Every bright light that flickers and flashes in Tokyo are signs that the economic power has shifted from the West to the East. In the last decade, a new wave of Asian countries led by Japan rose to power and since then has accumulated enough influence and power to compete with western nations. This new imperialist power has been complete opposite of the rigid feudal system that existed during Japan’s isolation period in the early 17th centuries. After a long period of isolation, Japan was completely surprised by the technologically and military advancement of the West and they realized how vulnerable they were as a nation. This essay will argue that Japan modernized as a desperate attempt to prove itself as an independent nation and avoid being overrun by the colony-hungry super powers. It will also present as the reasons for modernization Japan’s fear of being dominated by western powers like its neighbor China, its military’s inability to protect the country and Japan’s familiarity with adopting culturally from others. The essay will conclude by discussing the Meiji Restoration and steps taking by the elite’s to jumpstart Japan’s road to modernization.
Chinese males developed a bad habit of smoking opium in the 1800’s; and by 1837, it represented 57 percent of their country’s imports. Despite opium being banned by Emperor Dao Guang, its illegal import by the British increased tremendously; and as a result this sparked tension between the two nations. To make matters