Abstract:

In 1853, U.S. Commodore Mathew Perry arrived off the shores of Japan demanding that Japan open its doors to foreign trade. This incident sparked a period of rapid social, economic, and political change that has been referred to as the 'Meiji Miracle.' By the end of the Meiji period in 1912, Japan had become a modern, industrialized nation commanding international recognition and respect. In this curriculum unit, students explore the many aspects of this change process, with particular attention to the role of art and literature in reflecting and molding change.