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10 Major Events in Japan during the Age of Imperialism
3 Extra Events -
In 1853 U.S sent a fleet of ships to Japan. This fleet of ships was under the command of Commodore Mathew Perry. His mission was to end Japan's self-isolation. It was also to open up Japan to trade for goods. Soon after the U.S other nations such as Great Britain, Russia, and Holland did the same thing. This was the point were Japan decided to respond to this so called Imperialism.
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In the year 1868 Japan has responded towards Imperialism. In 1868 A group of samurai removed the Tokugawa Shogunate. The Tokugawa Shogunate at that time was the leading government at that time. It was overthrown and the samurai repalced it with the emperor. This was because they did not like Japan's old ways anymore. They wanted to become more westernized both socially and govenmently.
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On May 9, 1869 Ice Cream was first introduced into Japan.
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On september 13, 1872 railway service begins between Tokyo and Yokohama.
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On April 12, 1877 Japan opened up Tokyo University, the first National University in Japan. Not only did Japan open up Tokyo University, but they also sent scholar aboard. These scholars were sent to the West. They were to learn about the Western ideals, government, and society.
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In 1879, Cholera epidemic runs through the country, killing over 100,000 people.
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In the 1880s Japan had started to industrialize. Japan bought Western techonology and machinery. They also encouraged their people to start businesses. This lead to Japan being developed in less than 50 years. This lead to Japan beign the first to industrialize in Asia. Not only that but with well equipped soliders and navy, Japan rose to power in Asia.
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Many countries had a intrest in Korea, a land near Japan. Japan did not want any westerners to be on Korea because it was so close to them, and because they wanted Korea's resource. In 1894 a rebellion broke out in Korea. Both China and Japan sent out troops to Korea. This turned into the Sino-Japanese war between China's large forces and Japan's modernized forces. In the end China had been defeated by Japan.
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In 1895 Japan had defeated China's large army in Korea. At the end of the war Japan had China sign the Treaty of Shimonoseki. This treaty forced China to give Korea its independence. It also made China give land to Japan. Japan had gained the island of Taiwan, some islands next to it, and tge coast near Manchuria. It also allowed to Japan to trade in China.
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In 1899, Japan put out a new constitution. This new constitution gave the Japanese people the right to vote in the government. However the only people that could vote were the rich people who own a lot of property. It also gave surpreme power to the emperor. Not only that but the new constitution also created the Diet. It was a two housed assembly. One house were the elected people, and the other house was the represenatives.
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In 1898 Russaia had wanted China to give a them Port Arthur, a port from Manchuria. After the Sino-Japanese, Japan had gained land along the Manchuria. Out of rivalry for control of Manchuria and Korea, Japan launch a surprise attack on Russian navy. This quickly escalated into the Russo-Japanese War. With Japan's superior army and commanders, they crushed Russia, even though the fight were long with heavy casualties on both sides.
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The Treay of Portsmouth had ended the Russo-Japanese War. This treaty gave Japan numerous benefits. Japan gained access to trading ports in China. Had full control over Manchuria in China. Had Korea in its protectorate. It also added the island of Sakhalin to Japan's territory. Sakhalin was originally a Russian island
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On July 30, 1912 the emperor Meiji died. This caused a National mourning and the beigning of the Taisho Era. During this era international scene and liberalism still rose at home. The country was also heading towards representional government. Tax qualification for voting was also reduced so more people could vote. There were also treaties between Japan and the west.
