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Industrialization Outside of the West - Japan and Russia's Industrialization (Click here for Thesis) (Exact dates are not 100% accurate, as much is debatable in days and months)
While the ever expanding powers of Western Europe began to make itself more and more present, the rest of the world began to follow along. Two of the greatest rising powers of the time were that of Russia and Japan, who industrialized almost synonymously with eachother. Although their industrialization vastly changed the countries in function, the two kept to their old ways in their changes. -
Russia Reaquires Poland
At the Congress of Vienna, Russia confirmed its hold over much of Poland through the Treaty of Vienna and was able to reaquire it. The significance of this event lies in Russia's continuity of its own tradition in territorial expansion. -
Japan is forced to Trade
Japan's fears of outside threats became reality when, in 1953, the American Commodore Matthew Perry arrived in Edo Bay with a squadron and threatened bombardment if Japan refused to trade with Americans. This change's significance came from bringing Japan into the trade of the World Economy via pressure from heightened military superiority of the West. -
The Crimean War begins
The Crimean War was one started by Nicholas I of Russia provoking conflict with the Ottoman Empire for Russia's drive for land. What makes this event so significant is that, in February of 1856, Russia lost due to a lack of industrialization compared to Europe, thus causing Russia to change its motives and begin its own industrialization. -
Emancipation of Serfs
Coincidentally coinciding at roughly the same time as slavery was abolished in the U. S. and Brazil, serfdom began to no longer suit the economic needs of Russian society seeking an independent position in World Trade. The significance of this change comes in how Russia began to, seemingly, grow as a nation, forgoing the need of forced labor while creating a larger urban labor force. -
Civil War of the Samurai
Starting in the 1860s, political crisis began to be brought into the open of Japan, starting at first with samurai attacks on foreigners and going as far as a full fledged Civil War against the samurai in 1866. The significance in the change this Civil War brought is that it caused Japan to realize their dependance on the samurai. -
Reforms alter Japanese Individualism
After a heady reform period in the 1870s, Japan imported hundreds of Western teachers to evaluate and improve upon Japan's educational system. These teachers brought significant change to both Japan's educational and invidualism views, as they improved on Japan's educational system as well as allowing reformers to show how individualism had gone too far, and Western ideas began to be seen with respect in Japan. -
Feudalism is Abolished
Ending the Samurai Civil War in 1868, the new emperor Meiji was proclaimed as the samurai were able to do away with the troops of the shogunate. Under Meiji's government, he did away with the daimyos and feudalism, creating a system of nationally appointed prefects. This change was significant in that it completely changed Japan's governing system, in that political power was now effectively centralized and the power of the state began to expand. -
Russia's Industrialization greatly grows
By the 1880s, modern factories began sprouting up throughout Russia as well as it quintupling its railroad network since 1860. An urban working class grew rapidly as well as did printing factories and metalworking shops that expanded the artisanry. This change was made significant by showcasing the advancements Russia had accomplished over time in their industrialization progress. -
Sino - Japanese War
Caused by a dispute for influence in Korea, China and Japan got into a war in which Japan won a quick victory. This change significantly boosted morale for Japan, as it was their first step towards expansion that demonstrated their newfound superiority over all other Asian powers. -
Russo - Japanese War
Caused by Japan's fears of Russian expansion into northern China and efforts to expand into Korea, the two went to war with Japan being the victor. The significance of this event is shown through Russia's continuity of going to war over territorial expansion, as Russia never seems to learn of a way to end its insatiable lust of land, resulting in yet another lost war and wasted resources.
