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Shō Tai was the first King of Ryukyu to establish formal diplomatic relations with Western powers.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Shō Tai's reign saw increased interactions with Western powers, the source indicates that these were often driven by external pressures, and formal diplomatic relations were established through agreements like the Lew Chew Compact, often negotiated by officials rather than the King directly meeting Western envoys. The question implies he *initiated* these as the *first*, which is not supported as a proactive establishment by him, but rather a response to pressures.
Commodore Matthew C. Perry successfully met with King Shō Tai during his visits to Naha.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source states that despite Commodore Perry's demands and forced entry into Shuri Castle, he was never permitted to meet the young King Shō Tai, instead meeting with the royal regent and other high-ranking officials.
The Lew Chew Compact of 1854 was signed after Commodore Perry's visits and opened Ryukyu to trade and diplomatic relations with the United States.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Lew Chew Compact of 1854, signed after Commodore Perry's visits, is explicitly described as opening Ryukyu to trade and diplomatic relations with the United States.
Shimazu Hisamitsu, lord of Satsuma, initially supported Ryukyu's interactions with Western powers to gain wealth and power for his domain.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source indicates that Shimazu *Nariakira* initially supported these interactions, while his successor, Shimazu *Hisamitsu*, reversed these policies and was radically opposed to foreign influence.
Relations between Ryukyu and France were particularly strong during Shō Tai's early reign, leading to the establishment of a French Mission in Naha.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that relations with France were particularly strong during Shō Tai's early reign, including the establishment of a French Mission in Naha and a formal gift of artillery.
Shō Tai received formal recognition of his authority from the Chinese Imperial Court immediately upon ascending the throne.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shō Tai sent the customary mission to China to request investiture in 1864, 16 years after ascending the throne, and received formal recognition two years later in 1866, not immediately upon ascension.
Shō Tai became King of Ryukyu at the age of sixteen and reigned for nearly 31 years.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shō Tai became King of Ryukyu at the age of *six*, not sixteen, and reigned for nearly 31 years.
The first one to two decades of Shō Tai's reign were primarily focused on internal reforms to strengthen the kingdom's economy.
Answer: False
Explanation: The first one to two decades of Shō Tai's reign were dominated by pressures from Western powers seeking to open Ryukyu to trade and establish diplomatic relations, not primarily internal economic reforms.
The era dates associated with Shō Tai's reign reflect only Japanese dynastic periods.
Answer: False
Explanation: The era dates associated with Shō Tai's reign, such as Daoguang, Xianfeng, and Tongzhi, primarily reflect Chinese dynastic periods, not solely Japanese ones.
What was Shō Tai's primary title from June 8, 1848, until October 10, 1872?
Answer: Hereditary King of the Qing tributary Ryukyu Kingdom
Explanation: From June 8, 1848, until October 10, 1872, Shō Tai reigned as the hereditary king of the Qing tributary Ryukyu Kingdom.
At what age did Shō Tai become King of Ryukyu?
Answer: Six
Explanation: Shō Tai became King of Ryukyu at the young age of six.
What dominated the first one to two decades of Shō Tai's reign?
Answer: Pressures from Western powers to open Ryukyu to trade.
Explanation: The first one to two decades of Shō Tai's reign were primarily dominated by escalating pressures from Western powers seeking to open the Ryukyu Kingdom to trade and establish formal diplomatic relations.
Who did Commodore Matthew C. Perry meet with during his visits to Naha, instead of King Shō Tai?
Answer: The royal regent and other high-ranking officials
Explanation: Commodore Matthew C. Perry was never permitted to meet King Shō Tai, instead conducting his meetings with the royal regent and other high-ranking officials.
What was the significance of the Lew Chew Compact of 1854?
Answer: It formally opened Ryukyu to trade and diplomatic relations with the United States.
Explanation: The Lew Chew Compact of 1854 was significant because it formally opened Ryukyu to trade and diplomatic relations with the United States, paralleling the Convention of Kanagawa.
Which Japanese lord initially supported Ryukyu's interactions with Western powers to gain wealth and power?
Answer: Shimazu Nariakira
Explanation: Shimazu Nariakira, the lord of Satsuma, initially supported Ryukyu's interactions with Western powers, viewing them as opportunities to enhance his domain's wealth and power.
What did France formally present to Shō Tai in 1857, indicating significant diplomatic and military exchange?
Answer: A number of field artillery pieces
Explanation: In 1857, France formally presented Shō Tai with a number of field artillery pieces, signifying a notable diplomatic and military exchange.
When did Shō Tai send the customary mission to China to request investiture, 16 years after ascending the throne?
Answer: 1864
Explanation: Shō Tai sent the customary mission to China to request investiture in 1864, 16 years after he ascended the throne.
