Russia vs. Japan

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Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, there was an abundance of essential reformations taking place all over the world. Two of the most significant reformations took place in the countries of Japan and Russia. Peter the Great was the leader of the Russian Reformation while the Meiji Emperor was the initiator of the Meiji Restoration in Japan. Both of these reformations had a number of similarities as well as several distinct differences. The most significant similarities between Japan and the Russia were that they both concentrated on improving their education systems as well as developing their economies by increasing their manufacturing industries( ). On the other hand, the most notable differences between the Russian and Japan Reformations were that Peter the Great’s goal was to gain control over as much territory as possible, while the Meiji Emperor mainly focused on ____________ . Not to mention, the Japanese ________, Contrary to the Reformation in Russia, the Japanese focused on

Both the Japanese and the Russians agreed on the fact that if they wanted to make significant advances in their countries it was vital for them to better educate their citizens. Because of this, both countries placed a substantial emphasis on the importance of improving their education systems. They were willing to take the necessary precautions in order to make significant advancements and become dominating world powers. Of course, both countries knew that the intelligence of their citizens and the success of their country were two aspects that were directly correlated. Peter the Great mainly focused on educating the noble, while the Meiji Emperor was concerned about the education of all of his citizens(62)(197). The Meiji administ...

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...their own career path and destiny for their life.(197) This was a (new concept)** during that time period because the lower class was not always granted the same opportunities as the upper class. (197) The Meiji restoration also introduced the idea of a democratic form of government, rather than a dictatorship.(197) They actually began to give citizens a voice in government, which was an entirely new concept to the Japanese.(197) Not only were the Japanese beginning to gain more rights, but they were also beginning to accept ideas that were once looked down upon(would have never been considered), such as sports(201). The rise of baseball became really popular during the Meiji Restoration as well.(201) Overall the Meiji Restoration was a major advancement in the Japan society and it symbolized the renewal of the Japanese people and a new Japanese government.

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