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Recommended prior knowledge
Background knowledge of Japan prior to 1853.
Context
This unit provides an insight into the modernisation of Japan between 1853 and 1914.
Outline
How effectively had Japan modernised itself by 1914 to make it a Great Power?
Focus points Suggested teaching activities Learning resources
What was the impact of Perry's missions on Japan?
Why did the Meiji Restoration occur?
Students should consider how significant for Japan the missions of
Perry were. Group debates might focus on the benefits and disadvantages to Japan. www.history.navy.mil/branches/teach/e nds/opening.htm
and www.japanguide.com/e/e641.html
Useful introduction to Perry and Japan. www.grifworld.com/perryhome.html
Detailed information on Perry’s missions to Japan.
Students examine the reasons for the Meiji Restoration. http://aboutjapan.japansociety.org/cont ent.cfm/the_meiji_restoration_era_186
8-1889
Detailed resource with timeline. www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQlxcz9U
2x0
YouTube video – 6 part on Edo to Meiji v1 2Y05 Cambridge IGCSE History (US) 0416 1

Focus points
How westernised was Japan by 1914?
Was Japan a Great Power by 1914?
Suggested teaching activities Learning resources
Restoration.
Through a mind map students consider the impact of moves towards the westernisation of Japan by the outbreak of the First World War in
1914. Key issues should include the abolition of feudalism, constitutional, social, economic and military changes. www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSzZlQR-
AZU
YouTube Power Point lecture on
Japan’s modernisation.
Students in small groups brainstorm the idea – What factors should be considered for a country to be thought of as a great power?
Students to prepare a series of ‘Power Point’ slides to provide the basis of a lecture on the topic – the contribution of Japan’s relations with other powers to its rise to Great Power status.
Examine a number of historical sources that deal with Japan at this time. How well do these source reflect the Japanese progress to Great
Power status
Students revise the work completed at the end of this section and complete a past Cambridge IGCSE question paper on this topic www.pacificwar.org.au/foundationJap milaggro/JapModern.html
Useful overview of Japan’s modernisation from 1867. www.bullshido.net/forums/showthread.
php?t=98320&page=1
Cartoon relating to Japan victory over
Russia in 1905.
Teacher produced pack of relevant historical sources.
Past questions papers – can be accessed by logging onto the
Cambridge Teacher Support website http://teachers.cie.org.uk
v1 2Y05 Cambridge IGCSE History (US) 0416 2