History HL

Apuntes

History HL IBDP Grade 11 notes Unit 1 Japanese expansionism in East Asia Chapter 1 The impact of nationalism and militarism on Japan’s foreign policy: the origins, 1853- 1930 Japanese nationalism before 1900 Before 1867: feudal society Japan was isolated from the rest of the world, this made it possible for Japan to maintain a feudal society. Samurai clans: privileged warrior caste who fought for feudal lords (daimyo). Head of the dominant clan is the ‘shogun’. Contact with the west 1853: Commodore Matthew Perry - “Black Ships” in order to look intimidating - US desire for trade Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, US and Japan Huge impact: - Meiji (“enlightened”) emperor regained political power - Modernization and dismantling of feudal system - National unity important - Rich country strong military How did Japan modernize? - Became a parliamentary democracy - The samurai were incorporated as bureaucrats - Industrialization - steam power, use of coal and oil (imported) - Infrastructure (roads, railroads, sewage systems) - Zaibatsu = large, family owned monopolies - 3 years compulsory military service - 4 years compulsory elementary education for all children - An efficient tax system and ...