CHANGING CULTURAL TRADITIONS

(Focus on Europe 14th – 17th century)

Very Short Answer Type Questions:

1. When did modern eras begin in Europe?

Ans: 14th to 15th century

2. Write the name of famous paintings of Leonardo Da Vinci.

Ans: Virgin of the rocks, The Last Super and Monalisa.

3. Write the name of the astronomer who established that “the sun is he centre of
the universe and not the earth”.

Ans: Copernicus.

4. Martin Luther established which christian sect?

Ans: Lutherism – protestant christian.

5.What is counter reformation?

Ans: Counter reformation is a movement initiated by the catholic christian in

response to protestant movement and to remove the abuses and useless rituals
within the catholic church.

Short Answer Type Questions:

1. Describe the lives of the medieval people.

Ans: Medieval man lived in a static world, meaning a world ruled by customs and
resisted any change. New ideas and new ways of life were vigorously opposed by
the people. Their main concern was to prepare for the next life. The ideal man
during this age was the clustered monk who spent all his life praying and
meditating. The average man did not have freedom to express his views and the
status of people was determined during birth.

2. What were the essential elements of the rapid deveopment of the renaissance
Ans: The rapid development of the rennaisance was driven by several essential
elements, such as, revival of classical learning, humanism, development of printing
press, scientific exploration and experimentation, economic growth and patronage,
global exchange and artistic innovation and perspective.

3. What were the reasons of Renaissance Movement?

Ans: The reasons of Renaissance movement were:

(i) Contact of the Europeans with the Muslim and Byzantine empire.

(ii) Medieval Age predicted the coming of the Renaissance.

(iii) Discoveries and inventions

(iv) Capture of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453.

4. What was the significance of the renaissance period in the field of arts?

Ans: The renaissance period spanning from 14 th to 17th century, marked a

transformation in art. It brought about a revival of classical Greek and Roman
ideas, influencing ot only the subjects and techniques in art but also elevating the
status of the artist in society. It leads to the development of several school of
thought, such as, Realism and perspective, Humanism and individualism, and also
revived the classical themes and techniques.

5. State the reasons why christianity was divided into Catholic and Protestant.

Ans:The division of christianity into catholic and protestants stemmed from

disagreement over doctrine, church practices, and the role of authority within the
church. In the early 16th century, criticism of the christian church grew, as some
believed , it had become too politically involved, overly materialist and corrupt.
Key issues included the selling of indulgences (payment for forgiveness of sins)
and the percieved misuse of power by the pope and other church leaders. It
therefore, leads to the formation of protestant christians, who argued for returns to
simplier, and more personal faith based on the Bible rather than on church
activities.
Essay Type Questions:

1. How did the transformation from Medieval Age to Modern Age come in Europe

Ans: The medieval age was transformed into modern age during the period of 14th
to 17th century. Many adventures and explorers discovered new continents and
new trade routes. Some European colonists and traders were travelling all over the
world. And lately, in a period of three hundred years of change, the whole tone of
life in Europe was altered. Men became anxious to discover new scientific truths
and to make new inventions. The static of the Medieval Age gave way to a new
outlook on life in which men eagerly welcomed change. The people living in the
towns began to think of themselves as more civilized than the rural ones. In ltaly
towns like Florence, Venice and Rome became centres of art and learning. The
invention of printing press at the same time made books available to a large
number of people. A sense of history also developed in Europe. The people now
contrasted the Modern World with the ancient Greek and Roman times.

All these changes which transformed the medieval into modern world
were a part of a great transitional movement which is known as Renaissance. The
Renaissance movement brought about a rediscovery of individual. Men now
gloried in their power as fighters, artists and thinkers. They demanded the right of
self-expression in art, politics and literature. Renaissance man was confident of his
own powers. New thoughts, glorious achievements in art and the victory of
individualism paved the way for religious reformation. It was an indirect result of
the Renaissance.