The era dates Daoguang Dōkō, Xianfeng Seihō, and Tongzhi Dōchi associated with Shō Tai's reign primarily reflect which country's dynastic periods?
Answer: China
Explanation: The era dates Daoguang Dōkō, Xianfeng Seihō, and Tongzhi Dōchi associated with Shō Tai's reign primarily reflect Chinese dynastic periods, underscoring Ryukyu's tributary relationship with China.
Shō Tai's reign was characterized by the successful maintenance of Ryukyu's dual-loyalty system to both the Qing dynasty and the Satsuma Domain.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source explicitly states that Shō Tai's reign was characterized by the *eradication* of the dual-loyalty system, which was replaced by exclusive loyalty to Japan, not its successful maintenance.
The 1868 Meiji Restoration clarified the Ryukyu Kingdom's status, firmly integrating it into the new Japanese central government.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following the 1868 Meiji Restoration, the status of the Ryukyu Kingdom became *ambiguous* and unclear, not firmly integrated, and was a subject of internal debate within the Japanese government.
A Ryukyuan ship incident in 1871, where its crew was killed by Taiwanese natives, directly led to a Japanese military expedition to Taiwan.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source explicitly states that the 1871 Ryukyuan ship incident, where the crew was killed by Taiwanese natives, escalated into an international incident and ultimately resulted in a Japanese military expedition to Taiwan in 1874.
Shō Tai willingly traveled to Tokyo in 1872 to formally pay respects to Emperor Meiji, acknowledging his kingdom's subordination.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shō Tai refused to journey to Tokyo in 1872, citing illness, and instead sent his uncle and a senior minister to pay respects to Emperor Meiji on his behalf.
The Ryukyuan envoys' visit to Tokyo in Shō Tai's stead resulted in the Ryukyu Kingdom being declared 'Ryukyu Han,' a feudal domain under the Emperor of Japan.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that in Tokyo, the envoys received a proclamation declaring the Ryukyu Kingdom to be 'Ryukyu Han,' transforming it into a feudal domain under the Emperor of Japan.
The Matsuda missions aimed to preserve Ryukyu's autonomous administrative structure while fostering closer cultural ties with Japan.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Matsuda missions' primary objective was to *reorganize* Ryukyu's administrative structure and *integrate* it more fully into the Japanese system, not to preserve its autonomy.
Shō Tai formally abdicated his throne on March 27, 1879, leading to the establishment of Okinawa Prefecture.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source explicitly states that Shō Tai formally abdicated on March 27, 1879, which resulted in the abolition of Ryukyu *han* and the establishment of Okinawa Prefecture.
Chinese Viceroy Li Hongzhang successfully negotiated with former US president Ulysses S. Grant to reverse the annexation of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Answer: False
Explanation: Chinese Viceroy Li Hongzhang did protest the annexation and attempted to reopen discussions with former U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, but his efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
Ōkubo Toshimichi's proposal to make Shō Tai the hereditary governor of Okinawa was widely accepted by the Japanese government.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ōkubo Toshimichi's proposal was ultimately rejected by Tokyo, despite some Okinawan support, due to concerns it might signal administrative failure and reignite sovereignty issues.
Nakijin Chōfu served as Regent for Shō Tai from 1875 to 1879.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Nakijin Chōfu served as Regent for Shō Tai from 1875 to 1879, a critical period during the kingdom's transition.
Shō Tai held the title of Domain King of Ryukyu from October 10, 1872, until March 27, 1879.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source explicitly states that Shō Tai held the title of Domain King of Ryukyu from October 10, 1872, until March 27, 1879.
The annexation of Ryukyu Domain by the Empire of Japan on March 27, 1879, marked the end of Shō Tai's reign as Domain King.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that the annexation of Ryukyu Domain by the Empire of Japan on March 27, 1879, definitively marked the end of Shō Tai's reign as Domain King.
The 'Ryukyu Disposition' refers to the series of events that led to the Ryukyu Kingdom gaining full independence from both China and Japan.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Ryukyu Disposition' refers to the series of events that led to the *abolition* of the Ryukyu Kingdom and its *integration* into Japan, not its gaining full independence.
Which major political transformation occurred during Shō Tai's reign regarding Ryukyu's loyalty?
Answer: Eradication of the dual-loyalty system and replacement with exclusive loyalty to Japan.
Explanation: Shō Tai's reign witnessed the eradication of the Ryukyuan kingdom's dual-loyalty system and its replacement with exclusive loyalty to Japan.
What was the immediate impact of the 1868 Meiji Restoration on the Ryukyu Kingdom's status?
Answer: Its status became ambiguous and unclear.
Explanation: Following the 1868 Meiji Restoration, the status of the Ryukyu Kingdom became ambiguous and unclear, leading to internal debate within the Japanese government.
