History Assignment

Assignment:

We have just finished our lecture on the Perry Expedition. As you have seen there were a number of different factions, each with a different view as to how the Tokugawa government should respond to Perry’s demands. Some wanted to go to war, others wanted to open the nation to trade, others wanted a limited opening, etc.

Write a short story using Twine in which the player character, a key Tokugawa official, must choose between historical responses to Perry. Through creative writing, explain at least three of the options and ask the player to decide between them. Imagine what would happen to Japan for each option you explore.

Would the Tokugawa regime stay in power or fall? Would Japan battle with Perry’s fleet upon his return? Enlist help from allies or stand alone? Would they attempt to parley with Perry via gifts and demonstrations? Would they reject gifts from America? Could there be internal conflict? These are some of the questions you should consider when writing your narrative. Be creative! You know what really happened, so use your knowledge to inform what you write.

1. Download Twine here.

2. Browse the tutorials and example stories below to get an idea of what kind of games you can make.

3. Write your story using Twine.

   1. Choose two responses to Perry for your story. Write your story so that the player compares and contrasts each option then must choose between them.

   2. Create a story that has two distinct endings that are determined by the player’s choice.

4. Submit your story to Canvas.

   1. Export your story as a .html file and submit it to canvas.