Chapter Review

Chapter 19: Modern Japan

Reviewing the Main Ideas

• How did the United States influence Japan after World War II?

• The US occupied Japan until 1952, disbanded Japan’s armed forces, helped write a new constitution, and provided economic aid.

What steps did the Japanese take to rebuild their economy after

1945?

• They rebuilt most of the nation’s factories with the latest technology available. Although Japan initially developed heavy industries, it later shifted to such high-tech industries as electronics.

How did traditional values help Japan’s recovery?

• Traditional values such as loyalty and hard work contributed to productivity. In addition, respect for education and thriftiness helped spur Japan’s economic recovery.

Why did Japan have no military forces after WWII?

• The new constitution forbade the government to maintain military forces.

• After 9/11 Japan has cooperated in some military measures.

How has Japan reacted to criticism of its role in the global economy?

• Under pressure, Japan has made some efforts to ease trade barriers. It has set up a Peace Corps to help people in developing nations gain skill in modern technology and farming methods.

• Japan has brought students from developing nations to study in Japan and provided billions of dollars in loans and grants to countries in Southeast Asia.

How has poetry been important in Japanese culture?

• Throughout their history, the Japanese have used poetry to express emotions and create a particular mood. To the samurai, writing fine poetry was valued as much as sword handling.

Reviewing Chapter Themes

• Democratic Reforms

• The emperor was stripped of his power,

• The new constitution provided for a list of rights similar to the American Bill of Rights.

• Women won the right to vote.

• The head of the household lost legal authority over the rest of the family.

Adapting Western Influence

• After WWII, Japan rebuilt its factories based on the latest technologies in the west.

• Later Japan borrowed western technology and improved on it.

Global Trade and Dependence

• The well-being of Japan’s economy is directly related to the quantity of exports that it ships to the rest of the world.

• At the same time, Japan’s expanding economy requires the importation of more raw materials from abroad.

Enduring Legacies of Art

• Poetry, which has been popular since early times, is still enjoyed in Japan today.

• Kabuki theater has been watched and appreciated by the Japanese since it originated hundreds of years ago.

Important Cultural Values

• Hard work

• Discipline

• Cooperation

• Respect

• Simplicity

• Thriftiness

• Closeness to nature