This volume provides a detailed study of the astonishing reinvention of the Empire of Japan during the 19th century as it emerged from 200 years of self-imposed isolation to become a military superpower. As late as the 1850s the country remained technologically and militarily stagnant; but within just 40 years – in what must rank as the most rapid and comprehensive cultural transformation in world history – it had managed not only to absorb and successfully imitate several hundred years of Western technological progress; but had become one of the late Victorian world’s top ten military powers. During the same timeframe it also embraced the concept of colonialism; and with its invasion of China in 1894 and virtual occupation of Korea soon after took its first fateful steps along a road that would lead; with horrible inevitability; to head-on collision with the Allies in World War Two.The evolution of its army; arms; uniforms and tactics during the 19th century are all covered; from samurai armor to Western uniforms; and from Katana to Krupps. Korea; by contrast; participated only reluctantly in military modernization; and adopted a limited program of reform only under foreign pressure – especially Japanese; but also American; Russian and Chinese – in the closing decades of the century. Such reforms as the country attempted nevertheless proved too little and too late; and were insufficient to prevent Korea becoming first a puppet state and then a colony of its maritime neighbor. The final part of the book comprises a detailed index for the five volumes of the series published thus far.
#462307 in Books Paper Tiger; Inc. 2003-10-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x .50 x 5.98l; .89 #File Name: 1889439347148 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Should be in the American history curriculumBy Sindy esse quam videriObjectively written and researched. I'm thankful to Thomas Bowden for having enlightened me on the true history and understanding of the causes that produced the only capitalistic country in the history of the world. Thomas Bowden is a champion of individual rights and I invite any and all to read this book and hopefully grasp the real meaning of this country's founding.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Columbus - The Value of Western CivilizationBy Henry L. SolomonI highly recommend this book. The book is not a biography of Columbus; but rather; an answer to questions posed by the growing multi-culturist movement questioning the greatness of Christopher Columbus' achievement. Mr. Bowden does not spare Columbus critizism for some of his actions; but he cogently argues that Columbus's life must be understood in the context of knowledge available to him in the time he lived; in the same way that all our lives must be judged; including the way of life of those people who were still living in a much more primitive state of existence.The book answers the questions of the multi-culturalists and more; it gives the reader a firm appreciation of the immense value of Western Civilization; and a recognition of the nature of life in primitive societies and how such societies value human life; life devoid of the recognition of the value of reason in achieving the value of human life.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy mitziWant to know the truth about a great man; and not the slander purpetrated by the liberals.
