Japanese and German Imperialism in the Late 19th Century

In the late 19th century, Japan and Germany each developed into powerful, imperial countries as a result of modernizing and transforming into a manufacturing based society. The manufacturing industry is most favorable for a society because it “promotes the general welfare, increases population, public revenue, and the power of the country.” (List, 9). The people who benefitted most from the rapid industrialization and modernization were the owners of capital at the top of the political hierarchy and the Industrial Middle Class. By turning away from the feudal, agricultural based society to a manufacturing based society Japan and Germany were enabled to efficiently “extend [their] influence to all parts of the world.” (List,9). One reason for Japan and Germany’s rapid industrialization was the active role played by their governments who promoted and guided change. Each country used their powerful military to be recognized as a dominant force in the markets which as a result encouraged industrialization, however, the initial motives for industrialization in japan and Germany differed due to the pre-existing conditions in each country.

Even though industrialization benefited and progressed society in both Germany and Japan it was impossible for all levels of the political hierarchy to benefit equally. After all it is the “fundamental role of the state as an institution in the capitalist world economy to augment the advantage of some against others in the market.” (Wallerstein, 3). The government has the complete ability to control who benefits from the capitalist market. The two classes that generally benefited from the prosperity of the capitalist market during industrialization were the middle and upper classes. More specifical...

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...rnational position.” (Weisner, 20) After defeating China in the First Sino-Japanese War and Russia in the Russo-Japanese War the balance of power in East Asia transformed and Japan was acknowledged as a major regional power.

Initially Japan’s objective for industrializing was to avoid being overtaken by Western superpowers, however during the process of industrializing the Japanese government realized that industrialization is key in order to remain a dominant force in the market during this new contemporary era. Thus the Japanese began to promote industrialization in order for national prestige, power, and wealth just as Germany did. In the end both countries were successful from modernizing and industrializing. Thus promoting the increase of power and wealth for members of the higher classes. While having generally negative effects on the members of lower classes.