Professional Documents
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Hist91 14 1l1a
Hist91 14 1l1a
I) Intro
Dept. of History modern Japan
B) religion
Buddhism comes to Japan, 6th century
C) culture
Tea ceremony comes to Japan, 9th century
D) literature
Japanese poetic tradition begins in 8th century
E) technology
In 10th cent, straight-blade
swords developed into razorsharp, hammer-hard composite of hard and soft steel
1960s: Tokyo the largest city in world 18th century: Edo one of largest cities
in world, with 1.3 million inhabitants (London still less than 1 million)
Early modern Edo (present-day Tokyo), with Edo Castle upper right, bay lower left
Modern, but saddled with mysterious Asian traditions The past continues to resonate powerfully in the present and old verities linger,
Dickinsons bias
Japan as modern, industrialized society, sharing similar joys and
Toyotas FT-1 Concept sports car, Detroit Auto Show, Jan. 13, 2014
C) J at world expos
1867 Paris Exposition 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Expo 1893 Worlds Columbian Exposition
How can (one) longer think of a nation as semi-civilized that makes the finest porcelain, while we in America have not advanced beyond the common kinds of pottery; that surpasses the French in the art of bronze manufacture; that sends us silks that vie with the products of the looms of Lyons, and that excels the whole world in carpentry and cabinet-making? -E.V. Smalley, NY Tribune, 1876
2) Nishi Amane and the 19th century debate over a modern Japan
C) Global context
Imperial family visiting industrial exhibit, Tokyo
(1600-1868)
Weeks 4-7: 19th century thru WW I Weeks 8-12: 1919-1945 Weeks 13-15: Post-1945 Japan
New import in 19th century Japan: clock
VI) Readings
Lecture outlines
Term sheets Powerpoint Canvas
VIII) Requirements
Final take-home
1 Thought essay