Japan's Western Attitude Revolution
An Attitude Revolution
The West’s attitude towards Japan has changed numerous times through the course of history, ever since the date of their first encounter. The West’s initial contact stimulated Japan’s rapid conformation to westernization. Although Japan’s expeditious development was the inspiration for the West’s avid support, the power issued to them as a result of their modernization soon authenticated Japan as a threat to Western supremacy. These tensions were further corroborated by the events of World War Two, which saw previous allies become enemies, with Japan exercising their fresh military strength, both sides aggressive in their determination to achieve preeminence. The power which accompanied the West’s success in World War …show more content…
Two was used to sequester any assets with the potential of aiding Japan’s pursuit of power. The West’s inconsistent attitude towards Japan during the Meiji restoration and the consequential shift in power which followed, resulted in the West’s increased determination to defeat Japan in WWII. The implementation of harsh reparations in the wake of their success, stimulated by the West’s resolve to reinforce their previous superiority, which proves contradictory to the support they had previously exhibited towards Japan’s advancement.
After the West forced a relationship with Japan they became avid in their support of Japan’s growth and development in western likeness. For 200 years Japan’s contact with foreign influences had been dictated by the Seclusion Policy which forbade any form of contact with the world outside their own borders. This isolation resulted in their severe ignorance regarding effective government, military and economic systems. Japan’s societal structure was that of feudalism, a practice that the West had reformed from many hundreds of years ago in favour of a monarchical government, which later advanced to the democratic system which is still practised today. Due to Japan’s oblivion to their lack of development when compared to that of the outside world, the arrival of American, Commodore Matthew Perry, was not something they were prepared for. Upon arrival, Commodore Perry diplomatically requested that trade be opened between Japan and America, however, after his initial approach was met with refusal, he later used force, demanding Japan sign the treaty of Peace and Amity. This allowed the establishment of a formal diplomatic relationship between Japan and the US, which stimulated the signing of similar treaties with numerous other western nations . The treaties heavily favoured the desires of the Western nations rather than the needs of the Japanese. The West’s initial attitude towards Japan is illustrated in a letter written by former American President Millard Fillmore,
“I have directed Commodore Perry to assure your imperial majesty that I entertain the kindest feelings towards your majesty’s person and government, and that I have no other object in sending him to Japan but to propose to your imperial majesty that the United States and Japan live in friendship and have commercial intercourse with each other.”
This extract from a reliable primary source provides an accurate portrayal of the early Western attitude. It was after this relationship was forged that the West was able to force their influence and ideology upon Japan. The strong presence of Western nations, highlighted Japan’s need for reformation, and with a new accessibility to Western ideas and technology, Japan was able to modernise in the image of the strongest Western forces. The West was supportive of Japan’s advancement, regarding them with a sense of paternalism. Historian William Neumann writes, “Americans saw themselves as tutors and protectors of a weak-oriental state…” . William Neumann’s viewpoint is validated by numerous other sources whose research supports this statement. This original attitude resulted in Japan being overlooked as a threat, being viewed instead as a territory available for Western occupation and dominancy. This, however, was a misapprehension of their potential.
Japan’s adoption of western concepts soon established them as a threat, giving an added incentive to the West to supress the superpower they had created, with the Second World War providing them the opportunity to do so. The London Times gave an accurate evaluation of their previous regard towards Japan when they published the following statement in 1904, “That is the trouble at the root of the present situation- the past inability of the West to take Japan seriously…” . After the West’s realisation that Japan’s new found strength could imperil their position in the world ranks, they responded with the implementation of new policies in order to distance themselves from what was a new threat. In 1919, Japan’s proposal of amending a “racial equality clause” was rejected by the US, Britain and Australia and later in 1924, the US congress introduced the Exclusion act which prohibited further immigration from Japan . Upon the increase of tensions and criticism from other nations, Japan removed itself from the League of Nations in 1933. Japan made their intentions clear after joining the Axis powers, Germany and Italy . In an attempt to quell Japan’s new found imperialistic appetite and terminate their war effort, Britain and America staged an oil Boycott . This embargo put a strain on Japan’s resources which previously they had relied on America for. Although America supported Britain in their war efforts, their involvement was cemented by Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbour . Japan’s direct attack on American territory allowed America to comprehend Japan’s full military capabilities and forced them to respond with aggression to supress the force they themselves had created. Once Japan ascertained a status as a superpower, the West was swift in retracting the previous support they had shown. Their new attitude lent itself to indomitably defeating Japan in World War II.
The permanence of the West’s former superiority was ensured by the implementation of harsh reparations against Japan following their defeat.
