Examples Of Imperialism In Meiji Restoration, Modernization And Westernization Of Japan

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Definition
Imperialism is defined as propagation by spreading power and dominion on other nations or places in various aspects, for example, political and economic. However, imperialism has often considered disgraceful because it concerns the use of power such as army force and another indirect method. The term ‘Imperialism’ was commonly used in international propaganda to decry and degrade an opponent’s foreign scheme.

Imperialism in Japan
1) Meiji Restoration, modernization and westernization of Japan
In 1867, Emperor Meiji ascended to the throne when he was only 15 years old. Because of this, the actual government power rested on the cabinet of advisers formed to help Emperor Meiji govern the country. The cabinet began planning a lot
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One of the example of modernisation made was the samurai who were recognised as a warrior could now be anything apart of a warrior, for example, farmers or traders, and the citizens with no background in military could join Japan’s new army. The reformers in Meiji period believed that changes were important in order to have diplomatic equality and military strength to create paths to democracy. Emperor Meiji himself shows his efforts for modernisation and westernisation in practice and in appearance. Influenced by the Western, he wore Western-style military clothing and grew a Kaiser moustache. More example on modernisation made were implementing land tax, invested the wealth to build banks, railroads and bought modern printing equipment which caused the increasing number in newspaper been made. The new Japan military also adapted to changes from the West such as Western-style weapons, for example, guns and bomb making knowledge and also uniform altering according to Western military uniform style. In the beginning of 1850s, Japan was forced to sign treaties with the West that actually was unfair for them. Because of this, Iwakura Tomomi,

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