JAPANESE IMPERIALISM Japan's race to modernize paid off. By 1890, the country had several dozen warships and 500,000 well- trained, well-armed soldiers. It had become the strongest military power in Asia. Japan had gained military, political, and economic strength. It then sought to eliminate the extraterritorial rights of foreigners. The Japanese foreign minister assured foreigners that they could rely on fair treatment in Japan. This was because its constitution and legal codes were similar to those of European nations, he explained. His reasoning was convincing, and in 1894, foreign powers accepted the abolition of extraterritorial rights for their citizens living in Japan. Japan's feeling of strength and equality with the Western nations rose. As Japan's sense of power grew, the nation also became more imperialistic. As in Europe, national pride played a large part in Japan's imperial plans. The Japanese were determined to show the world that they were a powerful nation. 1. How did European countries view Japan? Give an example from the reading. 2. Why did Japan become imperialistic?

JAPANESE IMPERIALISM Japan's race to modernize paid off. By 1890, the country had several dozen warships and 500,000 well- trained, well-armed soldiers. It had become the strongest military power in Asia. Japan had gained military, political, and economic strength. It then sought to eliminate the extraterritorial rights of foreigners. The Japanese foreign minister assured foreigners that they could rely on fair treatment in Japan. This was because its constitution and legal codes were similar to those of European nations, he explained. His reasoning was convincing, and in 1894, foreign powers accepted the abolition of extraterritorial rights for their citizens living in Japan. Japan's feeling of strength and equality with the Western nations rose. As Japan's sense of power grew, the nation also became more imperialistic. As in Europe, national pride played a large part in Japan's imperial plans. The Japanese were determined to show the world that they were a powerful nation. 1. How did European countries view Japan? Give an example from the reading. 2. Why did Japan become imperialistic?