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DISCUSS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF JAPAN’S ATTEMPTS TO BECOME A MODERN STATE IN THE PERIOD AFTER RESTORATION

After 200 years of complete isolation, Japan opened itself to new ideas and influence that allowed a process of rapid modernisation to occur; that would have a drastic impact on every facet of Japanese society. This period became known as the Meiji Restoration, and under the Imperial Charter Oath of 1868, a new system of government was established and important aspects such as industrialisation and imperialism transformed Japan.

The first step towards becoming a modern state came in 1853, when four United States ships commanded by Commodore Perry sailed into Uraga Bay, near the capital Edo. Perry presented a letter from US President Fillmore, urging Japan to end their seclusion, opening the country to foreign trade. Impressed by the foreigner’s steam-powered ships and heavy artillery, the Japanese officials felt as if they had no choice but to sign the treaty with the United States. Known as the Treaty of Kanagawa (1854), Japan granted permission to trade and extraterritorial ...

Posted by: Gina Allred

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