1. Imperialisms Impact on Japan

2. Isolationism Isolationism Is when a country does not trade or communicate with other countries. Japan had been isolated since the first big colonization push in the 1600s when Europe had made the Americas colonies. 3. Forced to open the doors! The United States wanted a trading partner. But Europe had already dominated trade with Africa, China, and India. So the United States decided to force its way into Japan. The U.S. sent Commodore Perry, a navy official, with warships to Japan. 4. A Peace Treaty? The government reopened trade with the West after the United States threatened to attack the capital city of Edo. Basically, we forced the Japanese to buy American products or we would attack them.Why the question mark for the title? 5. Remember Project X.(Horribly Inappropriate movie!) When America forced its way into Japan, industrialized countries in Europe quickly decided to follow. They all began selling things in Japan. It was like a party. You invite a few friends over and suddenly, they bring friends. And their friends bring friends. 6. The Japanese Response As a result of these actions by Westerners (Americans and Europeans), Japan began industrializing quickly during the Meiji Restoration. (a time when the emperor officially took over Japan) It did this because it did not want to imperialized and to also start its own imperialist agenda in Asia. 7. An Unfortunate Byproduct. Sadly, as a result of this, the Samurai were wiped out. The Samurai didnt want to fully modernize and opposed this program. Several revolted and the Emperor outlawed all Samurai. Led to Tom Cruises greatest movie: The Last Samurai! 8. Japanese Wars Japans first attempt to create an empire involved taking Korea from China in the Sino-Japanese War. Japan shocked the world when it defeated the ancient power. A short while later, the Russians tried to invade Korea, sparking the Russo-Japanese War. Once again, Japan defeated a much larger power.