JOURNAL ASSIGNMENT FOUR: 
  
In what ways did the (re)appearance of the imperialist powers of the West (and the accompanying threat of "westernization") impact the course of Japanese history between the middle of the nineteenth century and the Meiji Restoration of 1868? 
 
Discuss the various interpretations given this (re)appearance among the contending political forces (bakufu, daimyo, discontented samurai as influenced by kokugakusha and rangakusha) at work at the end of the Military-Bureaucratic period.  Consider the variety of ways in which the Japanese viewed "the West" during the late nineteenth century and how "the West" might fit into the various political agendas being advanced during this time period. 

Were the forces of westernization forcing Japan's resistance to the process of modernization to crumble in the face of demonstrated superiority or were the Japanese still "in charge" of the process of change and development during this time (merely using the western threat to advance their own political agendas)?
 
In what ways does this period of transition conform to earlier historical patterns and it what ways does it represent an innovative reaction to a unique set of circumstances?