The Early Modernization and Industrialization of Japan

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The early modernization and industrialization of Japan through the Meiji period in the 1860s allowed rapid development of a prosperous Japanese society. The samurai tradition was widely respected and a natural development was the growth in power of the military. By 1894 Japan’s fear of Western influences and its desire to be recognized as a world power led to the Sino-Japanese War in which Japan invaded China. Victories there gave Japan new confidence and in 1904 and 1905, the government engaged in the Russo-Japanese War giving Japan new strength in mainland Asian positions. The twentieth century was a century of tremendous worldwide social, economic, and political change. The development of media technology impacted nations, reducing the differences between cultures. Japan, by then, one of the leading industrial states of the 21st century, was highly influential in Eastern Asia and throughout the world. The infamous bombing of Pearl Harbour in December, 1941 revealed a Japan feeling empowered enough to attack the United States of America. The Second World War years saw Japan engaged in military operations throughout Asia with many significant victories. The dropping of Atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki however brought Japan to its knees. The once feared and dreaded Japanese armies were defeated. In the years since, both Western and Asian historians have been able to compile detailed records gained from interviews with survivors and from analysis of Japanese documents themselves giving shocking evidence of the scope of atrocities committed by the Japanese armies and government officials. Regardless of their admirable achievements in industry and technology in the 21st century, the Japanese are must still come to ... ... middle of paper ... ... have been taken to combat racism and to prevent future abuses. Although there are many who would claim that complete atonement has not occurred, never the less, the Germans have made major steps in acknowledging some horrific mistakes. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” a quote from George Santayana, is a statement that needs to be recognized by the Japanese government. Works Cited Senso Giseisha wo Kokoroni Kizamukai and (The Group to Remember the War Victims), Eds. (1997). Watashi wa "Ianfu" dewa Nai (I'm not a "Comfort Woman"). Aian no Koe (Voices from Asia). Osaka, Toho Shuppan The Korean Council for Women Drafted for Military Sexual Slavery by Japan, The Research Association on the Women Drafted for Military Sexual Slavery by Japan, et al., Eds. (1995). The True Stories of the Korean "Comfort Women". London, Casell.

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