2. What were the causes of Renaissance Movement? Describe its main feature’s.

Ans: Renaissance was the most important historical events which took place in
Italy. The causes responsible for Renaissance are mentioned below:

(a) Contacts with Muslims and Byzantine:- Many of the causes of the
Renaissance lay in the developments during the period earlier than the 14th
century, such as the contacts of the Europeans with the Muslims and Byzantine
civilizations, the commercial revolution with its interchange of goods and Ideas,
the new learning of the 13th century that created spirit of enquiry among the
people, the rise of national monarchies, and the growth of a wealthy leisured
middle class seeking prestige as patrons or art.

(b) Medieval Age Predicted the coming of the Renaissance:- All along the 14th
century, there was constant appearance of the eager desire which plainly indicated
the coming change and of revolution in the intellectual world. The forerunners of
the "new spirit had attacked the abuses of the society and thus created public
opinion against medievalism."

(c) Discoveries and Inventions:-The era of discoveries and inventions which

began before the Renaissance movement, also paved the way for this movement.
The invention of the printing press facilitated the spread of Renaissance by giving
valuable books at cheap rates. The discovery of the Mariner Compass encouraged
maritime activities and consequently widened the outlook of the people of Europe.

(d) Capture of Constantinople:-lt was, however, the capture of Constantinople by

the 'Turks in 1453 that gave great impetus to the Renaissance movement. The
triumphs of the Turks drove the learned Greeks to seek new homes in Italy and
other European countries. They brought their precious manuscripts with them. This
caused the revival of interest in the old Greek texts and in ancient law and
philosophy.

Main features:-The important features of Renaissance are mentioned below:

i. The rise and the growth of new spirit of learning and intellectuals.

ii. Era of new discoveries and inventions.

iii. lnflux of scholars into Italy.

iv. Achievements in painting, sculpture and architecture.

3. Describe the contribution of Humanist writers to literature.

Ans: Renaissance produced a series of scholars and humanists who contributed

significantly in the field of art and literature. The contributions of Humanist writers
to literature are described as under:

(i) Petrarch:-Petrarch is considered as the father of humanism. He was interested

in the revival of classical Latin. He wrote 'Song Book' in Italian.
(ii) Dante:- Dante was a great Italian author who had humanistic inclinations in his
use of ltalian language.

(iii) Manuel Chrvsoloras:- He was a Greek scholar who taught in the university of
Padua, Milan, Venice and Rome.

(iv) Neoplatonists:- A new school of philosophy known as Neoplatonists emerged

in Italy which refined wisdom and intelligence of the Greek philosophers.

(v) Pico Bella Mirandola:- He set himself to the task of translating the whole of
Bible into Italian.

(vi) Cosmo de Medici:- He founded the Platonic Academy in 1438 in Florence.

This institute popularised thought of plato into a cult.

(vii) Machiavelli:- He was the most famous political thinker who wrote, "The
Prince"' which was a secular treatise on politics. He emancipated the politics from
theology.

All the above scholars and philosophers contributed significantly in literary

development.

4. Describe the growth of art and painting in Europe from 15th and 17th century.

Ans: There was remarkable development in the Renaissance period. There was
high development in painting, sculpture and architecture.

Following artists and scholar achieved remarkable progress in the above fields:

(a) Duccio and Lorenzo de Medici:- They were great artist who contributed
significantly in paintings.

(b) Giotto:-The first Painter to illustrate a new style of painting was the Florentine
artist Giotto.

(c) Leonard da Vinci:- He was one of the greatest painters of Florence in Italy. His
great work such as "Virgin of Rocks", "The Last Supper" and "The Monalisa",
showed mankind and nature in its universal aspects.

(d) Michelangelo:- Michelangelo removed nature from the centre of attention and
concentrated his energies upon man alone.
(e) Titan:- He was the greatest artist of the venetian school. He was a master in the
art of portraiture. Among his best portraits are of Pope Paul II and of “The man in
a Red Cap".

The Renaissance also produced in Netherland a school of painting. The hold

of Christianity upon the Germans was so great that it did not permit the humanistic
and pagan elements of the Italian Renaissance to spread in their country. The
English portraits of the time of Henry VIl, was the work of a German painter
Holbein. Thus, there was remarkable development in the art of painting in Europe
from 15th and 17th century.

