1. 18.4

2.  U.S. sent sophisticated warships to force Japan to open up trade  During this time Japanese were getting upset with Shogun rule ◦ Strict laws, high taxes  Reformers looked to the Emperor to return to his role as leader

3.  Meiji Restoration-1868 rebels forced the shogun to step down ◦ Emperor returned to power calling his reign the Meiji or “enlightened rule” ◦ Supported by samurai realized they needed to modernize ◦ Set out to enrich the country and strengthen the military

5.  Sent hundreds of Japanese to western countries to study government, industry, and military  Stunned by several things ◦ Elected presidents. ◦ President dressed like average person ◦ Learned about steam power ◦ Lack of etiquette and honor

6.  Defeated China in 1895 and won Korea, Taiwan and privileges in China  1905 defeated Russia in the Russo-Japanese War ◦ Shocked western countries that an Asian country beat a world power  Gained raw materials they needed and respect

7.  Believed in strict loyalty to the Emperor  Saw the need to free Asian countries from western control  Began to further invade China as protection from the west

8.  During WWII Japan took control of Vietnam from the French ◦ U.S. responded by cutting off vital oil going to Japan  While negotiating peace with the U.S., surprise attacked U.S. fleets at Pearl Harbor ◦ Intended to destroy U.S. military in the Pacific ◦ U.S. entered WWII

9.  Japan started out with great success

10.  August 6, 1945: the U.S. drops the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima ◦ Killing over 80,000  August 9, 1945: the U.S. drops the second atomic bomb on Nagasaki ◦ Killing over 40,000  August 14, 1945 the Japanese surrender