Imperialism: Japan Mr. Grossmann Global 10 R/H

Feudal Japan Prior to foreign interference, Japan existed for centuries as a feudal society The emperor was a figurehead with little power, while the shogun made most decisions Daimyos were landowners, while samurai were warriors that fought for them loyally Peasants, artisans and merchants were lowest, making up most of the population

Tokugawa Shogunate One daimyo family controlled Japan and held military and administrative power The nation maintained an isolationist policy, much like China prior to European involvement Although the social hierarchy was strict, the shogunate brought stability to Japan

Perry’s Visit In 1853 Commodore Matthew Perry sailed for Japan with four steam warships He used threat of force to make the Japanese accept his letter from President Millard Fillmore Upon his return (with 2x the ships) he found that the Japanese had agreed to nearly all his demands The term “black ships” comes to be associated with a threat imposed by Western technology

What Should Japan Do? From the looks of it, Japan is heading for the same fate as China.  What happens to China during this time period?  What can Japan do to avoid a similar situation?  What does Japan actually do?

Meiji Restoration The Tokugawa Shogunate was criticized for allowing Western nations to take advantage of Japan In 1868 the Japanese Emperor was restored to the throne He decided that the best way to withstand the West was to adopt Western ways

Japan Adapts Japanese scholars were sent abroad to learn in Western institutions Feudalism was abandoned in favor of a written constitution The country industrialized quickly and the armed forces followed suit In less than 50 years Japan was ready to engage in its own form of imperialism

Westernized Japan By around 1890 (less than 50 years after Perry arrived) Japan has essentially modernized. What do they do?

Imperialization of Japan Why? Lack of fertile land for agriculture Markets for finished products Need for the raw materials of industry Response to Western imperialism

Japan on the Move (First) Sino-Japanese War: conflict between China and Japan Shifts power in Asia from China to Japan, Japan gains Taiwan, sphere of influence in Korea Russo-Japanese War: conflict between Russia and Japan Japan crushes Russia, finally recognized as a world power Gain sphere of influence in Manchuria (NE China) but unhappy with terms of the treaty (negotiated by US) WWI: Japan joined the Allied Powers but gained little in victory

World War II The Great Depression hurt Japan, resulting in the need for more territory, resources and money In 1931 they invade Manchuria and leave the League of Nations after it protests Puppet state of Manchuko created in Manchuria, and invasion of China progresses ( ) Japan creates an “Asia for Asians” philosophy, saying they wish to end foreign influence but instituting their own imperialism Large Japanese Empire in the Pacific is only ended after defeat in WWII