japans road to war essays

japans road to war essays Japan embarked on a policy of military expansion because of a number if reasons. Modernisation, greater territory and nationalism are all reasons why Japan would want to go ahead with military expansion. This was following the lead of the more powerful western countries such as Russia Britain and America. Foreign countries are the common enemy of our empire (Iwakura Tomoni 1869) Although they despised these countries, their Charter Oath meant they would have to learn off these countries in order to improve themselves especially the military. Knowledge shall be sought throughout the world, so as to strengthen the foundation of imperial rule (Fifth article of Charter Oath, Meiji 1869).This was important as a stronger military usually resulted in greater territory. Matthew Perry was instrumental in the modernization of Japan as he was the driving force to begin trade between Japan and the western countries. After trading had proceeded, Japan had realised how much they were behind the west in many aspects, the major one being military. China decided to keep to themselves and not trade with the west, as a result they fell behind the west and the rest of the world while Japan was getting stronger. On February 8, 1904, Japan launched a surprise attack on Russia navel vessels. A war between Japan and Russia began. The Russo-Japanese war was over railway lines which were to be run through China. Both Russia and Japan wanted to dominate this region and was forced into a war. This war marked the first time an Asian power had defeated a European power in modern times. This established Japan as a major force in world affairs. However Russia wasnt forced to pay war reparations and this left the Japanese very hostile towards the west. In the first world war 1914-1918 Japan sided with Australia and the Allies against Germany. After the war at the Versailles Peace treaty, Japan wan ...