Pre-1904

Until March 31, 1854, Japan was largely a closed nation. Although contact and occasional conflict with nearby nations occurred, as well as minor European contact starting in the 16th century, Japan remained a closed country with a firm isolationist attitude. She developed a rich culture with little outside influence. But on that day in 1854, a an American fleet lead by Commodore Mathew Peary forced the Japanese to open their borders and trade with the world. Soon after, many other European countries forced similar agreements upon Japan. These actions by imperial nations against what they viewed to be a backward 'primitive' country would ironically be the spark for Japanese imperialism. For many years, there was great turmoil and change in Japan. Skirmishes with well-armed Western armed forces resulted in the deaths and Japanese willing to try. Assassinations, famines, rebellions, and power struggles were common. At last in 1867 a new Emperor arose: Emperor Meiji. After his armies defeated anti-westerner forces in the Boshin War, which occurred in 1868-1869, the Meiji Restoration began. The Meiji Restoration was partly the restoral of Japan to Imperial rule, from a feudal city-state system. But it was must importantly the combining of Western Technology and Information with Eastern Values and Worldviews.  In this Imperial system, the Emperor is a figurehead with little authority. The country was actually ruled by a collection of the politically elite, who eventually unified the country with land seizures, taxes, and the reduction of social barriers. The orders of the Government were carried out by a conscript army, an idea learned from the west, commanded by officers taken from the Tokyo police force. Although the samurai were forced to join society, the concept of the Samurai honor and fighting spirit contributed greatly to Japanese Nationalism. The Industrialization and Modernization of Japan would require more resources and labour than was available at home. This began to Japanese Imperialism.

The First Sino-Japanese War

Between August 1, 1894 and April 17, 1895, Japan fought a war against China over control of Korea. With her European weapons and tactics, she easily defeated the Chinese forces in Korea by cutting off their supply routes and crushing their forces. While Japan gained much in the way of land and monetary reparations, she was becoming almost a puppet of European nations. European countries such as Germany, The British Empire and Russia believed Japan to be a useful regional Ally who could be manipulated to do their bidding, yet not in any way be a threat to them. But times were changing. Japan was quickly becoming a player on the International scene, a country that did not want to be a puppet, a country ready to prove herself...

And the Opportunity was about to come...

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