I thought this chapter thoroughly explained a truth that nobody really wants to hear: that American expansionism was brutally violent more often than not. It makes me sick to think that our soldiers, people whom I view with the deepest respect, would sneak-attack a Native American village in general, let alone one devoid of combat capable people. I also think it is a despicable that they would take combat trophies, to put it lightly. On a more positive note, I also thought it was interesting to find that the Japanese enjoyed 250 years of overall peace, something no other nation can claim. Furthermore, it is interesting to compare the success of Japanese vs. American isolationism. While America followed a policy of isolationism, it often ended up involved in world affairs. Japan totally avoided this problem. It also amazes me that they viewed whites as non-human. Even though whites viewed blacks as inferior, and treated them as sub-human, they still saw them as human, or at least some people did. The Japanese viewed whites, and particularly Christians as non human, and thereby even more inferior than blacks to whites. All in all, this chapter sheds light on some reasons the Japanese may have fought so desperately in World War II.
I too agree that Japan had amazing feats, such as 250 years of peace. Japan was able to become a thriving civilization despite the fact that America thought it was uncivilized. However commodor Perry's voyage opened Japans eyes to imperialism, and allowed Japan to play the game.
I also found it strange to hear that the Japanese once believed whites to be non-humans. It's a tad bit humorous to think that such ideas were held back then and some still hold onto similar racial views today despite constant evidence to diminish such prejudices. In addition, I too thought the "jokes" told by the American soldiers about the American Indian women, children, and elderly that they had inhumanely killed were despicable. We must remember that everyone is subject to the egocentric actions our country was founded to fight against; even our own soldiers.
I found Japan's rapid industrialization incredible. A few decades after being awe-struck by America's might, they are conquering nations. Imperialism at this time was generally accepted. It is easy for someone from modern times to judge the past and say imperialism was wrong. It is a similar situation when we say, "slavery was obviously wrong, how could they not see that?" Imperialism was a way of life. Imperialism produced markets, resources, and commerce for the nation. Also, many of America's peers were doing the same thing. It is not necessarily right now, but at the time it was a widely accepted practice.
I also agree that it is amazing for a country to industrialize at Japan's pace. One thing we need to remember is that, obviously, both imperialism and slavery had their naysayers in their day. Also, you mentioned America's peers being imperialist. I think that America had no peers, just competitors, as the U.S. was very late to embrace the imperialistic mindset of the age, and had a considerable disadvantage because of it.
Japans rapid industrilizatoin was due in part to Lieutanat Maury want to find a more suitable ruit to China. Americas imperialism was at its peak, and since America was done expanding west on its own land, it needed to expand more. Americans believed that Japan was inferior and needed Americas help, but Japan thought that their way of life was ideal, and that they were the people of god, which led them to be isolated. However Japans isolationist policy led to havoc once they turned into an imperial power. Japans feeling of a "shrimp among whales" led Japan to be overly imperialistic. They went to China through Korea, and thus penetrated Chinas grounds, and eventually captured large sums of it. I can see how the introduction of imperialism, and westernism impacted Japan and led it to be a ruthless nation.
An interesting point indeed. However, I believe it is the country of Korea who was deemed the "shrimp among whales." Furthermore, I agree with your point that western ideals of expansion led to Japans conquest of China. After witnessing the impressive power of the American Navy, Japan was pressed to build a large military force of its own. As a result, Japan became a more expansionist nation.
I agree that America's imperialism was at its peak and our country had the right to do so. The nation benefited from westernization and our overseas affairs. Although Japan disagreed with America's way of life and religion, the isolated country promptly became imperialistic and competitive. Therefore, Japan expanded, thus foreshadowing the conflicts of WWII
This chapter really opened my eyes to an era of American history I was very unfamiliar with. I did not know that America had interests overseas more than 6000 miles away. However, I wonder whether Savory had encountered any other people while on Chichi Jima. It seems odd that for 28 years he would not come into contact with any Japanese whaling ships. I was also stunned at the fact that Japan was so quick to industrialize and capitalize on the weakness of China. It seemed unlikely that such a small island nation would be so successful in conquering China. However, at this point I suppose the Open Door policy had done its part to severely weaken China. Regardless, it was a brilliant strategic move on Japans behalf. I was also surprised at how white imperialist nations had bullied Japan after its conquest of China. Such actions surely harbored much resentment in the Japanese people.
