Strong Army, Strong Government

Lessons From the West

The Meiji leaders looked at the powerful countries of the west and saw
three things that these countries had in common:
Control over foreign colonies or territories
Military power to defend these territories
A strong and independent economy
The Japanese government began to take steps to strengthen its military
in order to allow Japan to acquire territory and influence in Asia. Japan
would be able to protect itself against Western aggression as well as
conflicts with its neighbors (China and Russia).
The first step in Japans process of militarization was the Conscription
Law of 1873. It requires all males to serve in the military for three
years. The second step was the takeover of several island territories.

The Sino-Japanese War

The war between Japan and China was quick and
decisive; Japans superior military strength led it to
victory.
In the peace treaty that followed, China gave up its
claim to Korea. Korea was strategically important
because it had borders with both China and Russia.
Japan also won Taiwan and rights to Chinas
Liaotung Peninsula. Japan demanded a large
indemnity, payment for its losses, and gained
special economic rights in China.
The Japanese victory worried the Western powers.
Russia, France and Germany stepped in and made
changes to the peace treaty. They forced Japan to
give up the Liaotung Peninsula, which Russia then
promptly took over.

The Russo-Japanese War

How did the peace treaty after the Sino-Japanese War set the
scene for further conflict between Japan and its neighbors?
Japan felt humiliated after the Western interference with the
treaty and continued to build its military strength. It was
paying close attention to Russian interest in Korea.
In 1904, the Japanese fleet launched a surprise attack on the
Russian ships in Port Arthur on the disputed Liaotung
Peninsula. War erupted shortly.
After fierce fighting, Russias efforts became seriously
affected by the Russian Revolution, which broke out in 1905.
Russia decided to enter into peace negotiations instead of
continuing the war.
Five years after the end of the war, Japan annexed Korea
(took over political control) with little protest from the west.
Japan had finally been recognized as an imperial power.