During this period → Known as Meiji Restoration → Japan implemented many policies to modernize itself and catch up with the west.
Japan → did not want a repeat of its encounter with US or to be in same position as china.
1871 → Meiji government:
- sent academic and other officials to united states and Europe to learn how the western nations ran their governments, economies and armed forces.*
- Introduced policies → based on principle of Fukoku Kyohei (Enrich the country, strengthen the army) → to strengthen Japans economic foundations which helped it to build a strong military to defend against foreign invaders.
- Industrialized its economy. With use of western technology → Japans production increased rapidly. infrastructure → such as banking system and railroads were set up to support Japans production. Powerful and large corporations called zaibatsu → also established.
- Japan began to open up. Engaged in foreign trade and started to export goods to the rest of the world.