Compare and contrast the ways China and Japan responded to the West. Describe how each nation's decision to respond to the West affected its domestic and foreign affairs in the years that followed.
My answer: Comparisons 1. Both nations didn't accept the outside nations. 2. Both countries limited trade with other countries.
Contrasts 1. Japan modernized and became powerful quickly. China tried to modernize but many did not understand and only pretended. 2. Japan built a strong army and navy that beat the Chinese in the Sino-Japanese War and the Russians in the Russo-Japanese War. The Boxers in China tried to rise but were crushed by Western nations, China was weak.
I need help because I need to put my answers into essay form but I do not have enough comparisons between China and Japan. Could someone help?
Check these sites for more information.
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http://www.casahistoria.net/republican_china.htm
http://www.library.yale.edu/beinecke/orient/japan.htm
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Sure! I can help you expand your essay by providing more comparisons between the ways China and Japan responded to the West. Here are a few more points you can consider:
Comparisons:
1. Traditionalism: Both China and Japan initially resisted Western influence due to a commitment to maintaining their traditional values and practices. They perceived Western ideas as a threat to their cultural identity and social order.
2. Opium Wars: Both nations experienced conflicts with the West as a result of the opium trade. China's defeat in the Opium Wars by the British led to the signing of unequal treaties and the imposition of foreign control over Chinese territories. Similarly, Japan's encounter with Commodore Perry's "Black Ships" in 1853 and the subsequent opening of its ports to foreign trade forced the country to negotiate unequal treaties, although it managed to avoid complete colonization.
3. Adoption of Western technology and institutions: In response to Western incursions, both China and Japan attempted to modernize their countries. However, Japan was more successful in embracing Western technologies and institutions, which enabled it to strengthen its military and industries. In contrast, China's attempts at modernization were hindered by internal resistance and a lack of understanding and acceptance of Western practices, leading to limited progress.
4. External threats: Both nations faced external threats as a consequence of their responses to the West. China's weak response empowered Western nations to exploit its resources and territories, contributing to the fragmentation and eventual decline of the Qing Dynasty. On the other hand, Japan's rapid modernization and military advancements made it a regional power, which eventually led to territorial expansion and aggression in East Asia.
By incorporating these additional points into your essay, you will be able to further compare and contrast the ways China and Japan responded to the West, as well as analyze the effects of their decisions on domestic and foreign affairs in the years that followed.
Certainly! Here's a more expanded essay that includes additional comparisons between China and Japan's responses to the West:
China and Japan both faced the arrival of Western powers during the 19th century, and their responses to this encounter had significant impacts on their domestic and foreign affairs in the years that followed. While both nations initially resisted external influence, their approaches differed in terms of modernization, military development, and the consequences faced.
In terms of similarities, both China and Japan adopted policies of isolation, limiting trade and contact with foreign nations. They were skeptical of Western intentions and desired to maintain their respective traditional customs and values. Additionally, both nations experienced internal conflict as a result of the changing dynamics brought about by Western involvement. However, the divergences between the two countries' actions and subsequent outcomes are more pronounced.
Japan's response to the West was characterized by a deliberate and swift modernization process. Recognizing the need to catch up with Western powers, the Japanese government undertook far-reaching reforms in various spheres. They selectively adopted Western methods, technologies, and institutions, such as modernizing their legal and educational systems. This transformative approach allowed Japan to rapidly industrialize and become a significant world power within a short timeframe. The development of a strong army and navy also enabled Japan to successfully defeat both China in the Sino-Japanese War and Russia in the Russo-Japanese War.
On the other hand, China's response to the West was marked by internal divisions and a struggle to fully embrace modernization. While some Chinese elites advocated for reforms and openness, the traditionalist forces within the ruling Qing Dynasty resisted change and maintained a conservative approach. China's attempts at modernization were often superficial, lacking the necessary understanding or commitment to implement meaningful changes. This resulted in a weaker response to external pressures, hampering China's ability to effectively compete with Japan and other Western nations.
Furthermore, China faced significant challenges in the form of the Boxer Rebellion, a violent uprising against foreign influence. The failure of the Boxers to successfully expel the foreign powers further exposed China's weakness and reinforced the need for reforms. In contrast, Japan's ability to modernize and develop a strong military allowed it to establish itself as a regional power and remain independent from direct Western colonization.
In terms of foreign affairs, Japan's response generated a sense of confidence and respect among Western powers. Its rapid transformation into a modern nation and its successful confrontation with other Asian powers earned Japan a place among the major players on the world stage. Conversely, China's weakness and internal divisions made it vulnerable to exploitation by Western powers, resulting in the carving up of Chinese territory and spheres of influence.
In conclusion, while both China and Japan initially resisted the West, their responses differed significantly. Japan's proactive modernization and military development propelled it into a powerful position, earning the respect of Western nations. China, in contrast, struggled to navigate the challenges posed by the West and faced domestic divisions that ultimately undermined its ability to compete effectively. The consequences of these contrasting responses continue to shape the respective domestic and foreign affairs of both nations to this day.