Thoughts and Reflections on: Japan - Revolution and Modernization

     Although Japan was somewhat late to the game in terms of modernization, they managed the shift incredibly quickly. When the Japanese saw the achievements of Western culture, particularly those of military technology, many were persuaded that change was needed. A civil war ensued, after which those in favor of modernization emerged as the clear victors. Part of the reason that Japan modernized so quickly was that they dolled out harsh punishments to anyone who they deemed resistant to progress. By April of 1868, Japan had adopted a Charter Oath which promised to transform the country from its feudal state into a nation largely run with a Western ideals. This meant that the country was to have a stronger sense of equality amongst its citizens. In fact, many of the ideas outlined in the Charter Oath are those voiced by European minds a century previous during the Age of Reason. Overall, Japan achieved its goals of a more modern military and an enriched country, at least by the standards of the West.