I was also curious about Savory and his thirty-nine colonists simply being allowed to inhabit ChiChi Jima. The best explanation would probably be that nations of the time or whalers didn't think in such a global sense. Small islands weren't always seen as valuable commodities in what seemed to be an endless world with abundant resources. I wasn't aware of the Shame of Liaodong either. It's curious how humans throughout history have classified themselves as a certain "race" and identified with members of that group solely. I think it speaks to human nature and our inherent need to classify and quantify.
After reading this chapter, James Bradley clearly conveys the strong impacts of American expansion. It's interesting to learn how Japan used to be a secluded country that still prospered positively. However, America was almost the "bad example" that lead to Japan becoming militarily aggressive. I thought Bradley's description of the "foreign" Americans entering the Japanese harbor was impressive. From Japan's point of view, he clearly depicts how the United States naval ships were seen as "alien invasions" and the chaos that ran through the country at that moment. Although it's easy to blame America for imperializing, several other countries were interested in overseas affairs as well. The fate of a country could depend on their imperialistic policies and foreign affairs/connections. Imperialism was a necessary evil that resulted in America's expansion and a nationalistic sense among Americans. This chapter truly foreshadows the events of WWII and the military aggression that Japan developed. I am eager to read more about the country of Japan and the South Pacific Islands in general and looking forward to learning the journey of the Flyboys at Chichi Jima.
What I formed through reading this chapter, was a heightened awareness of the plunders made by Americans in their quest for control. We, as a nation, have spent so much time being self-absorbed that we have destroyed entirely formed cultures just to satisfy our needs of adventure and power. Instead of helping people or educating ourselves about their societies, we have simply gone into other nations expecting to always be the dominant figures in society. We do not consider that these people may have an extensive culture that we could learn from. Instead, we tear their lives apart in search of the resources they may possess that, somehow, we believe belong to us. While we have spent so much time pointing fingers at other nations, we have forgotten that we too plundered countries and civilizations because of our own superiority complexes. When Japan built itself up after our plundering of their nation, it's not really a surprise that they were hoping to exact revenge in some way. Although I am not condoning their actions in any way, there is some validity to their angers with the U.S.
Quite insightful. Your response and Chris' are certainly contrasting of each other but are both well thought out. There is no doubt that struggle in the world often stems from bitterness left from previous policies or stances of a nation. It is important to try and understand how our role in the world affects peoples' perceptions of our nation. In many instances in our history we have been so helpful toward other nations and in others we have fostered a disliking.
This chapter exposed an unexpected point of view to a period in history with which I was largely unfamiliar. We tend to learn through a very "American" lens, cruelly vilifying others nations while accepting and justifying our own faults. Bradley's explanation of Japanese history was fascinating because of the nation's prolonged isolation. The fact that Japan was far more civilized than western nations before the 1600s was previously unknown to me. In addition, I was awed by the continued modifications and adjustments by the Japanese people. Changing from an emperor-based hierarchy to a militaristic government and then back to an emperor with the Meiji Restoration must have been difficult. I believe the rules and regulations that stifled Japanese greed and individualism allowed the country to prosper. It is interesting how the opposite can be said about the United States, where ingenuity and rebelliousness prompted our Western expansion and cultural development. That being said, Bradley displays a wide scope of the nations of the global community. Some have become subservient, others have emerged victorious; competition is the ultimate constant in nature and politics.
