The Reasons for Japanese Imperialism (1895-1910)

Abstract

In 1850, since Japan was an economically backward feudal society, it was an easy prey for the imperialist aspirations of powerful world powers, such as Britain and the United States, which placed legal and commercial disabilities on Japan in order to fulfill their own needs. This subordinate position was enforced upon Japan by the United States in 1854 with the treaty port system that obliged her to open her ports for foreign trade and residence. Other Western nations, such as Britain and Russia, were soon to follow in this semi-colonial approach. This was important for the development of imperialism within Japan because not only did it condition the Japanese to emulate the Western set model as well as give rise to Japan’s own international ambitions, but it also provided a context for action. The Japanese reaction took form under the Meiji Restoration of 1868 which saw a group of leaders emerge in power.

Keywords: Modern Japan, Japan, Imperialism, Meiji Restoration, Expansion