to Western society quickly or risk being
taken over by the Western nations.
42. Which of the following is the question to which the above statement provides the CORRECT
response?
a)
b)
c)
d)
How was the Japanese worldview changed by the arrival of Western influences?
How was the role of the Emperor altered by the changes caused by Westernization?
How did contact with Japan change the way in which the West viewed the Japanese?
How did cultural contact with the West help to enrich Japanese traditions?
Look at the cartoon below to answer question 43.
43. The above cartoon depicts Edo Japan as an environmentally friendly society. Which
influence/concept made it change?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Expansionism
Shogunate
Westernization
Communism
44. What geographic feature of Japan was the GREATEST FACTOR in aiding the long-term
success of the policy of isolation begun by the leaders of Edo Japan?
e)
f)
g)
h)
The mountainous terrain of Japan
The frequent natural disasters which occurred in Japan
The island location of the nation of Japan
The limited number of natural resources in the nation of Japan
Use the following laws to answer question 45.
1. All Christian missionaries and foreign traders must leave Japan.
2. No newcomers may enter Japan.
3. Japanese citizens may not leave Japan.
4. Japanese travelling or living outside Japan may not return to Japan.
5. Large ships that can make long voyages may not be built and any existing ships will be
destroyed.
6. Foreign objects are banned, including Christian and scientific books.
45. The laws listed above are best described as:
e. The strict rules which governed the behavior of each social class during the Edo Period
of Japan.
f. The Exclusion Laws enacted by the Tokugawa Iemitsu during the Edo Period of Japan.
g. The job description of the ronin – the samurai without masters who had no shogun or
daimyo to serve and were placed in charge of serving the needs of all Japanese society.
h. Japan's foreign relations policy after 1868.
Use the Speaker's thoughts below to answer question 46.
Speaker #1: "All members of a Grade 8 Social Studies class have the same individual
worldview"
Speaker #2: "No two people on earth have the same worldview."
Speaker #3: "Since all humans live on Earth, all humans have the same worldview."
Speaker #4: "All members of a Grade 8 Social Studies class have a similar societal
(collective) worldview."
46. Which speaker's statement above is true?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Speaker # 1
Speaker # 2
Speaker # 3
Speaker # 4
47. The contact between the Japanese people and the Ainu people of Japan is most similar to
relations and contact between
e)
f)
g)
h)
Italian and Muslim merchants during the Renaissance
European settlers and aboriginal Canadians in North America
European traders and Asian merchants in the trade for spices
African leaders and European slave traders in the Age of Exploration
Look at the following pie chart and information box to answer question 48.
The pie chart on the left records
the religious affiliations reported by
Japanese citizens in 2000. The
total number of religious affiliations
reported was 216 million.
However, the total population of
Japan when the survey was
conducted was 125 million.
48. According to the description of the pie chart what would conclusion could be inferred?
a.
b.
c.
d.
There are only three religions practiced in Japan
Some people in Japan practice more than one religion
Christianity is the predominant religion in Japan
Buddhism is the oldest religion in Japan.