The country picked up a policy of defensive modernization, where it strengthened the military, education system, and other institutions in order to succeed and develop. Commodore Perry and his Black Fleet opened the trading ports, giving the West closer access and communication with Japan, leading to treaties between the Japanese and both the European powers and the United States. By 1890, Japan became the first non-Western country to successfully modernize. Japan’s expansionist policies spread deeper into Asia, specifically into Manchuria and Korea. This incites protests and sends the country into the Russo-Japanese War, a war that Japan goes on to win by a high margin. Beating Russia on both the battlefield and through their naval control, Japan becomes the first non-Western country to beat a Western power. Japanese imperialism continues on to World War II, which does not end as well for the country. Despite this, Japan successfully grows through the usage of exports and becomes one of the largest economies in the
The country picked up a policy of defensive modernization, where it strengthened the military, education system, and other institutions in order to succeed and develop. Commodore Perry and his Black Fleet opened the trading ports, giving the West closer access and communication with Japan, leading to treaties between the Japanese and both the European powers and the United States. By 1890, Japan became the first non-Western country to successfully modernize. Japan’s expansionist policies spread deeper into Asia, specifically into Manchuria and Korea. This incites protests and sends the country into the Russo-Japanese War, a war that Japan goes on to win by a high margin. Beating Russia on both the battlefield and through their naval control, Japan becomes the first non-Western country to beat a Western power. Japanese imperialism continues on to World War II, which does not end as well for the country. Despite this, Japan successfully grows through the usage of exports and becomes one of the largest economies in the