5. Describe the progress of architecture in Europe during the Renaissance period.

Ans: During the Renaissance period there was remarkable progress in the field of
architecture in the early 14th and 17th centuries. At first, the Renaissance style of
architecture appeared in France at the end of the 15th century and flourished until
the end of the 16th century.

France:- The French aristocracy imported Italian architect and artists who had been
influenced by the ltalian renaissance. The structure remain Gothic in elevation with
strip windows

Spain:- Architectural Progress took place in Spain. The Renaissance architecture

appeared about the time of the unification of Spain and the expulsion of the Moors.
It preserved the influence of Gothics and Moorish art.

Portugal:- In Portugal, the architecture tends to parallel the development of

Spanish architecture.

Germany:- In Germany, the Renaissance architecture forms was slower that the
other European nations.

England:- The English Renaissance architecture was a very original fusion of the
Tudor Gothic and classical styles which flourished till the early 17th century.

6. What was the position of women in Europe during the 15th to 16th centuries?

Ans: The ideas of dignity of individual and citizenship received no attention during
this period. The men belonging to aristocracy families dominated public life. They
educated their son only to take place in the business or in public life. But the
position of women in the families of merchants was somewhat better.

Shopkeepers were greatly helped by their wives in running the shops. In the
families of bankers and merchants, women looked after the business when male
members went to other places for some work. The widows of the merchants played
important public role than in the case of aristocratic families. In the field of
literature, some women, however, did some creative work. They were sensitive
about humanist education. A women scholar Cassandra Fedele (1465-1558 AD)
was one of the few women who questioned the idea that the women were incapable
of achieving the qualities of a humanist thinker. She was well-known for her
proficiency in Greek and Latin. She was invited to deliver lectures at the
University of Padua. Marchesa of Mantua, another remarkable woman scholar
ruled the state while her husband was absent.

CHAPTER - 14

DISPLACING INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

FOCUS ON NORTH AMERICA AND AUSTRALIAN

(18th – 20th century)

Very Short Answer Type Questions:

1)Why is the Americas called "New World"?

Ans: In 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered America across the Atlantic

between Europe and Asia which is entirely different continent. Thus, America is
known as a 'new world'.

2. Who discovered North America?

Ans: Christopher Columbus discovered North America.

3. How many colonies of North America revolted against the British?

Ans: Thirteen colonies of North America revolted against the British.

4. When did France, England and Holland begin trading activities with America?

Ans: After the seventeenth century, France, England and Holland began trading
activities with North America.

5. The word America was taken from which brave person?

Ans: The Word America was taken from an adventurer named Amerigo Vespucci.

Short Answer Type Questions:

1.Describe the geographic feature of North America.

Ans: The continent of North America extends from the Arctic Circle to the Tropic
of Cancer, from the pacific to the Atlantic ocean.West of the chain of the Rocky
mountain is the desert of Arizona and Nevoda. Still further west there are the
Sierra Nevada mountains, to the East are the Great Plains, The Great Lakes, the
valley of the river Mississippi and the Ohio and the Appalachain mountains.To the
South is Mexico.

2. When and how did colonization begin in North America?

Ans: Colonization began in North America during thr early 17th century.

Colonization in North america started when the European countries such as

Spain, Portugal, France, Holland and England started their first settlement during
the 17th century. After the European trders and adventurers reached the North-east
Coast of North America, they took advantage of the friendly attitude of the Native
people and started plundering wealth through trading activities. Later, the
European induced or forced the native people to sell them their lands after singing
treaties.

3. Describe the expansion of colonial imperialism?

Ans: The expansion of colonial imperialism started during the 17 th century and was
characterised by European powers aggressively establishing, extending, and
consolidating their control over land, resources and indigenous populations. The
process unfolded over several centuries, driven by economic ambitions, strategic
rivalries, religious missions and social pressures . By thr 18 th century, colonial
imperialism hsd toroughly transformed North America through economic
exploitation, land expropriation, cultural imposition, and the rise of settler colonial
societies.

