Meiji Restoration

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“Fukoku kyohei,” a Japanese phrase meaning “prosperous nation and a strong army”, is the foundation of the modernization of Japan (P10, Christensen). The modernization that led to what Japan has become now. The modernization that led to what Japan has become now. The modernization and westernization during the Meiji Era was beneficial to Japan because it allowed them to build a powerful army using the latest technology, modernize their government, and to become a world power.

Through modernization, Japan was able to create a new army by emulating the Western nations, allowing them to become more successful. Creating a new army by following the Western nations style meant that they would adapt to their new technologies as well as dropping Japan’s former traditional battling style that revolved around the samurais. In order to create their new army, foreign advisors were hired as they started to organize their army. As a result of the modernizing the army, Japan was able to win wars, making themselves known throughout the formidable Western countries. She was able to deem herself recognition in the Western countries by surprising them with the outcome of the first Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War–triumphing in both. The success of the wars enabled Japan to establish “full independence and equality in international affairs.” *should i put intext citation here or after the next sentence* Hence, she was capable to regain control of her foreign trade and legal system matters completely, showing the Japanese growth in power. (P3, The Meiji Restoration and Modernization) As a result of the modernization of the army, Japan was prepared to protect itself from being taken advantage of. The results of the Meiji Restoration pro...

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