An End of Isolation Leads to War

End of Japanese Isolation Like China, Japan was an isolated nation for much of its history – 1853 American Commodore Matthew Perry enters Tokyo Harbor demanding trade opportunities Some Japanese resisted this Some Japanese supported this Japan’s shogun realized they were no match for Perry’s cannons and steam ships – Treaty of Kanagawa was signed allowing the U.S. the right to trade in Japan Many Japanese upset over this and at the shogun

Meiji Restoration 1868 the shogun is forced to step down – A 15 year old emperor gains power Emperor and samurai believe it is time to modernize Japan Three new goals for Japan – 1. Secure resources and gather wealth – 2. Modernize and strengthen the military – 3. Westernize culture and society Equal law for everyone – Samurai power diminished – Women gain more power and value as factory workers – Education becomes important

Nationalism and Militarism During the early 1900s the Japanese modernized 1929 the Great Depression slows their growth to almost “zero” – Japanese people get mad with the government – Military dictators take power Promote nationalism – Extreme pride in your country Promote militarism – Extreme support and pride for the military Japan begins to use their military – Invade China and eventually ally with Hitler’s Germany

World War II To keep their military going the Japan are forced into war Remember their limited space and resources They needed oil, metals, farmland, water, and land The Japanese also took the warrior code (Bushido) with them into World War II “Kamikaze” pilots followed Bushido – Gave up their life and crashed plane into a target Sacrifice their life for the good of the country and showed their honor and discipline

World War II The United States did not support Japan’s invasion of China or other islands around them – U.S. cuts off oil and resources Japan tries to negotiate, but U.S. not interested Japan plans surprise attack on U.S. to gain control of the entire Pacific and its resources – Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941 Japanese bomb the harbor in Hawaii The attack destroyed or very badly damaged 8 ships Killed 2,500 sailors – This attack allowed Japan to conquer Hong Kong, the Philippines, Burma, and the Dutch West Indies Get the resources they need

World War II After Pearl Harbor the U.S. officially joins WWII – Brutal battles occurred between the countries Iwo Jima and Okinawa – U.S. bombs Japanese cities and destroy war ships Japan is on the verge of collapse The Bushido code makes it difficult for the Japanese to realize or accept defeat – Vow to fight till the death U.S. President Truman decides to drop two atomic bombs in 1945 – Hiroshima and Nagasaki – Japan admits defeat and surrender on Aug 15, 1945

After World War II Atomic bombs devastate Japan and its economy – Even U.S. did not know its power After the war the United States rebuilt Japan – Became a manufacturing powerhouse They now produce huge amounts of cars, trucks, computers, televisions, and other electronics Education became even more important – Students go to school 6 days a week – Only 6 weeks off in the summer – Kids who want to go to college attend “Jukus” Extra school that students go to after normal school