Under the Tokugawa shogunate in the early 1600s, Japan pursued a policy of isolationism, expelling foreigners and prohibiting the Japanese from leaving. However, in the 1800s-1900s, outside pressures from Western powers and a desire for change led Japan to transform itself from a closed, feudal society into a major industrial and military world power through adopting Western ideas and institutions while maintaining independence. The Meiji government oversaw Japan's rapid modernization through industrialization, building infrastructure like railroads, expanding the military, and sending students abroad to learn from Europe. By the early 1900s, Japan had become an imperialist power that gained control of territories like Korea, Taiwan, and Manchuria.

1. A Brief Look at Japan in the 1800s
to 1900s

2. Do you remember?
 Under the Tokugawa
Emperor, the Japanese
shoguns had chosen a
policy of isolationism in
the early 1600s.
 Foreigners were kicked
out of Japan, Christian
Japanese were
persecuted, and
Japanese were
“prohibited” from
leaving.

3.  JAPAN’S CLOSED COUNTRY EDICT OF 1635
1. Japanese ships are strictly forbidden to leave for foreign
countries.
2. No Japanese is permitted to go abroad. If there is anyone
who attempts to do so secretly, he must be executed.
3. If any Japanese returns from overseas after residing there,
he must be put to death.
4. If there is any place where the teachings of the [Catholic]
priests is practiced, there must be a thorough investigation.
7. If there are any Barbarians who propagate the teachings of
the priests, or otherwise commit crimes, they may be
incarcerated in the prison. . . .
8. All incoming ships must be carefully searched for the
followers of the priests.
10. Samurai are not permitted to purchase any goods
originating from foreign ships directly from Chinese merchants
in Nagasaki.

4. However,
 The Japanese leadership continued to “watch
and learn” from the “hairy barbarians” of the
West
 The Japanese economy flourished from silver
exports to China.

5. Outside powers threatened Japan
 After the defeat of the Chinese by the
British (1830s) & a growing presence
of European and U.S. warships (1850s)
Japanese leaders “decided” to sign
trade treaties and open Japan to
outsiders.

7. Japan was now open
to outside influences.

8. Tokugawa rulers were overthrown. . .
 The threat from outsiders and a desire
for change unified many provincial
leaders who joined together &
overthrew the Tokugawa rulers, and
began the Meiji period
(or Meiji Restoration)

9. 1860s - 1900s
Japan transformed itself into a
major industrial and military power

10. The Meiji Government
 The emperor was
the “figurehead”
while power was
held by landowners
and businessmen
in congress & in
the military
(oligarchy).

11. Meiji Japan adapts
Western ideas
 Japanese were sent
on study tours of
Europe. Europeans &
Americans were
hired to help
transform Japan.
 In Japan a new
education system
was set up

12.  Japanese
selectively
use Western
ideas and
styles while
remaining
politically,
economically,
& culturally
independent

14. JAPAN transformed
 Rapid industrialization
took place (with a mix
of government &
private ownership).
 Railroads were built,
mines expanded, and
urban areas became
more “modern”

16. Meiji Japan transforms itself
 Government built a
modern army & navy

17. FROM THIS . . .

18. TO
THIS.

19. Japanese
Imperialism
1860-1914

21. Japanese Imperialism
 Japan gained control of Korea &
Taiwan after defeating China.
 Japan defeated Russia to take control
of Manchuria (1905).

23. Which of the following
statements best
describes the main
message of this
cartoon?
A. Russia was bigger than
Japan
B. Japan was defeating
Russia in the struggle
for control of parts of
East Asia
C. In WWI, Japan’s Navy
was better than the
Russian Navy
D. France gave military
support to Japan in its
battles against Russia
over territory in Asia

24. Comparative Practice
½ sheet of paper – write a thesis paragraph
1. Analyze the similarities and differences in
Japanese and Chinese contacts with the
West from 1800 to 1914.
2. Analyze the similarities and differences in
Japanese and Ottoman contacts with the
West from 1800 to 1914.

25. JAPAN~
Changes-
• New dynasty – Meiji Period began
• From a Closed economy to
Industrial Power
• From Traditional to Modern –
Culture, Economy, Military
• Isolated nation-state to Imperial
Power

26. CAUSES
• Outside pressure
• Japanese leadership decided
to change – use the West as
a model