Prior to 1858 and the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry to the shores of Japan, the Japanese had maintained a policy of strict isolation from foreign influences. Since the beginning of the Tokugawa period in the early 17th century the Japanese had been involved in no foreign wars and had experienced relative internal peace. Though ostensibly ruled by the shogun* and the figurehead of the emperor, Japan was divided into numerous provinces governed by feudal lords, called daimyo. This system served to loosely centralize the country but most Japanese, from the peasant to the samurai, swore loyalty to their own local daimyo rather than to the national figure of the shogun. Under this localized system, a sense of Japanese nationalism was never …show more content…
It is surprising, therefore, that the martial arts themselves have received relatively little blame for their role in the rise of nationalism in pre-war Japan. The claim made, for example, by anthropologist and kendo practitioner John Donohue that “the excesses of Japanese expansionism could in no way be attributed to budo itself” (Donohue, 1999: 28) is quite common. In reality the modern martial arts, those commonly classified as budo (martial way), did play a significant role in the development of Japanese nationalism. The ethical system of Bushido was intertwined with the practice of the physical martial arts developed by the samurai and could not have been transmitted beyond that elite class without a simultaneous expansion of those arts. The martial arts served as a vector by which the government could deliver its ultranationalist message (embodied in the semi-mythical Bushido Code) through both the military and the educational system. This article will demonstrate the extent to which the martial arts were used to instill nationalist ethics in the Japanese population, primarily by helping to spread Bushido beyond the samurai class to the people at
During the 1800s, the island nations of Great Britain and Japan depended on their location to move them forward. Although they share many geographical similarities, they began handling their government policies very differently. While Japan's isolationist policies kept it locked in the past, imperialist Britain charged forward into a bright and powerful future. It would take the weakening of one Japanese government to bring about the rise of another, a government that would be far more modern and progressive than the last. Overall, when handled to their advantage, the geography of these island nations seemed to positively influence them.
While ongoing change became the status quo in late-Tokugawa era Japan the ideals of the samurai—and the respect they receive—endured. And, because samurai could still fall back on the prestige their class represented, members of society still
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.
The Japanese empire was in great power by this time period, and they thought themselves as the king of the East Asian race. Japan, the “old order”, also believed that some day Europe and America would take over their power and become the “new orders”(Doc A). Japan was one
During this time period, both India and Japan faced a new situation: the new imperialism of Europe. India was unable to defend themselves, thus leading to them becoming a colony of Britain. Japan however, selectively borrowed from the Europeans after proving themselves to be equals of the once superior Europeans. Despite having such contrasting fates, both India and Japan had similarities in the miserable work conditions for peasants. But because India was a colony while Japan was a country, India data was recorded by British officials and Japanese data was record by Japanese officials. Another difference was the source of labor for textile production. India had mostly men workers whereas Japan
In the year 1853, Perry sailed to the Tokyo harbor aboard the frigate Susqueahanna on July 8. The intentions of Commander Matthew Perry in Japan were merely to force a trade agreement between the government of the previously named country, and the United States; during this period, all western powers were desperately pursuing to open new markets to sell their goods abroad. At the time, the Japanese government did not have on disposition a naval force that could somehow stop Commander Perry. By all means, the Commander was able amplify any demand he wanted by force. Later on, other world powers such as Britain, France, Russia, and Holland opted to follow Perry’s trail to Japan, it could be said that Japan was merely a pawn in the hands of a pretty much crooked deal with the world.
They were taught that they were the supreme beings and everyone is beneath them as shown in their actions. There have been multiple accounts of soldiers witnessing the cruel brutality of the Japanese soldiers. Their belief that they are superior was supported by a Japanese Citizen asked about why they believe that Japan will win the war, “Japan has never lost a war. She cannot be beaten. All of Japan is one mind” (Doc B[2]). This statement confirms that Japan was sure of herself. This signifies the strong and deep belief that the citizens hold of
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
After centuries of living in seclusion to the outside world, the government knew that they needed the technological advancements that the West offered. The Industrial Revolution and growing urbanisation in Japan had intended to and succeeded in mimicking Western growth. Moreover, the Japanese were well-known for their diligence, discipline, perseverance, and hard work – this resulted in substantial economic development including increased shipping of commodities and a significant expansion of trade and handicraft industries. However, the political elite pocketed most of the profits through influence and corruption. Workers and farmers found it unfair that their patriotic and back-breaking labour only received a little wage in comparison, but with a state-controlled media and education system, they couldn’t make their voices heard. So overall, this collective and nationalistic open-mindedness for communal prosperity was beneficial for Japan as a whole, but the common people were disadvantaged with no access to basic human rights and a fair
The age of imperialism was an important part of history, it was during the 19th and 20th centuries. During this time period, European countries were taking over great sections of the world. It wouldn't be long before they started to take over Asia. Some countries such as, India and China, went under European control and influence. While Japan adopted reforms to meet the western challenge. How was it possible that Japan was able to be strong while India and China couldn't?
The Japanese pursuit for an empire in South East Asia helped changed the balance of world power away from Europe, by taking their most lucrative colonies. Soon after the Japanese defeat in World War II, most of the colonies won their independence from their European masters. This essay will be arguing that despite the vast geographical distance and cultural, racial differences, as well as the different time periods involved, Japanese and European intentions were very similar, and that these similarities contributed to the weakening of Imperialism as a doctrine. To do so, this essay will be examining the reasons for the Japanese
Japans history dates back almost 53,000 years and is filled with interesting and fascinating events. Most of Japans actions have left the major world powers in the world stunned. The base of this amazing country is astonishing just by itself. The base is a bunch of active and large under water volcanoes. Japans uniqueness from the rest of the world ranges from its culture to its very interesting history to the change in government every few hundred years and their trading dilemma with petroleum and their assortment of fish that they export. Japan as a country is so very appealing and kind compared to the rest of the world its no wonder that it’s geographically separate from the rest of the world.
Western Influence on Japan Japan, as a nation, is a continually changing society. Ever since western nations became involved with Japan, its changes over recent times have increased at a substantial rate. Japan now faces cultural, economical and social differences as a result of the western involvement. The involvement was initiated by the Japanese themselves, beginning during the Meiji Period1 through current times.
Throughout the course of East Asian history, Japan has been largely influenced by the Asian mainland. From ancient times to the medieval period, significant contributions to Japan can be seen coming from both Korea and China. Both of these countries diffused elements of their cultures to form the basis of Japanese society – namely China. These foreigners would influence various aspects of society including technology, philosophy, politics, and religion.
had become a threat to the United States to the point that it had to