Focus 2/29 With the arrival of the U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry, Japan was forced to open its ports to Western nations. Fearing Western imperialism, Japan launches a campaign to modernize called the Meiji Restoration. This led Japan to launch a series of wars in Asia. Point for Discussion: Why did the Japanese launch a series of wars in Asia? Term to know: sphere of influence Critical Lens: The Japanese/Russo War increased Japans desire to become a world power.

Empire of the Rising Sun

Imperial Japan Meiji Restoration – after U.S. Admiral Matthew Perry arrives in Japan, Japanese begin to modernize and practice imperialism in an effort to get needed raw materials Meiji Restoration – after U.S. Admiral Matthew Perry arrives in Japan, Japanese begin to modernize and practice imperialism in an effort to get needed raw materials

Imperial Japan Hirohito was emperor of Japan from Hirohito was emperor of Japan from

Imperial Japan Conservatives, especially the military, rejected western ideas like individualism and Marxism Conservatives, especially the military, rejected western ideas like individualism and Marxism

Imperial Japan Japan began to be very militaristic in its quest for raw materials and territory Japan began to be very militaristic in its quest for raw materials and territory

Imperial Japan Under the militarists, Japanese government begins to teach schoolchildren service to the state. Under the militarists, Japanese government begins to teach schoolchildren service to the state.

Imperial Japan 1931 – Japan conquers Manchuria and other Chinese territories in a quest for raw materials – Japan conquers Manchuria and other Chinese territories in a quest for raw materials.

Imperial Japan League of Nations condemns Japan’s actions in Manchuria League of Nations condemns Japan’s actions in Manchuria