What?: The modernization, industrialization and westernization of Japan
Where?: Japan
When?: 1853-1904
Who?: The Japanese Emperor Meiji
Why?: Meiji realized that Japan had fallen behind the rest of the world and he wanted his nation to “catch up”
How?: Meiji sends Japanese scholars around the world to learn from the west. He also imports experts from the west to modernize Japan’s military, government and economy. In exchange, the Japanese are forced to sacrifice some of their traditions such as the Samurai.
Results:
1) Japan gives up some of its traditions and culture in order to become modern.
2) Japan establishes a modern industrial economy.
3) Japan defeats Russia in the Russo-Japanese war.
Importance: Japan becomes a world economic and military power.
Related Terms:1) Mathew Perry, 2) Peter the Great, 3) Assimilation, 4) Russo-Japanese War