Japan 1750 to 1900: A Free AP World History Resource

Nov 30, 2023

6 min read

Japan had isolated itself during the Tokugawa shogunate, but it couldn’t ignore the progress of the world around it when Commodore Matthew Perry showed up on its shores. In response, Japan went through one of the fastest industrial revolutions ever and became an imperial power itself. Learn more about Japan’s rise between 1750 and 1900 by reading the Google Slides!

Isolationism in Japan

In the 1800s, Japan underwent a prolonged period of isolationism, known as sakoku, meaning “closed country.” During this time, the Japanese government, under the Tokugawa shogunate, implemented strict policies to limit foreign influence and trade. The isolationist approach aimed to maintain stability and control within the country. Japan’s rulers were concerned about potential foreign interference and the spread of Western ideas that could challenge the established social order. For over two centuries, Japan closed its borders to almost all foreign nations, allowing only limited contact with a few select countries, such as the Netherlands and China. This isolationist policy played a crucial role in shaping Japan’s unique cultural identity and preserving its traditional values. It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that Japan opened up to the outside world, marking the end of this era of isolationism and the beginning of a period of rapid modernization and reform known as the Meiji Restoration.

Commodore Matthew Perry

In the mid-19th century, Japan witnessed a transformative moment with the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry in 1853. Perry, representing the United States, steamed into Edo Bay with a squadron of “black ships,” aiming to establish diplomatic and trade relations with Japan. His arrival marked the end of Japan’s long-standing policy of isolation, compelling the Tokugawa shogunate to recognize the need for engagement with the outside world. Perry’s diplomatic efforts led to the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, opening two Japanese ports to American ships and ensuring the safety of stranded sailors. This event played a pivotal role in dismantling Japan’s isolationist policies and set the stage for broader international interactions. The arrival of Perry and the opening of Japan to foreign influences sparked a period of rapid modernization known as the Meiji Restoration, transforming Japan into a major player on the global stage.

The Treaty of Kanagawa

The Treaty of Kanagawa, negotiated in 1854 between the United States and Japan, was a landmark agreement that marked Japan’s departure from centuries of isolationism. Under the command of Commodore Matthew Perry, the United States sought to establish diplomatic and trade relations with Japan. The treaty, signed in Kanagawa Bay, near present-day Yokohama, allowed American ships to refuel and resupply at two Japanese ports, Shimoda and Hakodate. Additionally, it ensured the safety of shipwrecked American sailors and established a U.S. consulate in Japan. While the Treaty of Kanagawa did not completely open Japan to foreign trade, it set the stage for subsequent treaties that would gradually lift restrictions and propel Japan into an era of significant transformation and modernization. This diplomatic breakthrough played a crucial role in ending Japan’s isolationist policies and paved the way for increased international engagement.

The Meiji Restoration

The Meiji Restoration in Japan began in 1868 and was a transformative period marked by the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate and the restoration of imperial rule under Emperor Meiji. The restoration was triggered by a combination of internal and external factors.

Internal Factors

Decay of the Tokugawa Shogunate: By the mid-19th century, the Tokugawa shogunate, which had ruled Japan for over two centuries, was facing internal decay. Economic problems, social unrest, and dissatisfaction among the samurai class contributed to a weakening central authority.

Dissatisfaction among Samurai: Many samurai were discontented with the shogunate’s perceived weakness in dealing with foreign threats and internal problems. Some influential samurai leaders sought a return to imperial rule to restore order and unity.

Desire for Modernization: Recognizing the need for modernization to fend off colonization by Western powers, there was a growing sentiment among some Japanese leaders that embracing Western technologies and institutions was essential for Japan’s survival and independence.

External Factors

Arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry: In 1853 and 1854, Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States arrived in Japan with a fleet of “black ships,” demanding that Japan open its ports to foreign trade. This event exposed the technological disparity between Japan and the Western powers, highlighting the urgent need for modernization.

