Ravina, Mark
To Stand with the Nations of the World: Japan's Meiji Restoration in World History
- ISBN 13:
- 9780190088378
- author:
- Ravina, Mark
- format:
- Paperback / softback
- publisher:
- Oxford University Press Inc
- language:
- English
- Publication Year:
- 2020
- Pages:
- 328
- Dimensions:
- 23.5 x 15.6 centimetres
- Genre:
- History, Asia, Japan,
- Condition:
- New
- Availability:
- Item usually sent within 5 working days
Description
The Meiji Restoration of 1868 was a pivotal moment in Japanese history, marked by a paradoxical blend of modernity and tradition. The new government, which overthrew the last shogun, took a bold approach to building a powerful and modern nation, drawing on the best practices of the world, including Europe and America. This book explores the forces behind this transformation, revealing how Japan's leaders navigated the complexities of globalization to create a distinctly Japanese identity. The Meiji Restoration was part of a broader global trend, as ambitious nation-states like Japan, Britain, Germany, and the United States challenged the world's great multi-ethnic empires. Japan's leaders sought to celebrate their unique heritage, while also seeking international recognition. This book examines the ways in which the Restoration resonated with Japan's ancient past, drawing on historical precedents such as the Tang dynasty, which had threatened Japan in the 600s and 700s. Through a nuanced analysis of the Meiji Restoration, this book sheds light on the intricate forces that shaped Japan's modernization, revealing a complex and multifaceted story that challenges our assumptions about the country's development.