4. What was the impression of European scholars about the Native American?

Ans: The impression of native Americans held by European scholars varied

widely, reflecting a mix of fascination, misunderstanding, admiration and
prejudice. As European exploration and colonization of the Americas increased,
scholars, missionaries and explorers wrote accounts that influenced European
perspectiveson indigenous peoples, often based by their own cultural biases,
religious beliefs and national interests. They generally considered Native American
perople as Noble Savage, Heathens/Pagans, uncivilised and backward.

5. How did slavery come to an end?

Ans: Slavery in America came to an end through a combination of social,

economic, political and military developments, culminating in the civil war and the
passage of the 13th Amendment. In 1862-1865, American civil war broke out
between the states that wanted to retain slavery and those wanted to abolished
slavery in America. In this civil war, the Northen states who supported the
abolishment of slavery came out victorious, which eventually led the slavery came
to and end in 1865.

Essay Type Questions:

1. How did the Europeans exploit the natives of the North America?

Ans: The British setters in North America treacherously forced orinduced the
natives to sell them their lands. They were paid very low prices for their lands.
Thus, natives lost their land and were compelled to pushed westwards. When the
natives found any gold, oil or minerals, they were again evicted. Consequently,
they lost their land and were confined to smallareas called reservation. The natives
revolted against the British rule but they were suppressed mercilessly.
2. Describe the history of imperialistic expansion of North America.

Ans: During the seventeenth century the British,ed setting up their colonise in
North American. During that time the natives of North America lived in bands in
the villages situated near along the river valleys. The Europeans found that the
native peoplewere friendly and welcoming. The natives did not practice large scale
agriculture. So the Europeans started establishing industries in America and
Canada.At the end of the 18th century that the countries now known as Canada and
the USA came into existence.

The European at that time occupied only a very small territory of North
America. But during the next hundred years, they extended their control over more
territory to reach to the present size. Consequently, the U.S.A obtained large
territory by purchase. They purchased the Louisiana from France and Alaska from
Russia. They also acquired much of the territoryfrom Mexico by war. Thus, the
natives of America were deprived of their land, trade, customs, culture and
wereCompelled to move to other backward areas.

3. What was the attitude of the Europeans towards the aboriginals of North
America?

Ans: The Europeans explorers and adventurers discovered various places in North
America. The 19th century witnessed the remarkable changes in the landscape of
North America.

Attitude of the Europeans- The natives were friendly to theEuropeans. They

considered the goods they exchanged withthe Europeans as gifts friendly, but the
Europeans had profit motives. The native Americans had no knowledge about the
theories of economics. They were much annoyed by thegreed of the Europeans.
The Europeans had killed hundredsof leavers. Besides, the Europeans bought most
of the land at a very lower prices. The Europeans had decided to destroy the
primitive men the same way as the primitiveanimals had disappeared. The
geographical displacement andthe disruption of the life style of the indigenous
people was the direct result of the European colonization. It is very shocking that
the Europeans considered the natives of NorthAmerica as uncivilized. The
Europeans occupied the land of the natives justified it by saying that the natives
did not need the land and so they did not deserve to occupy the land.
Thus, from the above analysis it is quite clear that the attitude of the Europeans
towards the natives werehorrible and inhumanitaian..

4. Describe the struggle of the natives of America for their political rights.

Ans: The European exploited the North American natives fromevery point of view.
The natives were deprived of their land and resources. But the British government
did not do anything to protect the rights of the natives of the north America.
Consequently, the natives of North America protested against the Europeans who
had grabbed all theirrights. In 1950's and 1960's the US and Canadiangovernment
thought of abolishing all special provisions forthe natives presuming that they
would join the main stream.ButBut the natives strongly opposed this. In 1954,
"The Declaration of Indian Rights" was introduced. In 1969,
theCanadiangovernment declared that they would not "recognize aboriginal
rights". So the natives strongly opposed this announcement. So the constitution Act
of that year acceptedthe existing aboriginal treaty right of the natives. All these
situations inspired the anoriginals to assert their rights to protect their culture and
privileges.

