Module 3

In what respects was Japan’s 19^thcentury transformation revolutionary?

• The first task Japan had, was to have genuine national unity, in order to be able to get rid of anything that would be a threat to the upcoming changes. Next, there was the end of a regime. Daimyos were placed from there positions and governors were appointed by the national government. The main state would now collect the taxes and used the money for a national army. Samurai were gone and turned into bureaucrats. The old Confucian-based social order was dismantled as there was a need to change the social order and structure. The Japanese had a fascination for the Western world as there were many things that were considered influences and favorites. Examples of things that fascinated the Japanese were the legal and education system. The Japanese also liked the dances, clothing, and hairstyles. Books were also translated into Japanese as the biggest book that was translated was Self Help. Feminism was also on the rise as it was viewed as the oppression of women was an obstacle to the modernization of the country. The country was heading toward a good direction as the country became a major exporter of textiles. Literacy was improved in the country. Merchants held a slightly elevated status in society and samurai were indebted to these merchants.

In what different ways did the Ottoman State respond to its various problems? 

• The Ottoman state responded to its various problems in the late 18th century. The Ottoman state started to solve its problems through the launch of “defensive modernization” programs. First, the Ottoman state sought to reorganize and update the army as they drew from European advisers and techniques. Later, Tanzimat took place in the Ottoman leadership as it sought to provide an economic, social, and legal foundation for a new state. There was also modernization of new elementary and secondary schools. The state now gave non-Muslims equal rights under the law. The Tanzimat era Favored great opportunities for women in the state. there were new programs for midwives and girls in secondary schools and there was a teacher training college for women in 1870.  the state appreciated a lot of the western ideas as they brought European advisors and even actively sought advice from those European advisors regarding administrative methods. Technical schools were established in order to train new officials. Although there was were new opportunities for women, there was no real interest or talk about gender equality.  There were more Christians that were appointed into high office.

How did Japan’s relationship to the larger world change during its modernization process?

• Japan had convinced world leaders to rewrite the unequal treaties. The treaties would be written to recognize Japan and not exclude them. Now, Japan has equal treatment and equal power like Western countries. Japan then launched its own empire-building enterprise that would later let Japan have control of other countries. Japan would have colonial control of Taiwan, Korea, and parts of Manchuria. Japan then fought wars with Russia and with China. Japan then became a political and economic opponent of the Western countries.