Japan encountered numerous threats and challenges during the 19th century. Different western nations posed a major threat to this nation. Japan did not embrace the ideas and concepts portrayed by any other society for several centuries. The people of Japan divided their societies into several ranks.
Some of these ranks in the country included merchants, Samurais, farmers, and artisans. Society expected every Samurai to carry a sword. The Japanese understood their positions and roles in their respective societies. These Samurais did not engage in any economic activity. This development created a new order in Japanese society.
Many Europeans and Americans had visited Japan by the end of the 19th century. Most of these Americans had come to revolutionize Japan and make it a new country. According to different historians, the majority of these westerners wanted to redefine the history of Japan by force. They also wanted to engage China and Japan in their trade activities. The first western vessels also came to Japan during the time.
The impact of these newcomers was significant on the country’s future. The life of Fukuzawa Yukishi explains how the Japanese failed to socialize with the outside world. The people of Japan had always supported their traditions and cultural ideas. The Japanese were lucky to experience new technological changes during the period. Some Japanese citizens such as Fukuzawa Yukishi managed to explore the outside world.
Most of these individuals eventually realized that Japan was an underdeveloped society. This new understanding and knowledge meant a lot for Japan. According to many citizens, the arrival of different westerners threatened the country’s traditions and cultural values. Some Japanese provinces such as Choshu became new centers of anti-foreign ideas. The Samurais believed strongly that they were powerful men. They also treated Japan as a sacred nation.
The new agreement signed between the government and these foreigners annoyed the Samurais. Fukuzawa Yukishi also observed that the majority of the Japanese were against every anti-western idea. Many Japanese wanted to expel these “barbarians” from their country. This repulsion forced the Japanese to kill a huge number of these foreigners. The Samurais (also called Shi-Shi) continued to attack every western vessel. This development encouraged every foreigner to respond in a negative manner.
Fukuzawa became influential because he embraced the wave of modernism in the country. This effort would support the country thus making it powerful in the future. This scholar was not ready to accept any powerful position. Most of the author’s works focused on the issues affecting the country during the 19th century.
For instance, Fukuzawa identified the weaknesses associated with Japan. The decision to resist the ideas presented by different westerners reshaped the future of Japan. The Japanese government was also incapable of repelling the influence of these westerners. The author also realized that Japan was a weak nation. For instance, the country’s Shogunate was also incapable of providing the best opportunities to its Japan.
Fukuzawa had learned a lot after traveling to Europe and America. According to the scholar, Japan was lagging far behind in both technological and scientific progress. This knowledge made it easier for Fukuzawa to understand most of the issues associated with these western nations.
By 1860s, it was evident that Japan was encountering dramatic political, economic, and social changes. Fukuzawa’s works and ideas emerged at a time when the lives of many Japanese citizens were in danger. For instance, these Samurais killed some of Fukuzawa’s colleagues. The author explained why it was inappropriate for the Japanese to ignore the treaties signed between the government and these foreigners.
According to different scholars such as Fukuzawa, it was appropriate for the Japanese to understand the issues associated with these western powers. The next step was to move forward immediately. This single fact explains why Fukuzawa’s efforts reshaped the history of Japan. This strategy produced a new path in Japan thus promoting the concept of modernization.
Yukichi strongly believed that Japan was underdeveloped compared to many western nations. He traveled across the world in order to understand the issues and challenges encountered in Japan. He also believed strongly that Japan’s education system was inadequate. Majority of the people in Japan were unhappy with Fukuzawa’s ideas and concepts.
These conservatives believed that Japan was a holy country that had always promoted different religious values and traditions. Fukuzawa also believed strongly that Western education would eventually support Japan’s economic goals. However, it was evident that Japan was in total conflict. These conservatives were against any foreign idea or practice.
According to Yukishi, the decision to embrace foreign ideas and technologies would support Japan’s future. The Sino-Japanese War of the 1890s made it easier for the country to acquire Formosa. Japan’s victory was something meaningful to the country. However, Japan was unable to compete with different countries such as France, Britain, Germany, and Russia.
This situation forced the country to sign the Triple Intervention Treaty. However, Japan decided to increase its military strength. The Japanese developed a new militaristic attitude in order to defend their nation from various foreign powers. Japan was in great fear because most of these foreign countries possessed powerful technologies and vessels. Japan was also concerned about the weakening economy of China during the period.
Many citizens portrayed the country’s efforts to retain its strength and prosperity. This development encouraged more people to believe that their country had a bright future. A large number of Japanese citizens were against the imperialistic powers portrayed by different western countries.
This situation appeared to threaten the country’s future. Many scholars (including Fukuzawa Yukishi) began to embrace various foreign ideas. The scholars also encouraged more Japanese citizens to embrace the process of Social Darwinism. This idea produced a new process that would eventually support the country’s culture.
The life of Yukishi makes it easier for scholars to identify the challenges encountered by many citizens. For example, the westerners portrayed inappropriate prejudice against every Japanese citizen. The foreigners also insulted these Japanese citizens. These western imperialists also engaged in coercive insults and acts. This move affected the attitude of many Japanese citizens. On the other hand, Japan depended on foreign resources and international trade in order to emerge successfully.
The level of civilization portrayed by many foreign powers caused much fear in the country. Many people also began to protest against the Samurais. This uncertainty led to the Satsuna Rebellion. This upheaval led to the destruction of the Samurai class. The end of the Samurai class redefined Japan’s future.
A new era emerged in Japan because the people wanted to deal with the challenges posed by these foreigners. The people of Japan began to embrace the equipment designed by these foreigners. The people promoted a new form of governance after the collapse of the Samurai class. The restoration of Absolute Power (AP) in the country produced a new wave of democratization. This new order forced many people to improve their own living conditions without depending on one another.
Fukuzawa had visited different nations across the world. He identified the challenges and gaps that affected Japan. According to the author, it was the most appropriate time to popularize different western ideas. He encouraged more Japanese citizens to embrace various western ideas in order to emerge successfully. He also encouraged his readers to keep time and be punctual. This positive move eventually supported the country’s future economy. Fukuzawa and his colleagues inspired the people of Japan to support their country.
Fukuzawa also made education relevant in the country. The government treated education as a powerful practice that could support every Japanese citizen. This strategy was critical towards making the country rich and powerful. This strategy would ensure the country achieved its goals.
Every western nation presented new scientific strategies and military strengths that meant a lot for Japan. The country identified new economic methods and practices in order to become powerful. A new economic reality would eventually become part of Japan.
In conclusion, Japan encountered many challenges and threats from these western countries. It was the right time to embrace the best values and aspects of modernism. Such values would eventually make the country prosperous. The country continued to import numerous raw materials from these western countries. That being the case, the story of Yukishi presented numerous lessons that informed more individuals about the relevance of different Western ideas.
Bibliography
Hopper, Helen. Fukuzawa Yukishi: From Samurai to Capitalist. New York: Pearson, 2004.
Schirokauer, Conrad. Modern East Asia. New York: Cengage Learning, 2007.