Although all of Japan’s major industries and transport networks were damaged, eliminating what was Japan’s threatening qualities, the West applied punitive penances as a means of assurance that their power could not be jeopardised a second time. The conclusion of the war stimulated an international tribunal where the acts of Axis were bought to trail . No light was shed, however, on the wrong doings of the Allies, in order to avoid the possibility of injuring their reinstated power. As a further punishment in response to Japan’s imperialistic endeavours, all territories which they acquired after 1894 were sequestrated by Western nations. Already aware of the impending outcome of the war crime trials, 500 Japanese military officers committed suicide, whilst hundreds more were executed following their convictions. Japan’s right of having an army was also revoked . The West was scrupulous in their elimination of further threat from Japan, ensuring the longevity of western …show more content…
superiority.
The temperament of relations between Japan and the Western nations have been subject to change since the official forging of their relationship. Although Japan received support from the West during the initial stages of their rapid advancement, it was this mistake which further fuelled the West’s desire to defeat the power they had created. Japan’s defeat allowed the West to issue reparations which would ensure the continuation of their supremacy. The West’s treatment of Japan lacked consistency and was susceptible to change when it failed to supplement the progression of their power. It was this attitude which governed the nature of their interactions.
Bibliography
Militarism and WW2 (1912 - 1945).
(2002, June 9). Retrieved May 1, 2012, from Japan-guide.com: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2129.html
World War II in Japan. (2003). Retrieved April 20, 2012, from World War II History Info: http://www.worldwariihistory.info/in/Japan.html
Primary Sources with DBQs. (2009). Retrieved April 20, 2012, from Asia for Educators: http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/main_pop/ps/ps_japan.htm#top reparations. (2012). Retrieved May 1, 2012, from Dictionary.com: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/reparations?s=t
Batty, D. (2004). Japan at War. London: Carlton Books .
Japan Answers the Challenge of the Western World. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2012, from The Meiji Restoration and Modernization: http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/japan/japanworkbook/modernhist/meiji.html
Kelly, M. (2012). Overview of World War II. Retrieved April 15, 2012, from About.com: http://americanhistory.about.com/od/worldwarii/a/wwiioverview.htm
Miocevich, G. (1999). Investigating Japan. Melbourne: Pearson Education Australia.
Neumann, W. L. (1953). Franklin D. Roosevelt and Japan. In W. L. Neumann, Pacific Historical Review (pp. 143-153). California: University of Californa
Press.
Tames, R. (1998). Hiroshima The Shadow of the Bomb. Oxford: Heinemann Library.
The West’s attitude towards Japan has changed numerous times through the course of history, ever since the date of their first encounter. The West’s initial contact stimulated Japan’s rapid conformation to westernization. Although Japan’s expeditious development was the inspiration for the West’s avid support, the power issued to them as a result of their modernization soon authenticated Japan as a threat to Western supremacy. These tensions were further corroborated by the events of World War Two, which saw previous allies become enemies, with Japan exercising their fresh military strength, both sides aggressive in their determination to achieve preeminence. The power which accompanied the West’s success in World War …show more content…
Two was used to sequester any assets with the potential of aiding Japan’s pursuit of power. The West’s inconsistent attitude towards Japan during the Meiji restoration and the consequential shift in power which followed, resulted in the West’s increased determination to defeat Japan in WWII. The implementation of harsh reparations in the wake of their success, stimulated by the West’s resolve to reinforce their previous superiority, which proves contradictory to the support they had previously exhibited towards Japan’s advancement.
After the West forced a relationship with Japan they became avid in their support of Japan’s growth and development in western likeness. For 200 years Japan’s contact with foreign influences had been dictated by the Seclusion Policy which forbade any form of contact with the world outside their own borders. This isolation resulted in their severe ignorance regarding effective government, military and economic systems. Japan’s societal structure was that of feudalism, a practice that the West had reformed from many hundreds of years ago in favour of a monarchical government, which later advanced to the democratic system which is still practised today. Due to Japan’s oblivion to their lack of development when compared to that of the outside world, the arrival of American, Commodore Matthew Perry, was not something they were prepared for. Upon arrival, Commodore Perry diplomatically requested that trade be opened between Japan and America, however, after his initial approach was met with refusal, he later used force, demanding Japan sign the treaty of Peace and Amity. This allowed the establishment of a formal diplomatic relationship between Japan and the US, which stimulated the signing of similar treaties with numerous other western nations . The treaties heavily favoured the desires of the Western nations rather than the needs of the Japanese. The West’s initial attitude towards Japan is illustrated in a letter written by former American President Millard Fillmore,
“I have directed Commodore Perry to assure your imperial majesty that I entertain the kindest feelings towards your majesty’s person and government, and that I have no other object in sending him to Japan but to propose to your imperial majesty that the United States and Japan live in friendship and have commercial intercourse with each other.”