5. What was the policy of the Government of Australia towards the emigrants?

Ans: From the 1970's, as was happening in the USA and Canada, there was an
eagerness to understand natives as communities with different cultures, unique
ways of understanding, nature and climate. The government had always termed the
land of Australia as belonging to no body. The country has also longhistory of
children of mixed blood (native Europeans) being forcibly captured and separated
from their native relatives. There were agitations around these questions. It led
toenquiries and two important decisions were taken: 1. to recognize that the natives
had strong historic bonds with the land which was "sacred" to them and which
should be respected, 2. that, while past acts could not be undone, there should be a
public apology for the injustice.

In February 2008, Kevin Michael Rudd, the PrimeMinister of Australia,

speaking in the Parliament, apologized to the Aboriginal people of Australia for the
atrocities committed on them in the past. The Parliament applaudedhim. Kevin
Michael Rudd further said that they were beginning a new chapter in the history of
the continent. He admitted all the wrong doings of the governments in the past and
solemnly promised that in future all the people will be given equal opportunities to
make progress.

6. What is imperialism? Name the elements and countries who are helping it.
Explain.

Ans: Imperialism is a policy or practice where a country extend its influence and
control over other territories through economic, political or military means, often
to gain resources , strategic advantage or political dominance.

Some of the elements of imperialism are:

a. Political dominance
b. Economic exploitation
c. Cultural influence
d. Military power
e. Strategic control
f. Ideological justification

Chapter 15

PATH TO MODERNIZATION

(Focus on East Asia, Late 19th and 20th Century)

Very Short Answer Type Questions:

1. In which period Japan was totally cut off from Europe?

Ans: AD 1638 to 1853.

2. Japan signed its first trade treaty with which country ?

Ans: U.S.A.

3. When did Meiji dynasty rule Japan?

Ans: Meiji dynasty ruled Japan from 1868-1912.

4. What was the first achievement of Meiji dynasty?

Ans: The first achievement of Meiji dynasty was the abolitionof feudal system in
the country.

5. Write the names of four main businessmen of Japan .

Ans: Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo and Yasuda.

Short Answer Type Questions:

1.write a short note on Shogun period.

Ans: The Shogun period,also known as the Shogunate era was a period in Japanase
history from the 12th to 19th century, during which Japan was ruled by military
leaders known as Shoguns. The Shogun held actual power, while the emperor
though revered, had a more symbolic role. The Shogun period with the Meiji
restoration in 1868, when the emperor was rerstored to power, and Japan began a
period of rapid modernization.

2.when did Meiji rule come in power and who was it’s first emperor?

Ans: Meiji rule came in power in 1867 and Mikato Manshihito was it’s first
emperor.

3.What was the most important accomplishment of the Meiji Dynasty?

Ans: The most important accomplishment of Meiji dynasty was the framing of
constitution of Japan in 1889, followed by the economic reforms such as abolition
of feudalism, industrial development, developing means of transport and
communication and reforms in banking and currency, which completely
modernized Japan’s economy.
4.Take a quick look at the improvements in currency and banking sector during the
Meiji period.

Ans: The growth of Japanese commerce and industry was followedby the reforms
in currency and banking system. The old feudalcharacter of the Japanese currency
was abandoned and it was completely reorganized to bring about uniformity. Paper
Currency and the decimal system were introduced on theAmerican model. The
establishment of the Bank of Japan resulted in the centralization of the banking
system. The Bank of Japan alone was authorized to issue currency notes.This was
followed by the establishment of Yokohama SpecieBank which mainly dealt with
foreign exchange business. The growth of the banking system promoted Japanese
trade and commerce. Stock exchanges and Chambers of commerce were set up.

5.What was the result of the 1904 – 1905 Russia –Japan war?

Ans: The Russia – Japan war of 1904 – 1905 produced good economic results for
Japan. The industrial production was geared up during the war. The credit
worthiness of Japan increased to such an extent that many countries began to offer
capital resources to Japan. Japan’s foreign trade also started increasing in volume.

