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Visualising Culture: Japan - Coggle Diagram
Visualising Culture: Japan
Westernisation
Pressure
The use of expansionist policies and gunboat diplomacy in the First Opium War (1839-42) & the Arrow War (1856-58) made Japan fearful of whether they were next
US Commodore Matthew Perry urged Feudal Japan to abolish isolationist policies and opt for an open country
US, Britain & China's economies were far better than Japan's primarily agrarian economy
Response
Japan abandoned its 7 century old feudal system, saying “evil customs of the past shall be broken off”
Japan strengthened its military and navy
Enacted expansionist policies that made Japan go to war with China (1894-95) and Russia (1904-05)
Civilisation & Enlightenment
Pressure
Western Nations enriching their economies through industrialisation and strong nation building
Expansionist nations made themselves known in the world through Imperialist operations outside their country
Response
"Rich country, Strong Military"
Warrior class abolished and conscription based army & navy established; Coal-burning paddlewheel ships (industrialised invention) made up the entire naval fleet.
Industrialised inventions like textile machinery were used by young women from the cottage industry to boost the textile industry
Technology like the telegraph, railroad and street lamps became commonplace in the cities
Westernisation
The Emperor and Empress wore European traditional wear and became symbols of Western liberal and progressive values
The most famous places in the country resembled Western-style Architecture
Western-influenced constitution put into place
Representative government implemented through the Diet (Parliament)
Emperor made a constitutional monarch
Wealth & Power
Pressure
"The Strong eat up the Weak" became the interpretation of Western Imperialist Conquests of the world which made Japan fear their and their region's future
Response
Nationalist Campaigns
The depiction of the Emperor in a military uniform overseeing military manoeuvres made him a strong symbol of the military
“Imperial Precepts to Soldiers and Sailors", a military code, stated that Japanese soldiers had a selfless loyalty to the Emperor and that there was spiritual glory in dying for the country and for the Emperor
Comprehensive campaigns put the Emperor at the center of a militaristic nationalism that bolstered his image as the supreme commander of Japan
Feeling the need to protect and improve their half civilised neighbour, Japan invaded Korea to protect it from China