Meji Restoration
Storyboard Text
- 1636 - *Sad, dramatic music.* The seclusion policy is announced starting an edict meaning that no one is allowed to leave or enter Japan with strict penalties for disobedience. This was the moment where Japan's hatred of the West was first demonstrated and when their advancements froze for the next 200 years.
- 1650 - The Seclusion Policy allows contact with Dutch traders although their ships may only remain in Japan's ports. This gave the government the opportunity to increase taxes which created the high number of peasants and gave them even more control.
- 1700s - *Peaceful music and birds chirping.* Japan remained technologically frozen in time while the economy and production of food thrived. Rice became a currency to the Japanese and made money a part of their culture.
- 1853 - *Ominous music with evil cackling to signify Japan being strong-armed* Commodore Matthew Perry arrives in Edo Bay to issue an ultimatum. He gives the Japanese one year to open their borders to the United States. The Japanese are instantly frightened by the United States advanced military which they can not compete with.
- 1854 - *People yelling and banging on door* The Shogun realises that Japan can not match United States' forces because they had not upgraded their military equiptment in 200 years. The Shogun gives in and signs the treaty of Kanagawa. *Fade to black*
- 1856 - *Fade in from black* As per the treaty of Kanagawa, 8 Japanese ports are opened to the United States. American traders are favoured and show the Japanese their modern inventions which intrigues them.
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