Modernization of Japan

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Japan underwent rapid modernization due to the impacts of the West. Significant influences of the West caused Intensive and extensive transformation of japans feudal system to a modern industrialized nation.

The arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry, Commander – in – Chief of US forces in 1853 was a major contribution to the Modernization of Japan. Perry had been sent to force the Japanese inhabitants to concede the following: Protection for American soldiers, opening of one or two ports for repairs and refueling coal and the opening of one or more ports for trading purposes. The shogun accepted Perry’s terms. This lead to the rapid transition and modernization of Japan from a feudal society to an industrialized nation.

As a result of Perry’s visits and the treaties that followed, many Japanese were humiliated, confused and in fear for the future. Some of the Japanese wanted to drive out the foreigners, SONNOJOI was there slogan, which meant “Revere the Emperor, Expel the Barbarian!” Others were all for deposing the SHOGUN, who they felt surrendered the country too easily. Others believed that Japan should accept the foreigners, learn from them and modernize. Perry’s visits and the treaties provoked the revolution, which lead to the Meiji Restoration.

In 1867 the Meiji Restoration began. There were two very significant things which happened during this period. The first being; The emperor was restored to power and allowed to rule on his own again, unhindered by a SHOGUN, hence the name Restoration. The second was that the country modernized, and joined the outside world. This meant that the young Emperor at the time, Mutsuhito was given back his rightful place as the ruler of Japan. Mutsuhito’s period of rule was to become kno...

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...vailable. The introduction of modern technology to Japan saw the nations complete modernization and transformation from Sir Rutherford Alcock’s view of Japan being a “ distant and puny adversary” to a modern, powerful nation.

On July 30th 1912 The Meiji Emperor died. After ruling for almost half a century Emperor Meiji had presided over a very important period of transformation and change in the history of Japan. His death had a profound effect on the people of Japan. They wrote; “The heavenly light has today gone out, leaving the world in darkness”. The Emperor’s death signified the end of the Meiji period.

To conclude, The influences of Western Powers, the arrival of Matthew Perry and the treaties that followed all contribute to the Rapid modernization of Japan. Japan completely transformed from a feudal system to a modernized, powerful and respected nation.

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