Essay Type Questions:

1. Describe the achievements of Meiji rule in Japan.

Ans: The achievements of Meiji rule in Japan are mentioned below:

(a) Abolition of Feudalism:-The first important achievement of Meiji rule was the
abolition of feudal system in the country. In 1869, the chief of the four powerful
clans, Satsuma, Chosand Tosa surrendered their position as territorial magnets and
as the symbols of that offered to the Emperor the register of their land and the
people. By a remarkableact of patriotism, the other feudal lords, the chief daimios
surrendered to the emperor their respective feudal rights andpossessions, and the
lesser nobles followed their example. Then in August 1871, feudalism was
formally abolished by an imperial decree.

b) Industrial Development:-The Meiji leaders foresaw that Japan required a

modern economy to supply the needs of the new military forces and compete with
foreign products at home and abroad. The Japanese developed their mines, built
factories, railways, docks and steamships. Theyestablished cotton and silk mills,
paper mills, chemical works and factories for producing glass and cement. Once
these enterprises were founded, the government generally sold them to various
favoured private interests at extremely low prices.

In order to control flow of foreign capital into the country, the industrial
production was so designed that it would be capable of competing effectively with
the foreign products,

(c)Reforms in Currency and Banking:- The growth of Japanese commerce and

industry was followed by thereforms in currency and banking system. The old
feudal character of the Japanese currency was abandoned and it was completely
reorganized to bring about uniformity. Paper currency and the decimal system
were introduced on the American model. The establishment of the Bank of
Japanresulted in the centralization of the banking system. The Bank of Japan alone
was authorized to issue currency notes. This was followed by the establishment of
Yokohama Specie Bank which mainly dealt wit foreign exchange business.
Thegrowth of the banking system promoted Japanese trade and commerce. Stock
Exchanges and chambers of commerce were set up.

(d)Transport and Communication:- In 1872, the first Government owned railway

lime was constructed betweenTokyo and Yokohama. Private companies were also
givenassistance to build other rail ways. Later, these privately owned railways
we’re nationalized. Telephone system was introduced in 1877.

(e) Industrial Workers:- With the growth of industries, thenumber of people

engaged in manufacturing increased from7,00,000 in 1870 to 4 million in 1913.
Most of the workers in the units employing less than five persons and using neither
machinery nor electric power. More than half of the workerswere employed in
modern factories.

2. Describe the role of Zaibatsu in the economy of Japan.

Ans: The dramatic part played by these mighty business housesof Japan with
extremely widespread interests is known as the "Zaibatsu'". The term Zaibatsu
Iiterally means " money cliques" or plutocracy. The Zaibatsu was a financial
oligarchyconsisting of four major group viz., Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo and
Yasuda. These concerns played a vital role in the economic rise of Japan.

i. Among the four leading Zaibatsu, the first three groups dominated finance,
industry and commerce. But the fourth group was famous primarily for its banking
sphere. In fact, every one of these business houses of Zaibatsu was engaged in
activities of all the four fields of finance, commerce, industry and banking.

ii. The Zaibatsu earned huge profits, and in collaboration with the government,
several enterprises of strategic importance were started by them both in Japan and
her colonies.

iii. During the financial crises when the older business houses met with a failure,
the Zaibatsu usually acquired the properties. The Zaibatsu gave much financial
assistance to the govemment.

iv. During the post First World War Years, the Zaibatsu saw a marked growth in
their financial and commercial interests. By 1929, Zaibatsu in Japan reached the
zenith of its influence and power.

v. The range of activities of the Zaibatsu comprised mining, metals, mechanical

engineering, textiles, paper, glass, cement, machinery and mechanical equipment,
chemicals, shipping, ship building, banking, insurance and domestic and foreign
trade.

3. Describe the economic growth of Japan during the period 1912-1939.

Ans: Japan was a very prosperous country. Its foreign trade startedincreasing in
volume. Japanese trade mainly increased with the Asiatic and North American
Nations. 90 percent of Japanese cotton was absorbed by China and the U.S.A had
been absorbing the whole of Japanese silk.

