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*Tenryō* lands were directly administered by the Tokugawa shogunate before the Meiji Restoration.
Answer: True
The term *tenryō* specifically refers to lands directly administered by the Tokugawa shogunate prior to the Meiji Restoration. These lands were among those confiscated and reorganized following the shogunate's overthrow.
The *han* system was characterized by numerous semi-autonomous domains ruled by hereditary feudal lords called *daimyos*.
Answer: True
This statement accurately describes the *han* system, which constituted Japan's feudal structure prior to the Meiji Restoration, comprising semi-autonomous domains (*han*) governed by hereditary feudal lords (*daimyos*).
What does the term *tenryō* refer to in the context of the Meiji Restoration?
Answer: Lands directly administered by the Tokugawa shogunate before its overthrow.
In the context of the Meiji Restoration, *tenryō* refers to lands that were directly administered by the Tokugawa shogunate prior to its fall. These lands were among those confiscated and subsequently reorganized into prefectures.
What was the *han* system prior to the Meiji Restoration?
Answer: A feudal structure comprising semi-autonomous domains ruled by *daimyos*.
Prior to the Meiji Restoration, the *han* system constituted Japan's feudal structure, characterized by numerous semi-autonomous domains (*han*) ruled by hereditary feudal lords known as *daimyos*.
Who were the *daimyos* in feudal Japan?
Answer: Powerful feudal lords ruling over domains (*han*).
*Daimyos* were the powerful feudal lords who ruled over their respective domains (*han*) in Japan during the feudal era, holding significant administrative and military authority within their territories.
The abolition of the *han* system occurred during the Tokugawa period.
Answer: False
The abolition of the *han* system, known as *haihan-chiken*, occurred in 1871, which falls within the Meiji period (1868-1912), not the preceding Tokugawa period (1603-1868).
*Hanseki hōkan*, occurring in 1869, involved the compulsory seizure of domains by the Emperor.
Answer: False
The *Hanseki hōkan* in 1869 was characterized by the *voluntary* return of domains by the *daimyos* to Emperor Meiji. Compulsory seizure occurred later or through different mechanisms, but *Hanseki hōkan* specifically denotes the voluntary aspect.
Kido Takayoshi was a key figure who advocated for the voluntary return of domains.
Answer: True
Kido Takayoshi, a prominent statesman from the Chōshū domain, was indeed a key advocate for the voluntary return of domains (*han*) to Emperor Meiji, playing a significant role in initiating this process.
The lords of the Satsuma and Chōshū domains were the last to return their territories voluntarily.
Answer: False
The lords of the Satsuma and Chōshū domains were among the *first* to voluntarily return their territories in 1869, setting a precedent for other domains, not the last.
All 274 domains initially complied voluntarily with the return of their territories in 1869.
Answer: False
Not all domains complied voluntarily in 1869; while many did, some initially resisted and were later compelled to return their territories, indicating that universal voluntary compliance was not achieved at the outset.
Which historical period does the *haihan-chiken* reform fall under?
Answer: The Meiji period (1868-1912)
The *haihan-chiken* reform was enacted in 1871, placing it firmly within the Meiji period (1868-1912), an era characterized by rapid modernization and institutional change in Japan.
Which process involved the voluntary return of domains (*han*) by the *daimyos* to Emperor Meiji in 1869?
Answer: *Hanseki hōkan*
The process known as *Hanseki hōkan*, which occurred in 1869, specifically refers to the voluntary return of domains (*han*) by the *daimyos* to Emperor Meiji, marking a crucial step in the centralization of power.
Who was a prominent figure, particularly from the Chōshū Domain, who led the movement for the voluntary return of domains?
Answer: Kido Takayoshi
Kido Takayoshi, a leading statesman from the influential Chōshū Domain, was a principal architect of the movement advocating for the voluntary return of domains to Emperor Meiji, a critical step preceding the full implementation of *haihan-chiken*.
Which two domains were the first to voluntarily return their territories to Emperor Meiji?
Answer: Chōshū and Satsuma
The domains of Chōshū and Satsuma were the first to voluntarily return their territories to Emperor Meiji in 1869, initiating the process of *Hanseki hōkan*.
Which of the following best describes the *Meiji Restoration*?
