Background information

Isolationist policy

• limited foreign influence, avoid political and military entanglement with other countries

• Japan had limited contact with outside world during EDO period

• Japan was ruled by Shogun

(1603- 1868)

When was the Meiji period and what occurred?

1868

Meiji government roe and ended isolation policy

• Modernisation, industrialisation, westernisation

What changes occurred in Japanese society after the rise of the Meiji Government? (economy, education, military)

Economy:

• modern tax & banking system (so they can trade with other countries)

• private enterprise

Education:

• modern education system with focus on science and western culture

• study of western languages (ie/English which wasn’t a option before)

Military/Legal:

• conscript army

• system of court and police force

What influence did the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese War have on Japan

• increase military recognition (as a major military power)

• increased Japan’s recognition in world affairs

• challenged European military powers

• weakened China’s position

What occurred during the Sino-Japanese War

1894-1895

• competing imperial ambistions

• Japan won , defeat China’s army

• gained control of taiwan and gained influence on Korea

What was the significance of Japan’s modernisation?

• allowed Japan to avoid colonisation

• Adopting western technologies Building up military strength

• boosted economy

What influence did the Meiji period (modernisation) on East asia

• Improved Japan’s standing in world affairs

• Japan’s rising power challenged dominance of China & strengthened Japan’s national identity

What impact did Japan’s rise have on Western history

• Challenged racially exclusive western ideologies

• Military success enabled Japan to be recognised as a world power

When did Japan form an alliance with Britain, What was it called?

• 1902

• Anglo-Japanese alliance

• formed in alliance to defend each other in case of an attack (Russia)