This extract from a reliable primary source provides an accurate portrayal of the early Western attitude. It was after this relationship was forged that the West was able to force their influence and ideology upon Japan. The strong presence of Western nations, highlighted Japan’s need for reformation, and with a new accessibility to Western ideas and technology, Japan was able to modernise in the image of the strongest Western forces. The West was supportive of Japan’s advancement, regarding them with a sense of paternalism. Historian William Neumann writes, “Americans saw themselves as tutors and protectors of a weak-oriental state…” . William Neumann’s viewpoint is validated by numerous other sources whose research supports this statement. This original attitude resulted in Japan being overlooked as a threat, being viewed instead as a territory available for Western occupation and dominancy. This, however, was a misapprehension of their potential.
Japan’s adoption of western concepts soon established them as a threat, giving an added incentive to the West to supress the superpower they had created, with the Second World War providing them the opportunity to do so. The London Times gave an accurate evaluation of their previous regard towards Japan when they published the following statement in 1904, “That is the trouble at the root of the present situation- the past inability of the West to take Japan seriously…” . After the West’s realisation that Japan’s new found strength could imperil their position in the world ranks, they responded with the implementation of new policies in order to distance themselves from what was a new threat. In 1919, Japan’s proposal of amending a “racial equality clause” was rejected by the US, Britain and Australia and later in 1924, the US congress introduced the Exclusion act which prohibited further immigration from Japan . Upon the increase of tensions and criticism from other nations, Japan removed itself from the League of Nations in 1933. Japan made their intentions clear after joining the Axis powers, Germany and Italy . In an attempt to quell Japan’s new found imperialistic appetite and terminate their war effort, Britain and America staged an oil Boycott . This embargo put a strain on Japan’s resources which previously they had relied on America for. Although America supported Britain in their war efforts, their involvement was cemented by Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbour . Japan’s direct attack on American territory allowed America to comprehend Japan’s full military capabilities and forced them to respond with aggression to supress the force they themselves had created. Once Japan ascertained a status as a superpower, the West was swift in retracting the previous support they had shown. Their new attitude lent itself to indomitably defeating Japan in World War II.
The permanence of the West’s former superiority was ensured by the implementation of harsh reparations against Japan following their defeat.
Although all of Japan’s major industries and transport networks were damaged, eliminating what was Japan’s threatening qualities, the West applied punitive penances as a means of assurance that their power could not be jeopardised a second time. The conclusion of the war stimulated an international tribunal where the acts of Axis were bought to trail . No light was shed, however, on the wrong doings of the Allies, in order to avoid the possibility of injuring their reinstated power. As a further punishment in response to Japan’s imperialistic endeavours, all territories which they acquired after 1894 were sequestrated by Western nations. Already aware of the impending outcome of the war crime trials, 500 Japanese military officers committed suicide, whilst hundreds more were executed following their convictions. Japan’s right of having an army was also revoked . The West was scrupulous in their elimination of further threat from Japan, ensuring the longevity of western …show more content…
superiority.
The temperament of relations between Japan and the Western nations have been subject to change since the official forging of their relationship. Although Japan received support from the West during the initial stages of their rapid advancement, it was this mistake which further fuelled the West’s desire to defeat the power they had created. Japan’s defeat allowed the West to issue reparations which would ensure the continuation of their supremacy. The West’s treatment of Japan lacked consistency and was susceptible to change when it failed to supplement the progression of their power. It was this attitude which governed the nature of their interactions.
Bibliography
Militarism and WW2 (1912 - 1945).
(2002, June 9). Retrieved May 1, 2012, from Japan-guide.com: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2129.html
World War II in Japan. (2003). Retrieved April 20, 2012, from World War II History Info: http://www.worldwariihistory.info/in/Japan.html
Primary Sources with DBQs. (2009). Retrieved April 20, 2012, from Asia for Educators: http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/main_pop/ps/ps_japan.htm#top reparations. (2012). Retrieved May 1, 2012, from Dictionary.com: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/reparations?s=t
Batty, D. (2004). Japan at War. London: Carlton Books .
Japan Answers the Challenge of the Western World. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2012, from The Meiji Restoration and Modernization: http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/japan/japanworkbook/modernhist/meiji.html
Kelly, M. (2012). Overview of World War II. Retrieved April 15, 2012, from About.com: http://americanhistory.about.com/od/worldwarii/a/wwiioverview.htm
Miocevich, G. (1999). Investigating Japan. Melbourne: Pearson Education Australia.
Neumann, W. L. (1953). Franklin D. Roosevelt and Japan. In W. L. Neumann, Pacific Historical Review (pp. 143-153). California: University of Californa
Press.
Tames, R. (1998). Hiroshima The Shadow of the Bomb. Oxford: Heinemann Library.