Answer: A political event restoring imperial rule and initiating modernization.
The *Meiji Restoration* was a political event that restored direct imperial rule under Emperor Meiji, ending the Tokugawa shogunate and initiating a period of profound modernization and centralization in Japan.
What was the *Meiji period* characterized by?
Answer: Profound political, social, and economic changes including modernization.
The *Meiji period* (1868-1912) was characterized by profound political, social, and economic transformations, including rapid industrialization, modernization of institutions, and the establishment of a centralized nation-state.
The *haihan-chiken* reform, enacted in 1871, marked the end of Japan's feudal *han* system.
Answer: True
The *haihan-chiken* reform, implemented in 1871, was a pivotal measure that formally abolished the feudal *han* system, replacing it with a centralized structure of prefectures governed by nationally appointed officials. This reform was a critical component of Japan's modernization following the Meiji Restoration.
The *haihan-chiken* reform replaced the *han* system with domains ruled by hereditary *daimyos* appointed by the Emperor.
Answer: False
The *haihan-chiken* reform replaced the feudal *han* system not with domains ruled by hereditary *daimyos*, but with a centralized system of prefectures administered by officials appointed by the national government, thereby dismantling the traditional feudal power structures.
The Boshin War led to the confiscation of lands controlled by *daimyos* who supported the new Meiji government.
Answer: False
The Boshin War (1868-1869) resulted in the confiscation of lands from *daimyos* who had supported the defeated Tokugawa shogunate, not from those who supported the new Meiji government.
After the Boshin War, confiscated territories were returned to the *daimyos* who originally ruled them.
Answer: False
Following the Boshin War, confiscated territories were not returned to their former *daimyos*. Instead, these lands, along with others, were reorganized into prefectures administered by centrally appointed governors.
Ōkubo Toshimichi and Saigō Takamori were key figures who opposed the final consolidation of prefectures.
Answer: False
Ōkubo Toshimichi and Saigō Takamori were instrumental proponents of the consolidation of prefectures, not opponents. They were key figures in the Meiji oligarchy driving these centralizing reforms.
In August 1871, an Imperial Edict reorganized the domains into 305 prefectures.
Answer: True
In August 1871, an Imperial Edict was indeed issued, mandating the reorganization of the existing domains into 305 prefectures, comprising three urban prefectures (*fu*) and 302 other prefectures (*ken*).
The number of prefectures increased over time, reaching 305 by 1888.
Answer: False
The number of prefectures initially established in 1871 (305) was subsequently reduced through consolidation. By 1888, the structure had been streamlined to 47 prefectures (three urban and 44 others), not increased to 305.
The term *haihan-chiken* literally means 'abolition of the Emperor and establishment of domains'.
Answer: False
The literal translation of *haihan-chiken* is 'abolition of the *han* (domains) and establishment of prefectures.' It does not involve the abolition of the Emperor.
*Fu* and *ken* were terms used for administrative divisions representing urban prefectures and other prefectures, respectively.
Answer: True
The terms *fu* and *ken* were indeed used to designate administrative divisions following the *haihan-chiken* reform, with *fu* referring to urban prefectures and *ken* denoting the other prefectures.
What was the primary purpose of the *haihan-chiken* reform enacted in 1871?
Answer: To replace the feudal *han* system with a centralized structure of prefectures.
The primary objective of the *haihan-chiken* reform, implemented in 1871, was to dismantle the decentralized feudal *han* system and establish a unified, centralized administrative structure composed of prefectures governed by centrally appointed officials.
What was the significance of the Boshin War in relation to the *haihan-chiken* reform?
Answer: It enabled the Meiji government to confiscate lands and begin reorganizing them into prefectures.
The Boshin War (1868-1869) was pivotal as it led to the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate, enabling the Meiji government to confiscate former shogunate lands and those of opposing *daimyos*. These confiscated territories formed the initial prefectures, directly administered by the central government, thus paving the way for the *haihan-chiken* reform.
Which of the following was NOT a key figure in the Meiji oligarchy who pushed for the consolidation of prefectures?
Answer: Tokugawa Ieyasu
Tokugawa Ieyasu was the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate and predates the Meiji Restoration. Key figures who drove the consolidation of prefectures included Ōkubo Toshimichi, Yamagata Aritomo, Kido Takayoshi, and Saigō Takamori.
