Paths to Modernisation Short and Long Important Question Class 11 History Chapter-7 Book-Themes in World History

 

1. What was the position of China and Japan in East Asia at the beginning of the 19th century?

Answer:

• China under the Qing Dynasty was the most powerful country in East Asia.

• Japan was a small and isolated island nation.

• Unrest subsequently spread in China, making it unable to confront the colonial powers.

• Japan increased industrialization and military power and took control of Taiwan (1895) and Korea (1910).

2. What are the geographical differences between China and Japan?

Answer:

China:

• It is a continental country with diverse climatic zones.

• There are three major rivers—the Yellow River (Huang He), the Yangtze River (Chang Jiang), and the Pearl River.

• Much of the area is mountainous, and the main ethnic group is Han Chinese.

Japan:

• It is a group of islands consisting of four major islands—Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku, and Hokkaido.

• More than 50% of the area is mountainous and is an earthquake-prone region.

• There is no tradition of animal husbandry; rice is the staple crop and fish is the main source of protein.

3. How did Shogun rule work in Japan?

Answer:

• In Japan the Emperor was only a nominal ruler, while real power lay with the Shoguns.

• The Tokugawa clan held the shogunate from 1603 to 1867.

• The country was divided into 250 regions, which were controlled by daimyo (regional rulers).

• Samurai warriors served the shogun and daimyo.

4. What were the major reforms carried out during Tokugawa rule?

Answer:

• The peasants were stripped of their weapons, which gave special privileges to the samurai class and reduced wars.

• The daimyo were ordered to reside in the regional capital so as not to pose a threat to the shogun.

• The lands were surveyed and the tax system was strengthened.

5. What was the Meiji Restoration?

Answer:

• In 1867-68 the Meiji dynasty removed the Tokugawa dynasty from power.

• Emperor Meiji was brought to Tokyo, and Tokyo was made the new capital.

• Reforms were made in the economy, administration, and military, adopting Western models.

• The slogan given was- "Fukonku Kyoreda" (Prosperous country, strong army).

6. What reforms took place in education and administration in Japan?

Answer:

• In 1890 the Education Order came into effect—it was made compulsory for children to attend school.

• The administrative structure was changed, and new provinces were created.

• Compulsory recruitment was introduced in the army and a modern military force was created.

7. What were the main factors of Japan's industrial revolution?

Answer:

• Railways and banking system were developed.

• Technology and experts were called from Europe.

• Industries were promoted by giving subsidies to Mitsubishi and Sumitomo companies.

• The number of workers increased from 2 lakh in 1870 to 40 lakh in 1913.

8. What was Japan's foreign policy like during the Meiji period?

Answer:

• Japan defeated China in 1894 and Russia in 1905.

• In 1910, Japan colonized Korea.

• In 1931 Japan occupied Manchuria and embarked on military expansion.

9. What reforms took place in China in the 19th century?

Answer:

• Kang Yovel and Liang Qichou suggested adapting traditional ideas in a new way.

• Sun Yat-sen founded the republic in 1911.

• Reforms were carried out based on three principles (nationalism, socialism, democracy).

10. What was the difference between the Kuomintang and the Chinese Communist Party?

Answer:

11. Why was the communist revolution in China (1949) successful?

Answer:

• The farmers were promised land.

• Mao Zedong adopted guerrilla warfare techniques.

• The Kuomintang government was corrupt and dependent on the United States.

12. What was the 'Long March' (1934-35)?

Answer:

• The Chinese Communist Party's campaign to retreat from Chiang Kaishek's army.

• Only 10% of the fighters survived the 9,000 kilometre journey.

• Mao Zedong's prestige grew and he became the supreme leader of the CCP.

13. What was the 'Great Leap Forward' in China?

Answer:

• In 1958, rapid industrialization and agricultural reforms were implemented.

• Collective farming called "People's Commune" began.

• The failure resulted in millions of people dying from starvation.

14. What reforms took place in China after 1978?

Answer:

• A socialist market economy was introduced.

• Foreign investment was encouraged.

• The Tiananmen Square protests (1989) occurred, which were crushed by the military.

15. What is Taiwan's relationship with China?

Answer:

• In 1949, Chiang Kaishek fled to Taiwan and established the Republic of China.

• Taiwan is economically prosperous, but is not recognized as an independent country.

• China considers Taiwan as its part, while Taiwan demands independence.

16. What were the causes and consequences of the Korean War (1950-53)?

Answer:

Reason:

• Differences between North Korea (support: Soviet Union, China) and South Korea (support: US, UN).

• North Korea invaded in 1950.

Results:

• In 1953, a ceasefire was signed and Korea was divided into two parts.

• North Korea (dictatorial, communist) and South Korea (democratic, capitalist) were created.

17. What were the reasons behind the economic development of South Korea?

Answer:

• Industrialization in the 1960s.

• Adopted an export-based economy.

• The education system was strengthened.