I thought this chapter thoroughly explained a truth that nobody really wants to hear: that American expansionism was brutally violent more often than not. It makes me sick to think that our soldiers, people whom I view with the deepest respect, would sneak-attack a Native American village in general, let alone one devoid of combat capable people. I also think it is a despicable that they would take combat trophies, to put it lightly. On a more positive note, I also thought it was interesting to find that the Japanese enjoyed 250 years of overall peace, something no other nation can claim. Furthermore, it is interesting to compare the success of Japanese vs. American isolationism. While America followed a policy of isolationism, it often ended up involved in world affairs. Japan totally avoided this problem. It also amazes me that they viewed whites as non-human. Even though whites viewed blacks as inferior, and treated them as sub-human, they still saw them as human, or at least some people did. The Japanese viewed whites, and particularly Christians as non human, and thereby even more inferior than blacks to whites. All in all, this chapter sheds light on some reasons the Japanese may have fought so desperately in World War II.
ReplyDeleteI too agree that Japan had amazing feats, such as 250 years of peace. Japan was able to become a thriving civilization despite the fact that America thought it was uncivilized. However commodor Perry's voyage opened Japans eyes to imperialism, and allowed Japan to play the game.
DeleteI also found it strange to hear that the Japanese once believed whites to be non-humans. It's a tad bit humorous to think that such ideas were held back then and some still hold onto similar racial views today despite constant evidence to diminish such prejudices. In addition, I too thought the "jokes" told by the American soldiers about the American Indian women, children, and elderly that they had inhumanely killed were despicable. We must remember that everyone is subject to the egocentric actions our country was founded to fight against; even our own soldiers.
DeleteI found Japan's rapid industrialization incredible. A few decades after being awe-struck by America's might, they are conquering nations. Imperialism at this time was generally accepted. It is easy for someone from modern times to judge the past and say imperialism was wrong. It is a similar situation when we say, "slavery was obviously wrong, how could they not see that?" Imperialism was a way of life. Imperialism produced markets, resources, and commerce for the nation. Also, many of America's peers were doing the same thing. It is not necessarily right now, but at the time it was a widely accepted practice.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that it is amazing for a country to industrialize at Japan's pace. One thing we need to remember is that, obviously, both imperialism and slavery had their naysayers in their day. Also, you mentioned America's peers being imperialist. I think that America had no peers, just competitors, as the U.S. was very late to embrace the imperialistic mindset of the age, and had a considerable disadvantage because of it.
DeleteJapans rapid industrilizatoin was due in part to Lieutanat Maury want to find a more suitable ruit to China. Americas imperialism was at its peak, and since America was done expanding west on its own land, it needed to expand more. Americans believed that Japan was inferior and needed Americas help, but Japan thought that their way of life was ideal, and that they were the people of god, which led them to be isolated. However Japans isolationist policy led to havoc once they turned into an imperial power. Japans feeling of a "shrimp among whales" led Japan to be overly imperialistic. They went to China through Korea, and thus penetrated Chinas grounds, and eventually captured large sums of it. I can see how the introduction of imperialism, and westernism impacted Japan and led it to be a ruthless nation.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting point indeed. However, I believe it is the country of Korea who was deemed the "shrimp among whales." Furthermore, I agree with your point that western ideals of expansion led to Japans conquest of China. After witnessing the impressive power of the American Navy, Japan was pressed to build a large military force of its own. As a result, Japan became a more expansionist nation.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI agree that America's imperialism was at its peak and our country had the right to do so. The nation benefited from westernization and our overseas affairs. Although Japan disagreed with America's way of life and religion, the isolated country promptly became imperialistic and competitive. Therefore, Japan expanded, thus foreshadowing the conflicts of WWII
DeleteThis chapter really opened my eyes to an era of American history I was very unfamiliar with. I did not know that America had interests overseas more than 6000 miles away. However, I wonder whether Savory had encountered any other people while on Chichi Jima. It seems odd that for 28 years he would not come into contact with any Japanese whaling ships. I was also stunned at the fact that Japan was so quick to industrialize and capitalize on the weakness of China. It seemed unlikely that such a small island nation would be so successful in conquering China. However, at this point I suppose the Open Door policy had done its part to severely weaken China. Regardless, it was a brilliant strategic move on Japans behalf. I was also surprised at how white imperialist nations had bullied Japan after its conquest of China. Such actions surely harbored much resentment in the Japanese people.
