Question

China and Japan turned away from contact with foreigners beginning in about 1450. Which was not a reason for doing this?

a. determination to keep outsiders from changing traditional beliefs and practices
b. realization that their civilizations were backward and poor
c. fear that Europeans would try to take power and control them
d. desire to remain economically and culturally self-sufficient

Answer 1

B) Realization that their civilizations were backward and poor was not a reason for doing this. After being deceived from Western powers, there was a determination among the Chinese and the Japanese to keep outsiders from changing traditional beliefs and practices, and they did not want Europeans to control them and hold all their power. They also wanted to be independent and self-sufficient, as well as fully sovereign.

Answer 2

Correct answer:

b. realization that their civilizations were backward and poor

China and Japan rejected contact with foreigners because they were determined to preserve traditional institutions, which would be affected by foreigners. For example in China, the ruling class was a predominantly conservative class. Civilizations considered too much innovation as dangerous. There was never a feeling of backwardness with respect to the other countries.