A Brief History of Japan
(710ace to 1603ace)
 
 
A Webquest for Social Studies Middle School/High School
Designed by Rick Ziegler
rziegler@indstate.edu
 
     
 
 
 
Introduction
     The purpose of the this WebQuest is to help familiarize the student with the history of Japan from just prior to the Nara Period (710-794ace) to the beginning of the Edo Period (1600-1868ace). 
Task
The student will follow the links below, in order, and learn about the various time periods in Japanese history.  The student will then answer questions, below, about what they read.
 
Process
 Students will progress through the history of Japan while learning about key events and people that helped to shape Japan and make it what it is today.  To start the journey through time, click on the first link below.

[ Nara Period ] [ Heian Period ] [ Kamakura Period ] [ Muromachi Period ] [ Azuchi-Momoyama Period ] [ Edo Period ]
 
Evaluation
Questions:         

          1.  During which period in Japanese history did the Japanese start becoming more Japanese and less like the Chinese?

          2.  Which Japanese family finally unified Japan and then ruled for the next 250 years?

          3.  What religion began to spread during the Kamakura Period? 

          4.   During the Muromachi Period there were two different courts.  What were they, and where were they located, and why were there two?

          5.   

          6.   What was the name of the Battle that was fought to unify Japan, and who were the names of the two Daimyo that fought each other? 

          7.   How many years of peace did the Tokugawa have during the Edo Period, and what were some of his policies to accomplish the peace? 
Conclusion
 
Resources
Pictures:  http://picture-book.com/content/map-japan
                  http://www.samuraiweapons.org/Samurai_Weapons.php
                  http://www.9freepictures.com/travel-tours/japanese-history-tour-123.html
 
Standards
  • Indiana State Education Standards:
  • 7.1.11 
  • Major Civilizations, States and Empires: 300 - 1650. Explain how Japan became increasingly independent of earlier Chinese influences, developing its own political, religious, social and artistic traditions. (C
    • WH.3.6
    • Asia: Describe the origins and development of Japanese society and the imperial state in Japan.