But after first World War Japan made significant progress in the field of
industry. Thus, Japan increased her industrial production and captured markets in
the countrieslike India, East Indios, South America and Africa. Besides, the
Japanese government exempted the traders and business community from taxation.
Thus, Japan made remarkable progress in the field of trade and industry.
 But in 1927, the failure of banks in Japan deteriorated the economic
condition of Japan. The world economic depression of 1929-32, cast its gloomy
shadowon the economy of Japan. But Japan revived its economic condition in
1930. Japan's economy was restored to normal by the year 1936. By 1931 to 1939,
industrial productionindex stood from 90 to 149..To, Japan emerged as an
important economic power in the international market.

4. Describe the causes of aggressive nationalism in Japan.

Ans: The causes of aggressive nationalism in Japan are mentionedbelow:

(a) Economic Urge:- First, there was the "economic urge" in Japan to acquire
control of sources of raw material in order to feed her industries and to support her
fast expandingpopulation.

(b) The Strategic Factor: The second factor was strategic. Japan's strategic
geographical positon, In many respectwas like that of the British Island. It was of
vital interest to Japan that no hostile power should establish itself too firmly near
her sea-board.

(c) Prestige Motive:- Account must be taken of the 'prestige Motive' reinforced by
the Japanese feeling, that is to use Japanese phrase, "Japan's manifest destiny" to
become the guardian of the peace in Eastern Asia.

(d) The Japanese Plans of Conquest- The world depression of 1929-1932 seriously
affected Japan. They had to export large quantities of goods to keep their factories
and workersbusy. Close at hand lay China, a huge underdeveloped market. The
Japanese statesmen realized that if Japan could cultivate friendly relations with the
KMT Government ofChiang Kai-shek, a promising outlet for Japanese goods
might be secured.

5. How did the Extremists (militarists) capture power in Japan?

Ans: There was a spate of political murders and assassinations. In AD 1932, the
militants murdered Ionize Junnosuke, a former finance minister. This was followed
by the assassination of the head of the Mitsui interests. On May 15, Prime
MinisterInukai Tsuyoshi was assassinated by a small group of naval officers. There
was no revulsion of popular feelings against the assassins and they were given light
punishments. Clydeand Beers point out that significantly, all the dead had been
outspoken foes of those who sought expansion of Japanese foreign interests
through force. In 1936, a more spectacularset of murders was perpetrated by the
extremists. On February 20,a group of army officers at the head of a pickforce of
1,400 men set forth in Tokyo on the coup designed to seize the capital and
overthrow the Civil Government. Admiral Viscount Makato Saito, Lord keeper of
the privy Council, Viscount Jakahashi, the elderly Finance Minister,Admiral
Kentaro Suzuki, Grand Chamberlain of the court,and the General Jotaro Watanabe
were killed in cold blood by the Army oficers. Premier Admiral Okoda escaped
death only by concealment and because of mistaken identity.

After the outburst of fanatical militarism, the army gained the control of
the national affairs. Under the influence of the militants and "Fascists", Japan
followed a moreVigorous foreign policy. By 1937, Jingoism prevailed in Japan. In
1939, she joined the Berlin-Rome Axis which gave a further impetus to the
programme of expansion of the militarists.

6. Describe the events of open civil war between KMT and the Communists during
1947-1949.

Ans: The Civil war between the Nationalists and the Communisthad begun from
early 1947. It spread throughout the length and breadth of the country. The
Communists occupied the countryside around the major cities, being helped by
theRussians; who turned over to them the arms the Japanese had surrendered in
Manchuria. The Nationalists aided bythe transportation services of the United
States Navy and Air Force, won all the main cities including Nanking, and also
rushed troops north to Manchuria. The latter move wasa strategic blunder. The
Kuomintang forces in Manchuria found themselves in indefensible positions and
were forced by the end of 1948, to surrender to the Chinese Red Army.A chain of
military disasters followed in quick succession.TheThe Communist armies stepped
down from Manchuria through the major cities of north China. Peking and the
north were lost, late in the year the main forces of Chiang were utterly defeated
and dispersed at the great battle known as Huari Hai' to the Chinese. The
Communists had overrun whole of mainland China. Chiang fled to the island of
Fomosa(Taiwan) along with his shattered forces while in Peking theCommunist
leader, Mao-Tse Tung, proclaimed the People's Republic of China. On October 1,
1949, China had become a Communist country.