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Japan Opens to the World
Japan was closed to Europeans in 1635. By the 1850s, Europeans and Americans were demanding Japan to open its markets and ports. President Millard Fillmore sent Commodore Matthew C. Perry to Japan requesting a friendly relationship. Perry returned one year later for their response. When the Japanese saw the power of the eight warships accompanying Perry, two ports were opened to the Americans. Britain, France, Russia, and Holland quickly made trade agreements with Japan.
The Meiji Restoration
In 1868, young samurai overthrew the shogun and returned control of Japan to the emperor named Meiji. This was known as the Meiji Restoration. A modern army was created and western methods of government were adopted. Japanese students were sent to the United States and Europe. Foreigners came to Japan and helped the country modernize quickly.
Japanese Expansion
As Japan began to industrialize, it needed raw materials for its industries. This led to its seizure of Korea, Taiwan, and surprisingly, Russia. Japan had become a world power. |
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