How many prefectures were initially created following the Imperial Edict in August 1871?
Answer: 305
Following the Imperial Edict in August 1871, the domains were reorganized into 305 prefectures, consisting of three urban prefectures (*fu*) and 302 other prefectures (*ken*).
What does the literal translation of *haihan-chiken* mean?
Answer: Abolition of the *han* (domains), establishment of prefectures.
The literal translation of *haihan-chiken* is 'abolition of the *han* (domains), establishment of prefectures,' accurately describing the core action of the reform.
Former *daimyos* were re-appointed as hereditary rulers of their former territories after the *hanseki hōkan*.
Answer: False
Following *Hanseki hōkan*, former *daimyos* were re-appointed not as hereditary rulers, but as non-hereditary governors of their former territories, which were now designated as prefectures under central government control.
The title of *daimyo* was abolished in 1871, concurrently with the establishment of the *kazoku* peerage system.
Answer: False
The title of *daimyo* was officially abolished in July 1869, coinciding with the establishment of the *kazoku* peerage system, not in 1871 when the *haihan-chiken* reform was fully implemented.
The *kazoku* system integrated former *daimyos* into a new hierarchical structure under the Emperor.
Answer: True
The *kazoku* system, established in 1869, created a new hierarchy of nobility that incorporated former *daimyos* and court nobles, integrating them into the modern state structure under the ultimate authority of the Emperor.
The Meiji oligarchy did not view former *daimyos* as a threat after they became governors.
Answer: False
The Meiji oligarchy, particularly figures like Ōkubo Toshimichi, continued to view former *daimyos* with suspicion even after their appointment as governors, due to their residual influence and potential for challenging central authority.
After returning their domains, what role were the former *daimyos* appointed to?
Answer: Non-hereditary governors of their former territories (prefectures).
Following the return of their domains, former *daimyos* were appointed as non-hereditary governors of their former territories, which were then reorganized into prefectures under the direct administration of the central government.
In what year was the title of *daimyo* officially abolished?
Answer: 1869
The title of *daimyo* was officially abolished in July 1869, concurrent with the establishment of the *kazoku* peerage system, marking a significant break from the feudal past.
What was the *kazoku* system established during the Meiji Restoration?
Answer: A new peerage system integrating former elites.
The *kazoku* system, established in 1869, was a new Japanese peerage system designed to integrate former elites, including *daimyos* and court nobles, into a hierarchical structure under the Emperor, replacing the old feudal distinctions.
What was the purpose of appointing governors directly by the central government after the *haihan-chiken* reform?
Answer: To ensure loyalty and direct control over the new prefectures.
The purpose of appointing governors directly by the central government was to ensure loyalty and direct administrative control over the newly established prefectures, thereby consolidating national authority and dismantling regional power bases.
As governors, former *daimyos* retained ten percent of the tax revenues collected from their former domains.
Answer: True
Upon their appointment as governors of the new prefectures, former *daimyos* were permitted to retain ten percent of the tax revenues collected from their former domains, providing them with a continued, albeit reduced, financial interest.
The central government took over the responsibility for paying samurai stipends directly to weaken the *daimyos'* control over them.
Answer: True
The central government assumed direct responsibility for disbursing samurai stipends. This measure was strategically implemented to weaken the traditional feudal ties between *daimyos* and their samurai retainers, shifting samurai loyalty towards the central authority.
In 1874, the generous stipends for ex-*daimyos* were converted into grants of land.
Answer: False
In 1874, the generous stipends for ex-*daimyos* were converted not into land grants, but into government bonds, reflecting a shift in financial policy due to fiscal pressures.
Samurai retainers were compensated for lost stipends with tradable government bonds.
Answer: True
Samurai retainers who lost their traditional stipends were compensated with tradable government bonds, which represented the value of their former salaries and were subject to reimbursement over time.
*Hansatsu* were national currencies issued by the central government during the Meiji Restoration.
Answer: False
*Hansatsu* were currencies issued by individual feudal domains (*han*) during the pre-Meiji era. They were not national currencies issued by the central government, and their status changed with the establishment of a unified monetary system.
