there were educational changes in Meiji Japan
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adopted a western style curriculum with vocational schools → to support its industrialization efforts.
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education system reinforced Japanese loyalty to the emperor, the state, family and community.
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education + media such as newspapers and films → encouraged nationalistic feelings among the Japanese.
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Besides stressing → that japan was never colonized by western powers → education system also highlighted the country’s economic development by early 1900s and celebrated its stability and unity.
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Japanese education → praised military → military drills were part of the curriculum.
- military’s importance → in protecting japan from enemies - particularly western powers which had colonized much of Asia → was emphasized.
- Military’s successes → during Sino-Japanese war and Russo-Japanese war → were also celebrated.
→ hence military was highly respected in society and was influential in the rise of Japanese militarism.