Social Studies test questions

Short Answers and Essay Questions:
1. Descibe the Closed Edict of 1635.

2. Explain how the combination of Eastern morality and Western skills helped Japan become modern and progressive.

Answers will vary, but student responses should include the following:-technology from the West combined with the discipline of the East enabled a faster progress to modernization- adoption of new models of government- increase in trade and economy, combined with a large industrious population

3. During the Edo period, the shogun closed Japan off from the rest of the world and minimized its contact with the outside in order to retain power. In essay format describe the effects of this isolation on Japan and its citizens. Be certain to give examples, both positive and negative, using lessons from the textbook and class discussions.

Answers will vary but should contain some of the following:Positive- no war; the country was at peace- contributed to the unification of Japan- Confucian beliefs and values influenced the Tokugawa shoguns to rule in a caring manner- metropolises developed- popular culture diversified and increased (art, theatre, literature)- internal infrastructure was developed (e.g., roadways)- new agricultural techniquesNegative- hierarchical and rigid social class system- isolation from the rest of the world; no travel or contact- shogun had supreme power and authority