What financial benefit did former *daimyos* retain as governors, based on actual rice production?
Answer: Ten percent of the tax revenues.
As governors of the newly established prefectures, former *daimyos* were permitted to retain ten percent of the tax revenues collected from their former domains, calculated based on actual rice production.
How did the central government aim to weaken the traditional ties between *daimyos* and their samurai retainers?
Answer: By directly paying samurai stipends from the prefectural office.
The central government aimed to weaken these ties by assuming direct responsibility for paying samurai stipends, thereby shifting samurai loyalty away from their former *daimyo* lords and towards the national administration.
What financial incentive did the central government offer regarding domain-specific currencies (*hansatsu*)?
Answer: They were converted into the new national currency at face value.
The central government offered the incentive of converting domain-specific currencies (*hansatsu*) into the new national currency at their face value, facilitating economic integration and cooperation with the reform.
How did the financial arrangements for former *daimyos* change significantly in 1874?
Answer: Their stipends were converted into government bonds.
In 1874, the financial arrangements for former *daimyos* changed significantly when their stipends were converted into government bonds, reflecting the central government's fiscal constraints and a move towards a more standardized compensation system.
How were samurai retainers compensated for the loss of their traditional stipends?
Answer: Via tradable government bonds representing their former salaries.
Samurai retainers were compensated for the loss of their traditional stipends through tradable government bonds, which represented the value of their former salaries and were subject to reimbursement over time, often through a lottery system.
How did the *haihan-chiken* reform impact the samurai class?
Answer: It altered their traditional relationship with *daimyos*, shifted stipend responsibilities, and provided compensation via bonds.
The *haihan-chiken* reform significantly impacted the samurai class by altering their traditional relationship with *daimyos*, shifting stipend responsibilities to the central government, and providing compensation through government bonds, thus integrating them into the new national system.
A primary outcome of the *haihan-chiken* reform was the establishment of a decentralized government structure.
Answer: False
A primary outcome of the *haihan-chiken* reform was the establishment of a *centralized* government structure. By replacing the semi-autonomous domains (*han*) with prefectures directly controlled by the national government, it consolidated administrative power.
Makino Nobuaki considered the *haihan-chiken* reform less significant than the Iwakura Mission.
Answer: False
Makino Nobuaki regarded the abolition of the *han* system as one of the two most pivotal events, alongside the Iwakura Mission, in establishing the foundation of the modern Japanese state.
The Iwakura Mission aimed to renegotiate unequal treaties and gather knowledge for Japan's modernization.
Answer: True
The Iwakura Mission (1871-1873) was a crucial diplomatic endeavor focused on observing Western systems and renegotiating unequal treaties, thereby supporting Japan's modernization objectives.
The *haihan-chiken* reform ultimately aimed to eliminate regional power bases and consolidate national resources.
Answer: True
A key objective of the *haihan-chiken* reform was indeed the elimination of regional power bases inherent in the *han* system, thereby consolidating national resources and authority under the central government.
Makino Nobuaki considered the abolition of the *han* system to be:
Answer: One of the two most important events for establishing the modern Japanese state.
Makino Nobuaki regarded the abolition of the *han* system as one of the two most pivotal events, alongside the Iwakura Mission, in establishing the foundation of the modern Japanese state.
How did the *haihan-chiken* reform contribute to the centralization of power in Japan?
Answer: By eliminating regional power bases and consolidating administrative control under the national government.
The *haihan-chiken* reform contributed to centralization by dismantling the decentralized feudal *han* system, eliminating regional power bases, and consolidating administrative, fiscal, and military control under the national government in Tokyo.
What was the role of the *Iwakura Mission*?
Answer: A delegation to study Western institutions and renegotiate treaties.
The *Iwakura Mission* was a significant diplomatic and study delegation undertaken by Meiji Japan (1871-1873) to observe Western institutions, renegotiate unequal treaties, and gather knowledge essential for Japan's modernization.
What was the ultimate goal of the *haihan-chiken* reform?
Answer: To create a unified, modern nation-state under strong central control.
The ultimate goal of the *haihan-chiken* reform was to forge a unified, modern nation-state under strong central control by abolishing the decentralized feudal system and establishing a foundation for rapid national development.