What incident in 1871 led to a Japanese military expedition to Taiwan in 1874?
Answer: A Ryukyuan ship wrecking on the Taiwanese coast and its crew being killed.
Explanation: The incident in 1871 where a Ryukyuan ship wrecked on the Taiwanese coast and its crew was killed by local natives directly led to a Japanese military expedition to Taiwan in 1874.
Why did Shō Tai refuse to journey to Tokyo in 1872 to pay respects to Emperor Meiji?
Answer: He cited illness as his reason.
Explanation: Shō Tai refused to travel to Tokyo in 1872, citing illness as his reason for not formally paying respects to Emperor Meiji.
What was the outcome of the Ryukyuan envoys' visit to Tokyo in Shō Tai's stead in 1872?
Answer: The Ryukyu Kingdom was declared 'Ryukyu Han,' a feudal domain under Japan.
Explanation: The Ryukyuan envoys' visit to Tokyo in 1872 resulted in a proclamation declaring the Ryukyu Kingdom to be 'Ryukyu Han,' transforming it into a feudal domain under the Emperor of Japan.
What was the primary goal of the Matsuda missions to Ryukyu in 1875 and 1879?
Answer: To reorganize Ryukyu's administrative structure and integrate it into Japan.
Explanation: The Matsuda missions aimed to reorganize Ryukyu's administrative structure and integrate it more fully into the Japanese system.
When did Shō Tai formally abdicate his throne, leading to the establishment of Okinawa Prefecture?
Answer: March 27, 1879
Explanation: Shō Tai formally abdicated his throne on March 27, 1879, an act that led to the abolition of Ryukyu *han* and the establishment of Okinawa Prefecture.
Who protested against the annexation of the former Ryukyu Kingdom and attempted to reopen discussions about its sovereignty?
Answer: Chinese Viceroy Li Hongzhang
Explanation: Chinese Viceroy Li Hongzhang protested against the annexation of the former Ryukyu Kingdom and attempted to reopen discussions about its sovereignty, though his efforts were unsuccessful.
What was Ōkubo Toshimichi's proposal in 1875 regarding Shō Tai and Okinawa?
Answer: To make Shō Tai the hereditary governor of Okinawa to pacify anti-Japanese sentiments.
Explanation: In 1875, Ōkubo Toshimichi proposed making Shō Tai the hereditary governor of Okinawa as a means to pacify anti-Japanese sentiments and facilitate the prefecture's assimilation.
Why was Ōkubo Toshimichi's proposal to make Shō Tai hereditary governor of Okinawa ultimately rejected by Tokyo?
Answer: The Japanese government feared it might signal a failure of the current administration and reignite sovereignty issues.
Explanation: Tokyo rejected Ōkubo Toshimichi's proposal because the Japanese government feared it might signal a failure of the current administration and potentially reignite contentious issues regarding the islands' sovereignty.
Who served as Regent for Shō Tai from 1875 to 1879?
Answer: Nakijin Chōfu
Explanation: Nakijin Chōfu served as Regent for Shō Tai during the critical period from 1875 to 1879.
What was Shō Tai's status between October 10, 1872, and March 27, 1879?
Answer: Domain King of Ryukyu
Explanation: Between October 10, 1872, and March 27, 1879, Shō Tai held the title of Domain King of Ryukyu, a position appointed by the Japanese Emperor Meiji.
What does the 'Ryukyu Disposition' refer to?
Answer: The series of events leading to the abolition of the Ryukyu Kingdom and its integration into Japan.
Explanation: The 'Ryukyu Disposition' refers to the comprehensive series of political and administrative events that culminated in the formal abolition of the Ryukyu Kingdom and its subsequent integration into Japan as Okinawa Prefecture.
What was Shō Tai's status from October 10, 1872, until March 27, 1879?
Answer: Japanese-appointed Domain King
Explanation: Between October 10, 1872, and March 27, 1879, Shō Tai held the title of Domain King of Ryukyu, a position appointed by the Japanese Emperor Meiji.
Shō Tai was granted the title of Kōshaku, or Marquess, which is the highest tier of nobility within the Japanese *kazoku* peerage system.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Shō Tai was granted the title of Kōshaku (Marquess), the source clarifies that this was the *second* tier of nobility within the Japanese *kazoku* peerage system, not the highest.
Shō Tai immediately left his palace and departed Okinawa for Tokyo on March 30, 1879, after his abdication.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Shō Tai left his palace on March 30, 1879, he did not depart Okinawa for Tokyo until May 27, after some delays attributed to illness.
After his exile to Tokyo, Shō Tai returned to Okinawa Prefecture multiple times to oversee his business ventures.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shō Tai returned to Okinawa Prefecture only once after his relocation to Tokyo, in 1884, to pay respects to his ancestors, not multiple times for business ventures.
