Question

In 1636, the Tokugawa Shogunate began an isolationist policy which banned Japanese people from leaving the country and forbade most foreign countries from trading with Japan. The Japanese had very little contact with foreigners until the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry in 1853.

Which of the following factors helped Japan maintain its period of isolation?
A.
Since Japan consists of a series of islands, it was geographically isolated from other regions.
B.
Japan had few resources or products that other countries wanted and remained isolated.
C.
Japan had a strong army and navy and defeated all attempts at foreign invasion.
D.
Because of widespread disease in Japan, few foreigners wanted to travel there.

Answer 1

A. Since Japan consists of a series of islands, it was geographically isolated from other regions.

This factor contributed significantly to Japan's ability to maintain its isolation. The geographic separation made it more challenging for foreign powers to access and influence Japan compared to landlocked regions.