Boshin War

Opium War, Britain was able to attack Chinese soldiers from their claims in India (“Opium”). After The First Anglo-Chinese War, also known as The First Opium War, Hong Kong was ceded to the British, which gave them another strategic location in the East Asia Sea, so Japan was not a good investment. While the British were increasing their domain in India, it became clear that their sights were not on Japan, but a more useful location. The British decided to try their luck at taking Egypt, which would be very useful for trade and shipping into and out of the Indian Ocean. In the early 1800’s the British were defeated by the Mameluke army led by Muhammed Ali. The British withdrew from Egypt and did not return until 1882. In 1869, the French government funded the building of the Suez Canal, which connected the Red Sea to the Mediterranean. After the completion of the Suez Canal, the British’s interest in Egypt swelled. The canal would cut the travel times between India and Britain drastically (Luscombe). Britain had other ports in the East Asia Sea such as Singapore. After Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles established a trading post there, the Dutch recognized that the British controlled Singapore (“History”). Also, I believe that Japan was not a strategic location for any western power, except for the U.S. The U.S., if they actually used the manpower and colonized Japan, could’ve used Japan as a jumping off point for the invasion of the Philippines during the Spanish-American War,…

As a young girl she wanted to learn to shoot and after much persistence her father agreed. She took this teaching to heart during the Boshin War as she not only helped the other women in the castle heal wounded solders, but she also participated in night raids and battled on the front lines. She held fast and strong as she tried to keep her family safe. When she converted and became engaged to Jo she had to deal with the scrutiny of others and she held her head high un-wavered in her decision.…

A major underlying issue within many cultures in the world is the struggle to either hold on to traditions and values or to move forward with modernization. In the novel Keeper N’ Me by Richard Wagamese, the cultural traditions of the Anishanabe become very important to Garnet Raven who is a disconnected member of the tribe. The major theme in the Movie, The Last Samurai, directed by Edward Zwich is this very issue: tradition versus modernization. The protagonist of this movie Nathan Algren…

Meiji Transformation (1868-1900) in Japan was a turning point in the history of the state. Due to the Western approach of modernization in internal political, economic and social spheres; in other words, the transition from a traditional society to modern, Japan became one of the leading world countries. However, in big cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, such modernization was more tangible than in the provincial small towns or villages, where the strong connection with traditions was still…

This time, he elected to force the imperial court to approve of the destruction of the Shogunate, rather than openly declare war on them. The Imperial Court would eventually rule in favor of Saigō’s motivations, having pardoned the Choshu for their previous attempt at a coup and dissolving the Shogunate. Thus, war between the former Shogun and the newly formed Imperial Army began immediately. Despite being outnumbered, under Saigō’s command, the Imperial Army rapidly flourished in the…

In 1868, Japan appeared to be period of triumph of tradition over change, but Japanese leaders realized that Japan needed to modernize to survive (pg. 652). They begin enforcing a policy of comprehensive reform that would lay the basis for a modern industrial nation within the generation (pg. 652). A new young emperor by the reign name of Meiji symbolized the new era that was beginning (pg. 652). Meiji, (which means “enlightened rule”), took the throne in 1867 after the death of his father…

This major cause being discussed by historians Professor Wylie and Yayori Takano again stating it began as In the Shogunate period Japan watched China get criticised and humiliated by the British for trying to prevent them from selling opium. Then, in July of 1853, United States commodore Matthew Perry sailed into Tokyo Bay with four, armed war ships and guns. He demanded that Japan open itself up for international trade. The Japanese had no weapons to match the American firepower, so the…

assisting in wars with Islamic invaders. After, the opening of the Suez canal Ethiopian had became a interest few many more European powers including Britain, France and Italy. The Suez canal had made Ethiopia and the Red Sea important, and European powers were eager to obtain territory in the region. “favorable relations became extremely important when the Suez Canal was opened in 1869, creating a new major trade route”9. Its strange how a religious myth brought Europe closer with Ethiopia , in…

The Significance of Sakamoto Ryoma Sakamoto Ryoma, born in 1835 and died in 1867, was an anti-tokugawa samurai who revolutionarily influenced not only the nation but, societal beliefs, values, cultural behaviours, political endeavours and Japan itself. The significance of his legacy continues to inspire and express the importance of equality and pride for the country he belonged to. His outspoken actions and decisions throughout his life go on to modify modern day Japanese society and make him…

Step inside the arena and grab a seat. We have a great show for you tonight! Prepare yourself because the most anticipated fight in Edo era Japan begins immediately. This fight will involve the supernatural, in one corner, and societal norms, in the other. Tonight, the term supernatural refers to anything that exists beyond scientific understanding or natural laws. Furthermore, the term, “myth,” interchanges with the term, “supernatural,” throughout the night. The setting of this bout occurs…