Did the rapid changes of the second half of the 19th century make life better for the people of Japan?

Did the rapid changes of the second half of the 19th century make life better for the
people of Japan?
For your first paper assignment, address this question in a tightly-written, tightly-argued,
evidence-based essay of 1000 to 1500 words. Consider defining your terms and parameters so
as to craft a clear argument; you may wish to focus on a subset of the population or a specific
period of time, but this is not required. The strongest answers will likely not be a simple “yes” or
“no,” but rather may address in what specific ways or to what extent life did not or did not
improve. Likewise, the most convincing papers will also take into account evidence that may
challenge or undermine their main thesis.
Alternative Option: Select one or more of the primary sources we have read so far and write a
tightly-written, tightly-argued essay of 1000 to 1500 words analyzing what this source reveals
about life in 19th
-century Japan. If you select this option, please come to office hours to discuss
your idea in advance.
Regardless of which direction you take, marshal evidence in support of your argument from the
readings assigned in this class so far, as well as lectures/class discussions. You must reference a
minimum of three class readings; more may be helpful. No outside research is required or
expected for this paper. If you do wish to invoke information from an outside source, you may
do so with a proper citation.