The Meiji Miracle

Japan's Leap into Modernity

The mid-nineteenth century was a moment of crisis for East Asia. For millennia, China had been the political and cultural powerhouse of the region. But now it was falling prey to European powers seeking trade and influence.

China’s loss ended up being Japan’s gain. When the United States came calling in 1853, Japan’s leaders had only to look across the water to mainland China, to see what not to do. Don’t simply shoo these westerners away. Don’t carry on as if the world hasn’t changed - because it has. Anyone looking at out to sea at the hulking and heavily-armed steamships of the US Navy could see that.