Question by Nazghrel: How did Japan come successful in Isolationism when China became a slave nation?
Both countries practiced Isolationism for a period of time. China became a disaster and was practically controlled by Allied nations after the law was lifted. Japan had a successful period of peace, and even after its isolation, it became a Global power, and started the largest war in history. Why is this?
Best answer:
Answer by Samurai Japan
Because China has been isolated in a toilet in Japan. We’ve forgotten to open the lid for them.
What do you think? Answer below!
I think the greatest factor for Japan was it being an island nation. China could be accessed from the land for invasion. Being surrounded by water (Like Japan is) is a great ally against invasion!
China believed it was the superpower of the world. They called themselves the “Middle Kingdom” as in the “center of the world”. They were rich in things (tea, spices, etc.) that Europe wanted. Japan was seen as a port to acquire China’s resources. During the mid-late 1800′s the Europeans divided China amongst themselves. They were able to do this due to technological superiority (guns vs. swords). Japan saw what happened to China and feared that happening to their land. So they embarked on a massive modernization program (the Meiji Restoration) which transformed them from a feudal (samurai) based society to a modern society. The Japanese hired foreign soldiers (German, British, and American) to modernize their army. With this military strength, they were able to fend off attempts at colonialization and even took part in the dismemberment of China.
As for starting WWII. The Japanese became extremely militaristic after defeating Russia in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) which proved that that their modernization had proved successful. Another major factor was that while Japan was on the side of the Allies in WWI, they received much less compensation (colonies and reparations) than any other major country.
Hope this helps.
As Thomas said it’s mostly due to the fact they were an Island nation.
Japans was lucky. There wasn’t anything worthwhile to colonize it. Whatever was interesting, could be traded. The Dutch were for 2 centuries the only nation allowed to trade with Japan, on a little artificial island in the Bay of Nagasaki.
China wasn’t that lucky. The location was very strategic, and the Chinese themselves weren’t really interested in trade to begin with. They had lots of stuff the West really wanted, but nothing that the Chinese would like in return. Only silver. And that created a massive trade imbalance. Until the western nations discovered the Chinese market was wide open for opium.