Shō Tai's family immediately abandoned traditional Ryukyuan customs upon his death, adopting Japanese aristocratic ways.
Answer: False
Explanation: After Shō Tai's death, his family observed traditional Ryukyuan mourning rituals for two years before adopting Japanese aristocratic customs, not immediately.
Shō Tai served as a member of the House of Peers in Japan for over 20 years.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shō Tai served as a member of the House of Peers from November 29, 1890, until August 19, 1901, which is approximately 11 years, not over 20 years.
Shō Tai's business managers successfully established 'Maruichi Shōten,' an Osaka-based company that traded native Okinawan products.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Shō Tai's business managers successfully established 'Maruichi Shōten,' an Osaka-based company that traded native Okinawan products.
Emperor Meiji was the Emperor of Japan during Shō Tai's entire tenure in the House of Peers.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Emperor Meiji was the reigning Emperor of Japan throughout Shō Tai's tenure as a member of the House of Peers (1890-1901).
What title was Shō Tai granted by the Japanese government in May 1885?
Answer: Marquess
Explanation: In May 1885, Shō Tai was granted the title of Kōshaku, or Marquess, by the Japanese government.
How many times did Shō Tai return to Okinawa Prefecture after his relocation to Tokyo?
Answer: Once
Explanation: Shō Tai returned to Okinawa Prefecture only once after his relocation to Tokyo, in 1884, to pay respects to his ancestors.
What was the name of the Osaka-based company established by Shō Tai's business managers that traded native Okinawan products?
Answer: Maruichi Shōten
Explanation: Shō Tai's business managers successfully established 'Maruichi Shōten,' an Osaka-based company that traded native Okinawan products.
When and where did Shō Tai die?
Answer: 1901 in Tokyo, Empire of Japan
Explanation: Shō Tai died in 1901 in Tokyo, Empire of Japan, at the age of 58.
What happened to Shō Tai's family's traditional Ryukyuan customs after his death?
Answer: They observed them for two years, then adopted Japanese aristocratic ways.
Explanation: After Shō Tai's death, his family observed traditional Ryukyuan mourning rituals for two years before gradually adopting the customs of the Japanese *kazoku* aristocracy.
When did Shō Tai serve as a member of the House of Peers in Japan?
Answer: 1890-1901
Explanation: Shō Tai served as a member of the House of Peers in Japan from November 29, 1890, until August 19, 1901.
Who was the Emperor of Japan during Shō Tai's tenure in the House of Peers?
Answer: Emperor Meiji
Explanation: Emperor Meiji was the reigning Emperor of Japan throughout Shō Tai's tenure as a member of the House of Peers.
Shō Tai's Okinawan pronunciation was Shō Tē, and his Yamato name was Chōken.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source explicitly states that Shō Tai's Okinawan pronunciation was Shō Tē, and his Yamato (Japanese) name was Chōken.
Shō Tai's father was Shō Iku, and his mother was Gentei, Sashiki Aji-ganashi.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Shō Tai's father was Shō Iku, and his mother was Gentei, also known as Sashiki Aji-ganashi.
Shō Tai belonged to the First Shō dynasty.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shō Tai belonged to the Second Shō dynasty, which was the ruling house of the Ryukyu Kingdom for centuries.
Shō Tai was born in Shuri, Ryukyu Kingdom, and died in Tokyo, Empire of Japan.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that Shō Tai was born in Shuri, Ryukyu Kingdom, and died in Tokyo, Empire of Japan.
Shō Tai's descendants have relinquished their claim as legitimate rulers of Okinawa.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source states that the descendants of Shō Tai continue to assert their claim as the legitimate rulers of Okinawa.
Shō Tai's predecessor as King of Ryukyu was Shō Ten.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shō Tai's predecessor as King of Ryukyu was Shō Iku, not Shō Ten. Shō Ten was his son and successor as Marquess.
Who was Shō Tai's predecessor as the King of Ryukyu?
Answer: Shō Iku
Explanation: The source identifies Shō Iku as Shō Tai's predecessor as King of Ryukyu.
What was Shō Tai's Yamato name?
Answer: Chōken
Explanation: Shō Tai's Yamato (Japanese) name was Chōken.
Which dynasty did Shō Tai belong to?
Answer: Second Shō dynasty
Explanation: Shō Tai belonged to the Second Shō dynasty, which ruled the Ryukyu Kingdom for centuries.
What was the name of Shō Tai's primary spouse?
Answer: Omomatsurugane
Explanation: Shō Tai's primary spouse was Omomatsurugane, also known as Sashiki Aji-ganashi.
Which of Shō Tai's children was the Crown Prince of Ryūkyū?
Answer: Shō Ten
Explanation: Shō Ten, one of Shō Tai's notable children, was the Crown Prince of Ryūkyū.