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Growth of JAPANESE NATIONALISM in the 19th century - Coggle Diagram
Growth of
JAPANESE NATIONALISM
in the 19th century
Need for strategic security
Korea and Manchuria as a buffer zone against Russia
This was thought to be especially important in relation to the Russo-Japanese war, for example if Russia were to attempt a new attack
Due to Korea's proximity to Japan, Korea could provide a threat if under the rule of some other nation
Japanese civil war in 1868-89 had dissolved the Samurai class, so there was a lack of organized defence
Manchuria's importance: rich with minerals, living space for growing population and buffer zone
By showing the Western powers what Japan was capable of, expanding became something they thought they had to do to remain in a respectable position
Popular enthusiasm
for militarism and expansionism
the Amur River Society was established in 1901 to promote expansionism
Started as a smaller society, but grew in popularity
Ideology spreads in society and education
Called the Chinese weak "monkeys" and spread other racist ideology. The Japanese were superior.
The gain of new land as well as the frustration from losing some strengthened their view of needing strong military forces to be successful and be able to defend themselves against western powers and Russia
Beliefs of national unity and patriotism were reinforced by the Meiji government
In the Sino-Japanese war (1894-95), new land was given to Japan.
This gives more confidence to Japan and grows desire to spread
In the Treaty of Shimonoseki Pescadores Islands, Formosa and Liadong Peninsula were given to Japan
China defeted
New trading posts and commercial treaties
Military leaders were from higher classes, which often meant that military was at the heart of the government
In the early 20th century, Japan wanted to expand in Korea and Manchuria, since there was rich agriculture, which meant more resources. Increasing population also required more living space.
The Japanese wanted to improve their position in Asia
A successful war against old superpower Russia, the Russo-Japanese war (1904-1905), gained Japan some land and respect from the west.
The naval battle of Tsushima as the turning point of the war
Belief in destiny as the leader of Asia
This idea was strengthened after the Treaty of Portsmouth lead to other Asian countries admiring and seeing Japan as a role model.
The emperor was thought to be of god-like origin
Japanese people had an idea of exceptionalism; they wanted to build an empire in East Asia
Due to industrialisation, Japan was growing into an economic powerhouse in the East. This rose ideas of supremacy in the population.
Before the Meiji government, China was seen as a sort of big brother to look up to when it came to ideology, philosophy and such. This idea was dissolved during the Meiji government and Japanese supremacy was being enforced.
Japan had a desire for modernization, unlike any other country, and as the Qing Dynasty was not capable, Japan started to see itself as the superior Asian country.
Shintoism is reintroduced as the dominant religious ideology
Desire for equality
Japan wanted to be equal with western countries, because they were seen as equal powers to the rising Japan
The relationship was, however, often strained and rarely lead to equal treatment
Japan wanted to include racial equality clauses in the the Charter of the League of Nations
Japanese, while themselves enforcing racist ideology, were also facing similar attitudes. from the West
datsu-A nyu-O, or *“out of Asia, into Europe," ideology enforced the idea that Japan was above Asia and they wanted to claim a place in the West
Datsu-A Ron was an editorial that was published in 1885 that argued for Japanese leaving the Qing dynasty and Joseon Korea.
Need for expansionism and colonies
Meiji need to see japan as a "First-Class country"
Raw materials and markets)
Actions of the Western powers
Triple Intervention - Germany, Russia and France forced Japan to give up Liaodong Peninsula, which was eventually taken over by Russia
This reinforced the idea that a strong military was necessary for Japan
The 1924 Immigration Act in the United States made
Japan the only country from where no immigrants were allowed into the country
At first, Japan's ruler, the shogun, saw the west, especially Christianity as a threat. However, in the 19th century Japan started to have more contact with the west.
In 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry and his black ships arrived to Japan. He was determined to establish trade between the US.
With the example of the failed Chinese resistance to the West, Japan signed the humiliating Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854.
With the trade being established, Japan experienced a large change: the emperor got political power and became known as "the Meiji - The Enlightened". Meiji restoration begins
The Meiji established a limited democracy. Fashion, education , military, among many other factions, experienced large changes. The government promoted unity and patriotism
"Rich country - strong military"
When Japanese military was being reformed, there was a strong Western influence, especially from Germany. The British also helped with establishing a navy.
Anglo-Japanese alliance, in 1902 ended Japan's diplomatic isolation
The USA and Britain were angered by the 21 demands, so they were motified.
International cooperation in the 1920s
The First World War allowed Japan to gain more influence in Asia by seizing German military bases and occupying Germany's posessions in the South Pacific
Literally almost everything western countries did to China reinforced the idea that Japan needs to protect itself
Need for raw materials and markets
Japan had a tradition of production, but as industrialization began and demand for, as an example, Japanese cotton grew, new machinery was needed to keep up.
This lead to a huge demand for iron and steel
Japan wanted to become more self-sufficient, so they grew industry within the country
Increasing population demanded more food and land
Meiji leaders argued that Japan would only be able to protect itself by industrializing, and materials such as coal were needed for this expansion
Japan lacked certain raw materials that were needed to fuel industrialization, such as coal. They had to trade for it.
Shoguns relied on tax revenue produced from agriculture, but this money was eventually not sufficient and the markets had to be modernized and expanded
A drop in rice prices had made rice production in Japan very inefficient.
Expansionism guaranteed raw materials
Wanting to expand to Manchuria
The Great Depression, starting later on in 1929, left Japan in a disadvantageous position (U.S Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, rising duties on Japanese goods by up to 200%)
Price of silk fell, resulting in large-scale poverty and unemployment in Japan
This added up to the troubles Japan was already having during the 19th century
Hopes that new raw materials would help the people of Japan out of this economic crisis
Other reasons
Generally Japan has had a history of a strong sense of nationalism through a strong military force.
THE SHOGUN SYSTEM SINCE 1192
Shogun was a military and political leader of the country for hundreds of years. He was a medieval style dictator and ruled a feudal system
In the feudal system people had certain places and followed their roles and leaders loyally.
People had lived in a society where they served their leaders loyally: this ideology continued.
Classes
Emperor
Before the Meiji government, the Emperor was technically at the top of the society, but he held no real power.
The shogun
The shogun was the actual political and military leader.
Daimyos were regional leaders
Samurai warriors
Ronin - samurai without a lord or master
Peasants/artisans were the vast majority in the society
Merchants
Under the shogunate, people of Japan were all to obey the shogun, and as a result of this, they got accustomed to a culture of following the leader with no questions asked - obedience and a sense of honor grew important in the society
Strictly hierarchical society
