Essay On Japanese Imperialism

Prior to Pearl Harbor, Japan started to create an empire that especially did not want to be manipulated by the United States. Steven Hook, the author of “U.S. Foreign Policy: The Paradox of World Power,” mentions that “With French and Dutch colonies in East Asia up for grabs, Japanese leaders knew that only the United States stood in the way of their plan to create a Japanese-led ‘co-prosperity

It took the Treaty of Kanagawa and unfair treatment by the US to weaken the shogunate and make way for the nationalist movements of the Meiji Restoration. The sweeping reforms put into place by the new constitutional monarchy put Japan back into the game - with rapid industrialization. military expansion, and advanced education. The landscape itself was useful for Japan's industrial age, as it consisted of mountains, valleys, and open plains, with bays, peninsulas, and small islands off the coast. (Doc. 6) The harbors formed along this coast made fishing the most viable trade, bringing in food for the country's citizens and forming a successful Japanese industry. Fishing also provided a segue into the market for naval development, meaning that in a short period of time, Japan had created one of the most sophisticated and powerful navies in all of the world. Because of the layout

Political, social, and economic aspects influenced the rise of the Empire of Japan, and their effects created the ways in which Japan interacted with its people and the world around it. Politically, the Meiji Restoration of the mid-1800s to the early 1900s set the stage for the growth that took place to make Japan an Empire, including the transformation of the views on the emperor. These views on the emperor helped to create a social change: the anger of the Japanese government and people about the lack of representation for Japan in world treaties and in the League of Nations. This caused extreme patriotism. Japan was economically changed by the advancements into China after Japan’s Great Depression. This military advancement opened the door for much more and was based on the Japanese’s intense nationalistic views.

By 1852. the United States had been trading in the Orient for several years. President Millard Fillmore sent Perry to Japan to open diplomatic and trade relations. He was resilient in his negotiations with Japan and would not take “no” for an answer. On July 2, 1853, Perry arrived in Tokyo Bay. He threatened to bring the President’s message by force if necessary. On July 14, steam frigates Susquehanna and Mississippi moved close to the shore and landed 400 seamen and marines. Perry proceeded to the council house with special escort and pomp and presented his documents personally to Princes Iduzu and Iwami and was given receipt of delivery. Perry left after three days he left and told them he would return for an answer to the letter. Seven months later he returned to Japan with a larger and more powerful squadron. His return was faced with a totally different reception. The Japanese people were more receptive and cordial. They exchange gifts and entertainment and the treaty was negotiated, opening to ports to American commerce. After months of negotiations, the Treaty of Kanagawa was concluded on March 31, 1854. The treaty assured good treatment of shipwrecked U.S. seamen, permitted U.S. ships to fuel and supply at two Japanese ports and arranged for a U.S. diplomat to reside in Japan to further trade

In 1858, another treaty was signed which allowed more sea ports and chosen cities could live in. The Japanese government knew that their country was not strong enough to defend themselves against foreign power. Japan could not keep its isolation policy without the risk of war.

The United States began to reach outward for trade, showing interest in Japan. Almost forcing the country to begin to trade with the U.S.

attack at pearl harbor everything went downhill, it all came back up. Both nations trust

In Peter Duus’ Japanese Discovery of America, the author shows the learning experience that Japan went through in order to become one of the strongest countries in the early 20th century. From 1797 when the first American ship arrived in Japan, to 1879 when President Grant visited the Meiji emperor, Japan, not one of the strongest countries economically and militarily at the time, had interactions with multiple countries that included Russia, England and Portugal. However, Japan’s Confucianism belief and the development of the Tokaido Road served as roots for their quick rise to modernization. Even though multiple countries were cooperating with Japan, the relations with the United States proved to be the most

Treaty of Kanagawa- allowed us ships to refuel at 2 ports in Japan and increase relations between the 2 countries

Japan at the turn of the century was clearly trying to westernize and change is isolated society into one more intellectually and scientifically involved with the rest of the world. When the Japanese open their ports to the western civilization food and merchandise were not the only things being traded. When ports were open the western way of living was integrated with the Japanese culture which gradually changed the way the

Just as the British did, Japan had a period of expansion. The difference was, japan only went into Asian countries like Korea, Manchuria, China and Russia (Doc. 9). Japan was in need of raw materials to move their industrialization forward. According to William Beasley, “… [Japan] had become dependent on other parts of the world for markets and raw materials.” Similarly to great Brittan, the Japanese relied on other parts of the world for raw materials, as well as the fact that the position of the country was advantages to the trade industry. Japan was very dependent on its coast lines. Walter Weston explains, “The deeply indented coastline of Japan provides a number of excellent harbors on the Pacific coast, and its shores abound in fish of all kinds, the rich supplies of which have for centuries constituted one of the chief articles of food of the people (Doc. 6).” As stated earlier, the circumstances are eerily similar to those of Great

Japan, as known today, is a world powerhouse in technology and innovation. It currently ranks third in GDP, bringing in over $4.9 trillion dollars per year. However, this has not always been the case. Japan is well known for its period of “Sakoku,” a Japanese word literally meaning “closed country.” From 1600-1850s, that is indeed what Japan was; Japanese citizens were not allowed to leave the country and no foreigners were allowed to enter. The country was completely isolated from the rest of the world, even in regards to trade. This was changed in 1854 by Commander Matthew Perry and his Navy squadron. With the Kanagawa Treaty, Perry ended Japan’s period of isolationism and pushed them into their future as a world power.

Treaty that allowed the US to trade with Japan. This Treaty opened up five ports for the US to use for trade.

Perry initially delivered President Fillmore's request for a treaty to a representative of the Japanese emperor in July 1853. Perry returned with a larger force in 1854, arriving in Edo (Tokyo) Bay, and obtained the signature of Japanese authorities to the Treaty of Kanagawa on 31 March 1854. As a result of this treaty of permanent friendship, a U.S. consul was stationed at Shimoda, U.S. vessels were allowed access to the ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to obtain provisions, and shipwrecked seamen from U.S. vessels were to receive the assistance of Japanese authorities. This treaty led to significant commercial trade between the United States and Japan, contributed to opening Japan to other Western nations, and ultimately resulted in the modernization of the Japanese state. Upon th completion fo his mission in Japan, Commodore Perry returned to his home in Newport, RI, was awarded the

From 1639, Japan kept control on emigration of its people to Europe and to its colonies. But soon after the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry in 1853, trade of gunships started between the United States and Japan (USA.gov). This exposed Japanese to another culture, which had an impact on their life. This resulted in a great change of social life in Japan because life in America represented a model way and motivated Japanese to migrate there.