1. Modernization in Japan
What causes Japan to open up & become more like the west?

2. US Steams Into Japan
Japan was ruled by Shogun who divided land amongst the nobles
Peasants worked for nobles and their armies, the Samurai
1853: Little trade btwn west & Japan, so US Commodore Matthew Perry steams his ships into Tokyo harbor w/ letter from Pres. Fillmore
The letter asked the Shogun to allow trade between the US & Japan
Japan & US sign trade agreement called the Treaty of Kanagawa
Most Japanese people did not want foreigners in Japan, they ask Emperor to take control of the country
1867: the Shogun step down and Emperor Mutsuhito begins the Meiji era
Emperor realizes the best way to stop western influence was for Japan to modernize – studies western methods

3. Japanese Imperialism
As Japan industrialized, they also built a powerful military
1876: Japan forces neighboring Korea to open ports for trade
However, China happened to be Korea’s trading partner
Both countries sign a “hands-off” Korea treaty
People of Korea rebel against their king, Korean king asks China to help – China send in its troops
Japan attacks China for violating treaty
Japan wins Sino-Japanese War, gets Taiwan & sph of infl. in Manchuria, Korea
1903: Russia tries to gain influence in Korea & Manchuria
Japan launches a surprise attack against Russia ships near Manchuria (Russo-Japanese War)
Japan wins the war crushing the Russian navy – land battle a draw
Japan annexes Korea - closes Korean newspapers, and replaces Korean subjects w/ Japanese subjects

4. Russo-Japanese War Political Cartoon
Open your book to page 378
How is Russia characterized in most cartoons?
How was Japan characterized during the Meiji era?
How does the cartoonist signify that Japan is warlike?
Who do you think the cartoonist is depicting being crushed by this war between Russia & Japan?