JAPAN AS A WORLD POWER

JAPAN MODERNIZES Japan has been isolationist since the era of colonization. In the 1850’s, the shogun stepped down ending military dictatorships that had controlled Japan since the 12th century. Commodore Matthew Perry (U.S. Navy) is sent with naval steam warships to Japan to force the Japanese to open trade with the U.S. (1854) Want coal to refuel steam ships heading to Asia Want safe treatment for shipwrecked Americans Trade – new markets for goods The Japanese fear the massive boats and threat of attack on the city of Edo, agree to trade with the U.S.

MODERNIZING JAPAN Imperial family takes control, emperor begins studying Western culture: (known as the Meiji Restoration) Developed a constitutional monarchy Reformed the military (no more samaris) Universal public education Began industrialization Developed better communication systems within Japan

JAPANESE CONTROL OF KOREA Korea was under Chinese control Japan forces Korea to begin trading (1874) Japan and China agree to keep their militaries out of Korea Korea begins rebelling and China sends in troops. Japan sees this as breaking the agreement, so they attack in 1894 (a.k.a the Sino-Japanese War) Japan destroyed the Chinese navy, kicked the Chinese out of Korea, and gets a foothold on Manchuria (mainland Asia) Wanted resources for industry and new markets for trade

RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR Japan and Russia are the strongest powers in Asia and both want control of trade in Korea. In 1904, Japan attacks Russia, destroys the Russian navy, and kicks the Russians out of Korea. Russia loses in 1905: first time a European super- power loses to an Asian nation Establishes Japan as a world power.

HOW DOES THIS CARTOON ILLUSTRATE THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR?