The Meiji Restoration is considered to have been a major turning point, which had significant impact in Japan. Throughout the era, Japan highly encouraged continental involvement (Harry and Conroy 59).
This essay discusses why Japan took this stance, during the period between the restoration and the Parliamentary Ascendancy.
The Meiji Revolution generally refers to the period between 1868 and 1912, during the reign of the Meiji emperor. This followed the decline of the rule of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which emanated from internal divisions, economic debt and opposition from other groups.
Additionally, the collapse was precipitated by external invasions led by Americans. As a result, Tokugawa Shogunate submitted to foreign demands and endorsed agreements, which contributed to the end of its isolation from other nations of the world.
Efforts by some Japanese forces to resist the treaties were trounced by foreign powers. The question many people have asked is why Japanese strengthened the policy of continental involvement between Meiji Revolution and the Parliamentary Ascendancy.
Although the issue of continental involvement has been viewed differently, it has been argued that Japanese drive for industrialization and economic development was a major reason.
Between these periods, the country put in place strategies, which were solely aimed at augmenting its efforts to strengthen its foundation against any form of external pressure (Mikiso 201).
It formed alliances with countries, which were perceived to be friendly and shared its political and economic ideologies. On the other hand, Japan distanced itself from nations, which were considered to be unfriendly.
The need for continental involvement was also necessary since Japan was extremely weak in terms of military. It mainly depended on agriculture and had little technological development.
Importantly, Japan had been compelled by Western Powers to endorse treaties, which limited its mandate to oversee the country’s foreign trade (Harry and Conroy 60). In fact, cases of crimes involving foreigners were held in Western courts.
By early 20th century, Japan had a highly centralized and bureaucratic government and an elected parliament. The country also had a well-developed transport and communication system, a highly educated population and a growing industrial sector (Mikiso 202).
It has been argued that these achievements were significantly influenced by Japan’s continental involvement policy. Due to this policy, Japan was fully transformed by the end of the Meiji Revolution, having received a lot of influence from Western Powers.
By the year 1908, school attendance in Japan had risen to ninety-eight percent. Additionally, it was easy to implement the policy because of the relatively small size of Japan and its established political system. This permitted streamlined involvement of other nations into its development agenda.
As a result of its organization, Japan experienced minimum interference from foreign countries, which allowed its smooth interaction with continental nations in advancing its policies.
The leadership of Japan equally played a major role during its crucial years of its history. They determined the country’s course through discussions and consultations.
Most of Japanese leaders were driven by the desire to strengthen the country in various ways. During the Parliamentary Ascendancy era, Japan had development interests in China (Mikiso 221). Moreover, people from other nations within the continent were attracted by the country’s approach to modernization.
Several students opted to study in Japan and tap its philosophies. Actions taken by Japan compare and contrast with the policy of the United States at the turn of the 20th century. The U.S. strengthened its development policies and joined forces with other nations to pursue certain goals.
Works Cited
Harry, Wray, and Conroy Hilary. Japan Examined: Perspectives on Modern Japanese History. Hawaii: University of Hawaii Press, 1995. Print.
Mikiso, Hane. Modern Japan: A Historical Survey. Colorado: Westview Press, 2009. Print.