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Prior to the start of imperialism, Japan was isolated and had a very strict military government. It was mostly still in the feudal system, and it traded with the Dutch and Koreans only. They traded through only a single port in the south. At this point in time, Japan had been at peace for 200 years.

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In 1853, the United States demanded that Japan open its ports to the U.S. Japan signed the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, which opened two ports to U.S. ships. Many of the people in Japan were discontent with this, and in 1867, the Daimyo and samurai led a revolt that took the Shogun from power, and restored the power to Emperor Meiji, which lead to the Meiji Restoration.

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During the Meiji restoration, the new leaders studied the same ways Western Europe used their powers to imperialize them. Their goal was to replace the rigid feudal order with a new political and social system, and restore Japan as a stronger country. The growing economic needs led to the development of imperialistic desires, which allowed Japan to build a strong and modern army and navy. Soon, they went into search for land that obtained the resources that they lacked and needed to trade for. They took on China in 1894 in the Sino-Japanese War, which took the west and China by surprise. They gained ports in China and control over islands of Taiwan.

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Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies

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In between the Meiji restoration (1868) and the mid 20th century, Japan develops a vast empire  spanning all the way from Alaska to Singapore. Within the empire, Japan obtained control over many people and territories. Meiji leaders worked tirelessly to improve Japan's reputation and to rid of treaties that were unjust and unfair. By 1894, Japan had built up their military and began purchasing high end weapons.

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After imperialism Japan was left underdeveloped and left with no rulers. They were misguided and mislead by uneducated leaders. They fully had to reconstruct their economy as well. It was difficult for them when foreign company’s would’ve left too.