Assignment Overview: This assignment is based on the accompanying five documents and tests your ability to analyze historical sources and develop and support an original historical argument.
As you examine each document, carefully consider the following:
Historical Context: When was the document made? What was happening at that time?
Intended Audience: Who was this document originally made for? Why does this matter?
Purpose: Why was this document created? What did the author want to accomplish?
Point of View: Based on the identity of the author how might this source have a biased perspective?
Assignment Tasks: You will complete two tasks in the course of this assignment:
Part A: Document Analysis: Closely examine and annotate each document, keeping in mind the prompt.
Prompt: How did the Meiji Restoration transform Japanese society?
Historical Context: The information below is provided to help you interpret the documents. This information cannot be utilized in your annotations.
The Meiji Restoration began with the overthrow of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the reestablishment of the Meiji Emperor. The Meiji elite believed that Japan needed to rapidly strengthen if it were to defend itself against Western aggression. To that end, Japan’s Meiji government invited Western specialists into Japan to help reform all aspects of society and government.
Annotation Example:
Historical Context: The historical context is ______.
Intended Audience: The intended audience is ________.
Purpose: The purpose of this cartoon/letter is _________.
Point of View: The author of this source believes that ________.
Part A: Document Analysis
Directions: Analyze and annotate each of the documents below. Find the HC,
Document 1a
. . . Most of all the Japanese realists noticed what had happened to China—noticed, and were appalled. China was not just another country but the Middle Kingdom, the Central Country. Its emperor had historically referred to Japan’s emperor as “your little king.” A new China had been carved up by Westerners, debauched [corrupted] by opium and left totally unprotected by either the Ch’ing dynasty or armed force. If the British and French could polish off China, what hope was there for little Japan—against Britain, France, Russia and the United States? Japan could try to enforce its seclusion law, said one of its very shrewdest leaders after the Biddle affair, but if “the foreigners retaliated, it would be a hopeless contest, and it would be a worse disgrace for Japan.” . . .
Source: James Fallows, “When East met West: Perry’s Mission Accomplished,” Smithsonian, July 1994.
Historical Context: This document was made in 1994. At the time, Japan and China were both rapidly modernizing and establishing themselves as global powers. The author is reflecting on the historical context of the Meiji Restoration, which took place in the late 19th century.
Intended Audience: The intended audience of this document is readers of Smithsonian magazine who are interested in Japanese history and its relationship with the West.
Purpose: The purpose of this document is to provide insight into the mindset of Japanese realists during the Meiji Restoration. It highlights their concern over China's downfall at the hands of Western powers and the potential vulnerability of Japan to the same fate.
Point of View: The author of this source believes that Japanese realists were alarmed by the events in China and recognized the need for Japan to modernize and strengthen itself to protect against Western aggression. The use of words like "appalled" and "hopeless contest" indicate a sympathy with the perspective of the Japanese realists.