U.S imperialism

1. U.S imperialism By Logan Gordon

2. History:Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) • The most important philosophy of Tokugawa Japan was Neo-Confucianism, stressing the importance of morals, education and hierarchical order in the government and society: A strict four class system existed during the Edo period: at the top of the social hierarchy stood the samurai, followed by the peasants, artisans and merchants. The members of the four classes were not allowed to change their social status. Outcasts, people with professions that were considered impure, formed a fifth class.

3. Like other subjugated Asian nations, the Japanese were forced to sign unequal treaties with Western powers. These treaties granted the Westerners one-sided economical and legal advantages in Japan. In order to regain independence from the Europeans and Americans and establish herself as a respected nation in the world, Meiji Japan was determined to close the gap to the Western powers economically and militarily. Drastic reforms were carried out in practically all areas.

4. U.S INVOLVEMENT • The first U.S. consul assigned to a Japanese port was Townsend Harris. • Japan sent its first mission to the West in 1860, when Japanese delegates journeyed to the United States to exchange the ratified Harris Treaty.

5. Although Japan opened its ports to modern trade only reluctantly, once it did, it took advantage of the new access to modern technological developments. Japan’s opening to the West enabled it to modernize its military, and to rise quickly to the position of the most formidable Asian power in the Pacific. At the same time, the process by which the United States and the Western powers forced Japan into modern commercial intercourse, along with other internal factors, weakened the position of the Tokugawa Shogunate to the point that the shogun fell from power.

6. U.S relationship with Japan • Our relationship is good with Japan, we have a very active political relationship with them. We consider them one of our closest friends.

7. U.S ally with Japan • We are an ally with Japan, when we need help in a war Japan will send soldiers to help our forces.

8. Actions U.S took to intervene • President TR put the white fleet in front of Japan to make them trade with us

9. As a result Japan started trading with us

10. Why • The US had the most freed nav