Japan - a colonial power and clash with the United States over control

Name:
Instructor:
Institution affiliation:
Date:
Was it inevitable that Japan become a colonial power and clash with the United States over control of the Asian mainland?
Introduction
In 1853, the Japanese were forced to sign several “Unequal Treaties” by Commodore Mathew Perry who represented the United States. This was serious a threat to a country that had isolated itself from the international scene for almost 220 years. Therefore, to gain the respect of the west, it was necessary for Japan to present herself as a colonial power. The adoption of the Meiji Constitution accompanied by the “way of the warrior” (Bushido) resulted into the industrialization of the economy and modernization of the country’s military. However, just like other colonial powers, Japan had to establish colonies of her own. This prompted the country to conquer some regions of China, Korea, and Malaya, which was a threat to U.S interests in Asia. Therefore, the contents of the provided readings will be used to show that it was inevitable for Japan to clash with the United States since her desire to become a colonial power was a threat to the United States’ interests.
The Meiji Constitution
Since the conclusion of the Opium War, the Japanese were aware of how the United States used her military power to impose “Unequal Treaties” on China. However, the then regime, headed by Tokugawa Yoshunobu isolated Japan from the international stage rather than establish measures of handling foreign invasion. This leadership style angered reform-minded Samurais who sought to “Enrich the country, strengthen the army” (Fukoku kyōhei); establish a country with sufficient capabilities that matched that of the United States and other Western countries. Consequently, the encroachment of Mathew Perry established a platform for the adoption of the Meiji Constitution. In his address to Emperor Meiji, Hirobumi described that period as “the time to make unprecedented reforms since conditions for those reforms are already ripe” (Kublin, p 728). Objectives and goals of the Meiji Constitution were articulated in the Charter Oath of 1868.
Through the Charter Oath, the Meiji leaders declared that “we set up as our aim the establishment of the national weal on a broad basis and the framing of a constitution and laws” (Cole, p 155). Therefore, development efforts were focused on establishing political, economical, and social reforms. The reforms were based on aspects of the western culture learned by government officials during their frequent visits to the United States and Europe. In this regard, production in industries increased, the banking sector developed further, agriculture was modernized, and attending school became mandatory. However, the adoption of western norms reduced the importance of low ranked Samurais. As a result, the Samurais argued that Japan should invade Korea due to her failure of revising a centuries old treaty. Nevertheless, in 1877, the last rebellion (Satsuma) was quashed by the newly drafted army that had specialized in European fighting techniques.
Westernization of Japan’s Military
In an effort to ensure that the Japanese could successfully defend themselves against Western invasion, the Meiji Constitution fashioned a public creed based on the emperor. Even though the emperor Meiji had no active role in politics, he was perceived to be the mark of Japanese traditions and chronological continuity. Therefore, the first step of consolidating the military was to form a unit that would protect the Japanese symbol (Emperor). Consequently, a military unit known as the Emperor’s National Guard was established. Since the Meiji Constitution had disbanded classes within the public, all Japanese were free to choose a career of their choice. As a result, many Japanese joined the army and in 1872, a national army based universal conscription was established. The conscription demanded all men; including the Samurais, to undertake military duties for at least 3 years. However, this decree was not accepted by all members of the public, especially samurais who were stripped of their classes. As a result, some members of the public ambulated themselves while other committed suicide.
To match the west, military personnel were taught European infantry techniques of fighting. They were supplied with modern guns and industries were established to produce short guns and machine guns. Their military clothes were based on western military attire. To support the westernization of the military, Emperor Meiji frequently wore western military attire even in public. To meet all the expenses of developing a national military, the national land tax system was instituted and no one was exempted from paying the taxes (Ryusaku, p 197). The money was used to support the military and other national projects.
Bushido
During this period of industrialization and westernization of Japan’s environment, the Japanese were motivated by the Bushido Code. Bushido or “way of the warrior,” was the moral code of the Samurai. It was considered as a cornerstone of Japanese culture by the Japanese and even foreign citizens. Although the Meiji Constitution disbanded the class of the Samurais, th...