Introduction
Japan Modernizes - Introduction
Like China, Japan had been strict about whom to let in and trade with. In 1853, an American naval officer named Matthew Perry was sent by President Millard Fillmore to ask Japan to open its ports to trade with Americans.Japan opened two new ports for international trade, ending its period of isolation. Japan also entered a period of modernization called the Meiji Restoration.
The Meiji Restoration
In 1868, the Tokugawa shoguns (leaders), who had outlawed trade with foreigners, were overthrown by a small group of Japanese military commanders and aristocrats (government officials).
Their leader Emperor Mutsuhito (only 15 years old!) began the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912). This was a period of great growth and industrialization for the Japanese, when they built:
ships, railways, banking systems, coal mines, machinery, factories, communication systems, and more!
The Meiji saw the importance of universal education and a common language. Education was reformed based on the American model of schools and Universities. Japanese students began studying abroad and foreign specialists were brought in to teach. Japan also recreated their government based on a German style of rule. In addition, Japan made changes to its military: an imperial army was formed in 1871, with new modern weapons and compulsory (required) military service, and every Japanese man was required to serve for three years.
Japan Practices Imperialism
Once Japan had industrialized and caught up with the Western World they wanted to try their hand at imperialism. Like the Europeans, the Japanese were determined to expand. They forced the Koreans to open their ports to Japanese trade. China was unhappy with Japan's growing influence, and in 1894 the two countries fought the First Sino-Japanese War, which Japan won. China handed over Taiwan and other lands to Japanese control and was forced to recognize Korea's independence as well.