Japanese Imperialism

missionary sent by the United States with a letter from the US President to Japan saying that Japan must open its ports or they would use force.

the shogun agreed to open two ports for American ships to enter.

Japan's industrial revolution; Meiji aimed to bring Japan power and make social and political reforms to do so

Japan fought Russia, who had been aiming to get Korea, and won.

Japan gained control of Korea and parts of Manchuria

Japanese was poor and merchants were considered the lowest class and could not move up because social structures strict

Japan was scared that the west would try to take over but Japan could not defend against them

They adapted German model of government They built infrastructure Attempted elimination of social classes