Japan
In the early 1600’s, Japan was still ruled by shoguns, which were the highest military dictators. The shoguns began to gain control in Japan, and the Tokugawa family seized power in 1603. The Tokugawa Shogunte brought back a feudal society to the nation and closed off Japan to foreigners. The Japanese were not allowed to go overseas, which caused Japan to be isolated from trade and world affairs. The only trade they had was a very limited amount with the Dutch. Japan was living differently from the rest of the world, still immersed in their own lifestyle without other influences. Problems began to arise for the Japanese: many people in the society were unhappy and Japan began to falter.
In March 1852, American explorer Matthew Perry sailed to Japan, bringing the word that trade and other activities in Japan were wanted. Japan signed the Treaty of Kanawaga, which opened trade for the country. This brought Japan out from its isolated corner of Asia, ultimately resulting in the modernization of Japan. Japan began to further modernize due to the Meiji Restoration, ending the Tokugawa era in 1867. Emperor Meiji set up reforms which helped Japan grow to its full potential.
The Sino-Japanese War (1894-95) happened between Japan and China over control of parts of Korea. At the time, China was the strongest nation in Asia and was not threatened by the tiny island of Japan. Surprisingly, it was an easy victory for the Japanese. The Japanese won due to their new types of weapons, leading them to control Taiwan.
Shortly after, the Russo-Japanese war (1904–1905) evolved between two dominant nations; Russia and the newly powerful Japan. Both countries wanted control of Korea and Manchuria (a region in northeastern China). Prior to the war, Russia began to spread into Siberia, which brought the country in contact with Japan. The two countries were competing for power and began to prepare themselves for war. Once again, the Japanese won. The conquering of two great nations, China and Russia, led Japan to be the most powerful force in Asia.
Overall, Japan flourished as a country and became the strongest power in Asia. The Japanese began to let go of their old customs and become modernized like the rest of the West.
In March 1852, American explorer Matthew Perry sailed to Japan, bringing the word that trade and other activities in Japan were wanted. Japan signed the Treaty of Kanawaga, which opened trade for the country. This brought Japan out from its isolated corner of Asia, ultimately resulting in the modernization of Japan. Japan began to further modernize due to the Meiji Restoration, ending the Tokugawa era in 1867. Emperor Meiji set up reforms which helped Japan grow to its full potential.
The Sino-Japanese War (1894-95) happened between Japan and China over control of parts of Korea. At the time, China was the strongest nation in Asia and was not threatened by the tiny island of Japan. Surprisingly, it was an easy victory for the Japanese. The Japanese won due to their new types of weapons, leading them to control Taiwan.
Shortly after, the Russo-Japanese war (1904–1905) evolved between two dominant nations; Russia and the newly powerful Japan. Both countries wanted control of Korea and Manchuria (a region in northeastern China). Prior to the war, Russia began to spread into Siberia, which brought the country in contact with Japan. The two countries were competing for power and began to prepare themselves for war. Once again, the Japanese won. The conquering of two great nations, China and Russia, led Japan to be the most powerful force in Asia.
Overall, Japan flourished as a country and became the strongest power in Asia. The Japanese began to let go of their old customs and become modernized like the rest of the West.
Japan's Feudal Society Pyramid
At the top of the pyramid were the shoguns, who had absolute power. They were followed by the Daimyo, who were vassals of the shogun. Next came the Samurai, who were powerful military warriors. Last were the famers, fisherman, and finally, the merchants.
Closed Country Edict of 1635
This is the document in which Tokugawa Iemitsu closed off Japan from the rest of the world:
http://www.wfu.edu/~watts/w03_Japancl.html
This document shows all the laws made to close off Japan from the rest of the world, including closing ports and trading cities and investigating Catholic teachings.
http://www.wfu.edu/~watts/w03_Japancl.html
This document shows all the laws made to close off Japan from the rest of the world, including closing ports and trading cities and investigating Catholic teachings.