The New Cambridge History of Japan: Volume 3, The Modern Japanese Nation and Empire, c.1868 to the Twenty-First Century

This major new volume presents innovative recent scholarship on Japan's modern history, including its imperial past and transregional entanglements. An international team of leading scholars offers accessible and thought-provoking essays that present an expansive global vision of the archipelago's history from c. 1868 to the twenty-first century. Japan's efforts to reshape global hierarchies powered various debates and conflicts, both at home and with people and places beyond its shores.

Format: Hardback
Length: 860 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This substantial new volume presents cutting-edge recent scholarship on Japan's modern history, encompassing its imperial past and transregional entanglements. An international team of esteemed scholars presents accessible and thought-provoking essays that offer an expansive global vision of the archipelago's history from c. 1868 to the twenty-first century. Japan, the first non-Western society to attain modernity, industrialization, and a high standard of living for its citizens, has garnered international attention since its remarkable achievements. These endeavors to reshape global hierarchies have sparked diverse debates and conflicts, both within Japan and across its borders. Drawing on the latest Japanese and English-language scholarship, this volume highlights Japan's distinctive and rapidly evolving history.

Japan's transition from a feudal society to a modern nation and empire was a remarkable achievement, marking a significant milestone in global history. This transformation was driven by a series of political, economic, and social changes that began in the late 19th century. One of the key factors that contributed to Japan's rapid industrialization was its adoption of Western technologies and practices. Japan's leaders recognized the importance of modernization and sought to acquire knowledge and expertise from the West to improve their country's economy and military capabilities.

The Meiji Restoration, which took place in 1868, was a pivotal moment in Japan's history. The restoration brought about a political and social revolution that abolished the feudal system and introduced a more democratic and centralized government. The Meiji government also implemented a series of economic reforms that aimed to modernize the country's agriculture, industry, and transportation infrastructure. These reforms included the introduction of new technologies, such as the cultivation of high-yielding crops, the development of steam-powered machinery, and the construction of railways and highways.

The Meiji Restoration also led to Japan's expansion into the global economy. Japan began to trade with other countries, particularly the United States and Europe, and began to invest in foreign territories. This expansion led to the growth of Japan's economy and the development of a new class of wealthy and powerful businessmen and industrialists.

However, Japan's modernization and expansion also sparked a variety of debates and conflicts. One of the most significant was the issue of imperialism. Japan's leaders sought to expand their country's influence and power by acquiring territories and resources in other parts of the world. This expansion led to conflicts with other countries, particularly China and the United States, which saw Japan's rise as a potential threat to their own interests.

Another significant debate was the issue of Japanese culture and identity. Japan's modernization and Westernization led to a blending of traditional Japanese culture with Western influences. This blending led to a new sense of Japanese identity, but also sparked debates about what it meant to be Japanese and what values should be upheld.

Despite these debates and conflicts, Japan's modernization and expansion continued to shape the world. Japan's economic and technological advancements have contributed to the growth of the global economy, and Japan's cultural influence has spread throughout the world. Japan's contributions to science, technology, and medicine have been particularly noteworthy, and Japan has become a leader in many fields.

In conclusion, Japan's modern history is a fascinating and complex story that encompasses its imperial past, transregional entanglements, and rapid industrialization. Japan's efforts to reshape global hierarchies have sparked diverse debates and conflicts, but have also contributed to the growth of the global economy and the development of a new sense of Japanese identity. Japan's history continues to be a subject of study and debate, and its impact on the world will likely continue to be felt for many years to come.

Weight: 1386g
Dimension: 161 x 236 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781107196131