Awareness of Global Changes: The Japanese leadership became increasingly aware of global events and recognized the rapid advancements occurring in the West during the Industrial Revolution. This awareness fueled a sense of urgency to modernize and avoid falling behind other nations.

The actual restoration occurred in 1868 when forces supporting Emperor Meiji, primarily composed of samurai from domains dissatisfied with the shogunate, seized control of Edo (modern-day Tokyo). This marked the symbolic transfer of power back to the imperial court. Emperor Meiji then initiated a series of comprehensive reforms, known as the Meiji Era, aimed at modernizing Japan and transforming it into a strong, industrialized nation.

Japan’s Industrial Revolution

Japan’s industrial revolution, initiated during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was a rapid and transformative process that propelled the nation from a feudal society to an industrial powerhouse. The Meiji Restoration, beginning in 1868, laid the groundwork for this profound shift. Under Emperor Meiji’s leadership, Japan embraced a policy of modernization, adopting Western technologies, industries, and organizational structures. The government invested heavily in infrastructure, education, and military capabilities. The development of a modern transportation system, communication networks, and a banking system further facilitated industrial growth. The establishment of a constitutional monarchy in 1889 and the implementation of legal and political reforms provided stability and fostered a conducive environment for economic progress. Japanese industries, initially focused on textiles and light manufacturing, expanded rapidly into heavy industries like steel, shipbuilding, and chemicals. By the early 20th century, Japan had transformed into one of the world’s major industrial nations, marking a remarkable shift from its agrarian past to a modernized and technologically advanced society.

The First Sino-Japanese War

The First Sino-Japanese War, emerged as a result of territorial and regional tensions. The primary point of contention was Korea, with both nations seeking influence and control over the Korean Peninsula. The conflict also reflected power struggles and modernization efforts in East Asia. Japan, having undergone rapid industrialization and military modernization during the Meiji Era, sought to assert itself as a regional power. The war was marked by significant naval and land battles, and it ultimately culminated in the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895. Under the terms of the treaty, China ceded Taiwan, the Pescadores Islands, and the Liaodong Peninsula to Japan. This marked a turning point in the balance of power in East Asia and highlighted Japan’s emergence as a formidable military force in the region. The war had profound implications for both nations and set the stage for further geopolitical developments in the early 20th century.

The Russo-Japanese War

The Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 was a significant conflict between the Russian Empire and the Empire of Japan, arising from their competing imperialist ambitions in East Asia. The primary point of contention was control over Korea and Manchuria. The war began with a surprise Japanese attack on the Russian Pacific Fleet at Port Arthur in 1904. Despite being viewed as the underdog, Japan demonstrated military prowess, winning several key battles on land and sea. The climactic Battle of Tsushima in 1905, where the Japanese fleet decisively defeated the Russian navy, forced Russia to seek peace. The Treaty of Portsmouth, mediated by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, was signed in 1905, granting Japan territorial gains in Korea and southern Manchuria. This conflict shattered Western perceptions of Asian military capabilities and marked the first time an Asian nation defeated a European power in modern times. The Russo-Japanese War had far-reaching consequences, influencing global geopolitics and contributing to Japan’s emergence as a major player on the international stage.

Japan as an Imperial Power

Japan’s emergence as an imperial power unfolded during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a strategic expansion of its influence and territories. The Meiji Restoration, beginning in 1868, played a pivotal role in transforming Japan into a modern, industrialized nation with ambitions to assert itself on the global stage. Eager to secure resources and maintain regional stability, Japan engaged in imperialistic pursuits. The First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) marked Japan’s successful military endeavors, resulting in territorial gains and international recognition. By the early 20th century, Japan had acquired Taiwan, Korea, and portions of Manchuria. These imperialist pursuits reflected Japan’s aspirations to secure resources, establish economic dominance, and project military strength. However, these ambitions also contributed to tensions that would later escalate in the context of World War II. Japan’s path as an imperial power exemplifies the complex interplay of modernization, territorial expansion, and geopolitical dynamics during this transformative period.