Imperialism in Japan

1. Imperialism in Japan

2. Japan • Since the early 1600s, Japan was led by Shoguns • Military dictators • The Tokugawa Family became the leaders of Japan • Closed off Japan to the rest of the world • Japan still developed into a strong agricultural country • Economy was not the greatest • Feudal system • Over time people were unhappy with Shoguns • Reform happened and Shoguns lost power

3. Japan • News of the British victory over China reached Japanese officials • Worried that Western powers would soon reach Japan • United States sent troops over to force Japan to trade • Japan had no choice but to agree • European powers soon followed • Japan was following the same path as China • People rebelled and overthrew the Shoguns and went back to having an Emperor • 15 year old Meiji

4. Japan • Meiji Restoration • Lasted from 1868-1912 • Strengthened Japan • Studied Western ways and combined hem with Japanese traditions • Did not want to give in to their power • Brought in Western leaders and sent Japanese leaders to the West

5. Japan • First change came in government • Created a strong central government • Emperor had absolute power • Also had a legislature and bureaucracy • Voting rights were limited • Industrialization • Adopted Western ideas on industry • Economy flourished • Determined to resist Foreign rule

6. Japan • As economy grew, need for Imperialism grew as well • Japan lacked many resources need for industrialization • Focus turned to Korea • Was also isolated from all other countries • Forced them to open trading ports to Japan only • Conflict with China • Led to Sino-Japanese War • Japan won easily

7. Japan • After expanding into China, Japan wanted more • Entered into Russo-Japanese War • Japan defeated Russian troops and destroyed a Russian fleet • First time an Asian power defeated a European power • Eventually absorbed Korea • Koreans unhappy- resisted • Japan put down rebellion and maintained strength in Asia