Chat with us, powered by LiveChat 7-1 Discussion: The Rising Sun - STUDENT SOLUTION USA

Japans rapid rise of imperial influence in the late nineteenth century altered the dynamics of Asian politics during a period of rapid imperial growth all over the world. Why was Japan so successful after millennia of Chinese and Indian dominance? Based on our reading this week, identify one major contributing factor to Japans growth as the most powerful political player in the Asian arena.

As you consider the answers posted by classmates about a contributing factor, consider the alliances that Japan made during the world wars. Why did Japan create a friendship with Germany? Why not align with other empires, such as Britain, France, or the Netherlands?

Reply to peers after answering the questions above

Peer 1
Japan expanded to Korea, having an occupation there for some time. This has left poor trade between the two countries to this day. Korea had refused Japanese leadership, turning to Russia for help, which led Japan to seeking help from England in the Russo-Japanese war. They formed the 1902 Anglo-Japanese alliance. This helped them to take a better stance against Russia, and Korea. They took victory over Russia in this case, leaving Japan with political power in Korea. Japan was gaining more and more political control of East Asia and had begun a move to create treaties with India and the Middle East–but due to poor funds of the heavy war costs, the treaty was extremely unpopular.

Most of the Japanese expansion was about power, resources, and of course wanting control over the Chinese coal and iron resources and a lot of policy power for the harbors they did trade in. However Japan’s war-mongering became their greatest failure as was seen in WWI and WWII.

Peer 2
A humorous note, Japan really didnt do too much to start their rise. Commander Perrys blockade of Tokyo harbor caused the imperial rule to be able to take back power from the shogunate. Japans growth really came from trading and much like a business you reinvest to increase capital. Japan did this by developing a navy as well as an Air Force and foot soldiers.  Japan made a large monetary increase by trading whale oil much like crude today. They invested in military but also the ability to source their own raw materials for armament. China was Germanys friend, however, Japan was seen as a more strategic alliance due to their location and islands they had secured already especially the Guadalcanal. Japan, saw Germany as an opportunity for growth. Germany, Italy, and Japan joined forces mainly to keep the US out of World War II.

James, David H. 1951. The Rise and Fall of the Japanese Empire. London: George Allen & Unwin LTD.

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