Fukoku Kyohei: The Slogan that Defined Meiji Japan
Industrialization allowed Japan to attain modern weapons for its defense and military campaigns |
It
was a slogan that summed up the ideals of the Meiji Era. Fukoku Kyohei, meaning
Enriching the Country, strengthen the army or Rich Country, Strong Army, became
the principle that led to the modernization and transformation of Japan.
4 Builders of Meiji Japan II
Japan
emerged as Asia’s representative major power in the end of the 19th century. It
achieved in less than five decade the process of transforming from an
agricultural and feudal society to a full fledge industrial and constitutional
country that protected Japan from the clutches of western imperialism. Much of
this drastic changes had been attributed to the following officials.
Iwakura Mission: A Mission for Japan's Future
Iwakura Mission (left) during their audience with French President |
Iwakura
Mission aimed for a revision of unequal treaties that Japan signed during the
latter part of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Although it failed in some aspects it
took many lessons during a mission that took the participants across the globe.
Who was Queen Himiko?
Illustration by Newton Graphic Science Magazine “Nihon no ruutsu” |
In
the era before written accounts of Japan, in particular the Yayoi and Kofun
age, various kingdoms emerged and flourished. The Kingdom of Wa was among these
kingdoms. The Kingdom of Wa became even more famous for its mysterious and
elusive ruler, Queen Himiko.
4 Builders of Meiji Japan
Japan
emerged as Asia’s representative major power in the end of the 19th century. It
achieved in less than five decade the process of transforming from an
agricultural and feudal society to a full fledge industrial and constitutional
country that protected Japan from the clutches of western imperialism. Much of
this drastic changes had been attributed to the following officials.
Minomura Rizaemon and the Survival of Mitsui
Suruga Street with Echigoya in the left (Today: the Right side is occupied by the Mitsui Main Building) |
Japan
faced an economic transformation after the 1860’s. She pursed the path of
transformation from an agricultural medievalist country to an industrial,
modern, and westernize country. Many business had to adopt to the situation or
face bankruptcy, which happened to many old enterprises. But some merchant
houses succeeded to transform. They did not just survive but they grew to
become powerful conglomerates know as Zaibatsu. The biggest of this Zaibatsu
was the House of Mitsui that flourished under the management of Minomura
Rizaemon.
Matsukata Masayoshi: A Reformer in a Transformation
Matsukata Masayoshi |
He
was the man that cemented Japan’s transformation. In an era of aggressive
foreign expansion in Asia, Japan decided to pursue a course towards
modernization and industrialization under the slogan of Fukoku Kyohei – Rich
Nation, Strong Army. But in the late in 1870’s Japan’s transformation faced a tough
challenges. The Land of the Rising Sun might just set with an economic crisis,
which could not afford. But one man had the guts to solve this crisis –
Matsukata Masayoshi.
3 Revolutionaries in Latin America
Besides the most famous revolutionaries, like Bolivar, de San Martin, de Miranda, and Hidalgo, many more joined them in the pantheon of liberators whose aim was to liberated their countries from oppressive and unequal societies of Spain.
The Industrial Revolution of Japan
Emperor Meiji |
Japan’s
independence came under threat from the increasing presence of westerners in
Asia. In 1858, the ships of American Commodore Mathew Perry opened Japan’s
doors to the world. With opening came a change in leadership, from the Tokugawa
Shogunate, power returned to the Emperor. Under the Meiji Emperor and the
spirit of Fukoku Kyohei or rich country, Strong army, Japan underwent an
industrial revolution that made it into the economic powerhouse of Asia.
Funan: The Earliest Maritime Kingdom of Southeast Asia
A
kingdom with an impressive wealth and an extraordinary network, the Funan
Kingdom stood as one of the earliest most powerful kingdoms in Southeast Asia.
With the capital in Vyadapura or the City of Hunters in Khmer language, it
dominated the area that composed Cambodia, Vietnam, and parts of the Malaya
Peninsula and Thailand. It ruled the area from the 3rd and up to the 7th
century. But with the changing in the maritime trade of Asia, Funan felt the
effects catastrophically, leading eventually into its assimilation with its
neighboring kingdom.
Dangerous Dictators: Mobutu Sese Seko
Mobutu Sese Seko |
If
someone made a list of worst dictators in history, Mobutu Sese Seko would
always be a part of the list. A man who ruined his country, Mobutu ruled with
brutality, corruption, and extreme case of narcissism. Served initially as a
soldier in the Belgian colonial army, he became journalist and an active
participant in politics. When he returned to the military, he became widely
involve in the politics of the newly independent Democratic Republic of Congo.
So much his involvement, he launched a coup that marked the start of his 32
year reign of terror.
Cry of Dolores: Cry for Change and Independence
Hidalgo in the center with the banner depicting the Virgin of Guadalupe |
From
a sleepy town, the Cry of Dolores marked the end of Spanish rule in Mexico. A
cry made by a group of men and women dedicated to the ideas of Enlightenment
led by man from the least suspected sector of colonial Mexican society. It
signaled an uprising that later inspired Mexico’s fight for independence.
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