Description
The Prompts
“In explaining why Japan was successful in its self-strengthening efforts during the last half
of the 19th century, while China was not, some historians have placed too much emphasize on
differences in the quality of the leaderships of the two countries. These scholars focus on the
supposed positive attributes of Meiji Japan’s leaders while criticizing the supposed failures of the
leaders of China.
“But differences in leadership had little to do with it. Rather, we must look at deeper, more
structural reasons. That is, China suffered from many disadvantages -- including its historical
experiences, international situation, and even its geography and social structure -- that made
reform impossible. At the same time, Japan enjoyed many advantages that enabled reforms and
without which Japan could not have succeeded as it did.”
Each outline will be 2 ¼ pages in length. For the first page, lay out the main substantive
arguments of one position. Consider using "bullets" or short headings combined with a short
analysis in prose. You should then address some of the main criticisms of this position followed
by its rejoinders/rebuttals. On the second page you should then do the same (core arguments,
criticisms and rejoinders) for the other side of the debate. On the last ¼ of a page give us your
own position and opinions.
Think hard about the arguments, counter-arguments, critiques, and comebacks. You should
focus on providing analysis, not mere description. There is a lot of information to cram in, so
you need to focus on the most crucial information and analysis and present it in a clear and
logical manner. Make sure to stay focused on the question, as it is easy to get off track.
FORMAT EXAMPLE https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-a86gICqaojoos...
Explanation & Answer
View attached explanation and answer. Let me know if you have any questions.
1
Name:
Why Japan was successful in its self-strengthening efforts during the last half of the 19th
century, China was not (agree)
The reasons why Japan was successful in its self-strengthening efforts during the last half
of the 19th century, unlike China was not, is found in the Meiji restoration itself. As soon as
the emperor was restored as the head of Japan in 1868, several changes took places with
majority of these propelling Japan to greater heights as compared to China that was
struggling with leadership failures. In arguing out why Japan was successful through its selfstrengthening efforts this paper is divided into several parts including Resistance and
Rebellion Defeated, Ideology, Social and Economic Changes, and the International Climate
and Military Expansion
Resistance and Rebellion Defeated:
As soon as Meiji emperor took over, top leadership was selected to travel to
Europe and USA where they studied western ways. As soon as they returned
to Japan’s they proposed that Japan relinquish old treaties of invasion, system
of shogunate and instead focus on modernisati...