Western Imperialism In Japan

Japan 's march toward militarism started soon after the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogun ate and the beginning of the Meiji Restoration in 1868, with the Meiji oligarchs ' adoption of a policy of Fu koku kyôhei (rich country, strong military). Although the Meiji oligarchs showed restraint in outward expressions of militarism and imperialism in the first half of the Meiji period from 1868 to 1890, this does not mean they disagreed with the goals of foreign expansion and military build-up, but rather they first focused more on modernization and economic growth to catch up with Western industrial powers before they took significant steps to expand Japan 's influence in foreign matters. The Meiji oligarchs ' handling of Saigô recommendation to

The Meiji oligarchs ' early leanings toward militarism and imperialism can be seen by the Conscription Law of 1873, which required all males to serve active duty in the military for three years and reserve duty for an additional four years, and by several small territorial acquisitions in the 1870s, such as the Ryûkyû Islands, Bonin Islands, and Kurile Islands. Japanese militarism and imperialism steadily developed for five principal reasons. Western imperialism played an integral part in Japan 's aggression toward foreign countries. Aspiration for Western-style Imperialism The Meiji leaders sought to make Japan a first-rate nation (ittô koku), which included the prestige and power associated with foreign territorial possessions. Even after Japan had been building its military for several years, Japanese leaders realized in 1895 that the country still had not reached the same level as the imperialist Western powers. Security Concerns Japan 's militaristic attitude intensified as government leaders recognized the need to ensure the defense of the country against Russia and other Western powers. Control over Korea represented an essential element in the protection of Japan against Western countries due to the two countries ' geographical propinquity and due to Korea 's having borders with both China

Belief in Asian Leadership Role In the late 19th century, many Japanese leaders came to believe that their country had a "manifest destiny" to free other Asian countries from Western imperialist powers and to lead these countries to collective strength and prosperity. In 1905, Japan became the first Asian country to defeat a Western power, namely Russia in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-5, which bolstered Japan 's belief in its destiny to lead Asia and encouraged leaders in other Asian countries that they had a chance to stand against Western imperialist designs. Several ultranationalist groups and writers, such as the Black Dragon Society and Kita Ikki, gained increasing popularity with their views that Japan should take leadership in Asia to expel foreign powers by means of a righteous war if necessary. Provocation by Western Powers A series of coercive acts, insults, and provocations by Western imperialist countries from the 1850s to the 1930s caused great anger to fester among the Japanese people. Strong racial prejudice by Westerners toward Japanese, in addition to Chinese and other Asians, led to several severely insulting incidents for the Japanese people. Economic Interests With Japan 's heavy dependence on foreign trade, the world depression that began in 1929 caused great economic hardships for the