Petition to the Shogun

To demonstrate your understanding of Edo Japan and Isolationism, you will:

Compose and present a petition to the shogun outlining why Japan should or
should not continue its policy of isolation. Students will draft their proposal/
petition from a perspective of their choice from feudal Japan.
You can work in groups of up to 3 people maximum. Working alone or in
pairs is also acceptable.
This assignment is due: April 11th
For your petition, you must:
1. Choose a perspective from feudal Japan. You can assume the role of: a
Daimyo, a farmer, a Japanese merchant, a Samurai, a Dutch trader, or an
artisan (skilled worker, like a sword maker).
2. Research your perspective. And answer these questions fully
- What was life like in Edo Japan?
- Is the isolated society working out well for you?
- Why or why not would you support isolation?
Include a list of your sources on the final project.
3. Develop a position. Now that you have researched what life was like for the
perspective you chose, do you support isolation? Develop a reasoned
argument for you decision with at least 3 points to support your argument.
In your argument, suggest further action. Ex. We should open the country
to only people with money Keep the country closed forever and fire
arrows at anyone who gets close etc.
4. Present your perspective and argument: For this assignment, you can give a
power point presentation (3-4 sentences/ slide at least 10 slides), write a
position paper (standard 5 paragraph), or create a video (include a script
and be sure you complete all the assignment requirements). These are
examples of routes you may take, if your group has another idea on how to
 present your research and argument, Im okay with that as long as you clear
it with me first to ensure it fits the assignment requirements.

This assignment will be graded based on the attached rubric