The United States in Meiji Japan: a caring ally?

• Main Authors: Mansor Majdin, Mohamad Firdaus, Fathil, Fauziah
• 格式: Article
• 语言: English
• 出版: Asian Scholars Network 2023
• 主题: HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
• 在线阅读: http://irep.iium.edu.my/106555/7/106555_The%20United%20States%20in%20Meiji%20Japan.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/106555/; https://myjms.mohe.gov.my/index.php/ajress/article/view/23877/13072; https://doi.org/10.55057/ajress.2023.5.3.12

The occurrence of Meiji Ishin in Japan in the year 1868 had sparked many interests across the globe. For many, it was considered a departure point for the history of Japan as the country witnessed the abolition of feudalism in favour of modern democratic principles modelled after the West. In order to be on par with the West, Japan as a country needed to be reformed and therefore the ‘old practices’ had to be removed so that the country would be opened to modern ‘mood’ and ‘temperature’ via the adoption of Western science and technology. Most importantly, this transition was crucial for the sovereignty of Japan to be protected and safeguarded particularly amidst the growing Western interest in Japan by fortifying Japan economically and militarily. Thus, it is interesting to examine the views and perceptions of Western powers about matters concerning the march of the Japanese state towards modernization since 1868. In so doing, the study, as it looks at the American viewpoints including those of diplomats and prominent non-diplomatic figures, utilizes a content analysis approach in looking through the primary documents of the day such as diplomatic correspondences, reports, newspapers, etc. which are relevant to the topic under study. Finally, this study points out that the United States, which was found to be more friendly in its dealings with the Japanese authority vis-à-vis the other Western Powers, has shown its efforts in helping Japan in modernizing the country’s socio-economic institutions despite the latter’s obvious politico-strategic interests at hand.