2. Japan’s Enemies
• China became an enemy when China broke the treat to keep troops out of
Korea.
• Russia also became an enemy when they also wouldn’t stay out of Korea.
• Korea became an enemy when they starting seeking vengeance after Japan
defeated Russia. Japan took Korea over.
3. Japan’s Allies
• Japan was a brutal governed and operated nation that showed no mercy in
everyday life and in battle.
• They basically just conquered everyone and made no allies.
4. Japan’s Leaders
• Japan had one very successful Meiji Emperor by the name of Mutsuhito.
• Mutsuhito led Japan through many hardships and also helped them in war
where they conquered anyone and everyone.
5. Japan’s Government
• Japan has a parliamentary system of government from 1814-1915 similar to
Britain. Unlike the Americans, the Japanese don’t elect a president directly.
Diet members elect a prime minister from among themselves.
6. The Rise of Japan
• Japan gained tremendous amounts of power during the Meiji period, by
conquering China and gaining Taiwan and defeating Korea.
• Japan also gained power was the “Russo-Japanese War” which was fought
between the Russian Empire and the Empire of Japan in attempt to gain a
warm-water port on the Pacific Ocean for their navy and for trade.
7. Timeline of Japan’s Meiji Period
• 1872 Japan established their first railroad.
• 1876 Japan forced Korea to open their ports for military and trade.
• 1890 Japan modernized their military with several dozen war-ships and
500,000 well trained and armed soldiers. This made them the strongest
military force in all of Asia.
• 1904 Japan began fighting the “Russo-Japanese War” which captured Russia’s
fleet in an attempt to gain warm-water ports and trade routes.
8. Additional Info
• The Meiji Period was a time of incredible transformation in Japanese society.
It marked the end of the Japanese system of feudalism, and completely
restructured the social, economic, and military systems in Japan.
• Japan just a few decades earlier, merchants and manufacturers were
considered the lowest class of society, suddenly Japan was forming huge
corporations that produced iron, steel, ships, railroads, and other heavy
industrial goods.
9. The Roots of Samurai
• Samurai are legendary warriors and the most well-known class of people in
ancient Japan. They were noble fighters that fought with their swords and
frightening armor, following a strict moral code that governed their entire
life.
10. Japan Today
• The government of Japan is a constitutional monarchy in which the power
of the Emperor is limited.
