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
For years, western nations tried to open trade with Japan
1853: US Commodore Matthew Perry steams his ships into Tokyo harbor to deliver a letter from President 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
In 1867, the Shogun step down and Emperor Mutshuito begins the Meiji era
Emperor realizes the best way to stop western influence was for Japan to modernize – studies western methods

3. As Japan industrialized, they also built a powerful military
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 kings 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 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