My opinion of Japanese superiority was changed after reading Strayer because of Japan's willingness to use western technology. Instead fending off America and other European countries that wanted to trade with Japan, they succumbed to their will in order to not end up like China post-opium wars. This act of lying down in the face of western powers does not seem to be the proud country I thought them to be.
Japan was also eager to use the technology they lacked in order to transform their country. They were not just influenced by the west, they used all the technology and knowledge the west possessed to rebuild their country. "Knowledge shall be sought throughout the world," said the Japanese. This extreme open-mindedness was contrary to the slightly reluctant and condescending attitude we experienced in class. Their smooth transition between governments and the new government's commitment to change, along with a lack of meddling by America, allowed Japan to flourish.
I definitely agree with what you're saying. In class, I thought Japan was just the most superior, most powerful country. I have to say I was a little disappointed when discovering that they didn't even put up a fight when the Westerners came knocking on their door. If they had fought, then maybe they wouldn't have agreed on such unfair agreements.
ReplyDeleteI agree with most of what you said, but I feel like both you and Frannie are not giving Japan enough credit on the "unequal treaties" issue. They were giving themselves the opportunity to back down with their pride intact in the face of certain defeat. At least they didn't weaken themselves in a useless war like China did and still give up everything in the end. It is the honor of taking the poison yourself instead of having it forced down the throat. Except in Japan's case, their refusal to put up a fight only preserved their strength, allowing them to become an imperial power alongside many European countries.
ReplyDeleteI really like the way your post is written, it's very clear and easy to follow. I agree with Nicole that Japan was very smart to agree to unequal treaties, even though they did not benefit as much as the Eurpeans because they were, obviously, unequal. By submitting to the other countries they allowed trade and cultural difusion without an outright confrontation that could have ended in disaster, like China's opium wars.
ReplyDeleteJapan's ability to accept the unequal treaties was definitely a strong point, despite sounding pitiful and weak. It opened them up to new trade and the economic growth of being allied with the strongest world powers of the time. Had they tried to resist, they probably would have failed. The act of submitting to the west did not give a strong image, but the end product of their forced friendship was.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Nicole and Rina, in that "resistance [was] useless." By not challenging more developed world powers, Japan preserved itself long enough to catch up to Europe. By not angering other countries, they were able to grow, to the point that their technology was equal to the Europeans and they could "fight fire with fire" by turning their own ideas against them.
ReplyDeleteI think it's fairly miraculous that Japan and a western European power did not break out in war. Judging by past examples (colonization, imperialism, Taliban, etc...), violence is usually a product of the westernization. Instead, Japan emerged into the successful country that is now by effectively using western ideas to their advantage. Yes, Japan framed itself as the most superior country, but the fact remains that Japan is a prime example that reflects the positives of westernization.
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