ReplyDeleteI was also curious about Savory and his thirty-nine colonists simply being allowed to inhabit ChiChi Jima. The best explanation would probably be that nations of the time or whalers didn't think in such a global sense. Small islands weren't always seen as valuable commodities in what seemed to be an endless world with abundant resources. I wasn't aware of the Shame of Liaodong either. It's curious how humans throughout history have classified themselves as a certain "race" and identified with members of that group solely. I think it speaks to human nature and our inherent need to classify and quantify.
DeleteAfter reading this chapter, James Bradley clearly conveys the strong impacts of American expansion. It's interesting to learn how Japan used to be a secluded country that still prospered positively. However, America was almost the "bad example" that lead to Japan becoming militarily aggressive. I thought Bradley's description of the "foreign" Americans entering the Japanese harbor was impressive. From Japan's point of view, he clearly depicts how the United States naval ships were seen as "alien invasions" and the chaos that ran through the country at that moment. Although it's easy to blame America for imperializing, several other countries were interested in overseas affairs as well. The fate of a country could depend on their imperialistic policies and foreign affairs/connections. Imperialism was a necessary evil that resulted in America's expansion and a nationalistic sense among Americans. This chapter truly foreshadows the events of WWII and the military aggression that Japan developed. I am eager to read more about the country of Japan and the South Pacific Islands in general and looking forward to learning the journey of the Flyboys at Chichi Jima.
ReplyDeleteWhat I formed through reading this chapter, was a heightened awareness of the plunders made by Americans in their quest for control. We, as a nation, have spent so much time being self-absorbed that we have destroyed entirely formed cultures just to satisfy our needs of adventure and power. Instead of helping people or educating ourselves about their societies, we have simply gone into other nations expecting to always be the dominant figures in society. We do not consider that these people may have an extensive culture that we could learn from. Instead, we tear their lives apart in search of the resources they may possess that, somehow, we believe belong to us. While we have spent so much time pointing fingers at other nations, we have forgotten that we too plundered countries and civilizations because of our own superiority complexes. When Japan built itself up after our plundering of their nation, it's not really a surprise that they were hoping to exact revenge in some way. Although I am not condoning their actions in any way, there is some validity to their angers with the U.S.
ReplyDeleteKatie,
DeleteQuite insightful. Your response and Chris' are certainly contrasting of each other but are both well thought out. There is no doubt that struggle in the world often stems from bitterness left from previous policies or stances of a nation. It is important to try and understand how our role in the world affects peoples' perceptions of our nation. In many instances in our history we have been so helpful toward other nations and in others we have fostered a disliking.
This chapter exposed an unexpected point of view to a period in history with which I was largely unfamiliar. We tend to learn through a very "American" lens, cruelly vilifying others nations while accepting and justifying our own faults. Bradley's explanation of Japanese history was fascinating because of the nation's prolonged isolation. The fact that Japan was far more civilized than western nations before the 1600s was previously unknown to me. In addition, I was awed by the continued modifications and adjustments by the Japanese people. Changing from an emperor-based hierarchy to a militaristic government and then back to an emperor with the Meiji Restoration must have been difficult. I believe the rules and regulations that stifled Japanese greed and individualism allowed the country to prosper. It is interesting how the opposite can be said about the United States, where ingenuity and rebelliousness prompted our Western expansion and cultural development. That being said, Bradley displays a wide scope of the nations of the global community. Some have become subservient, others have emerged victorious; competition is the ultimate constant in nature and politics.
ReplyDelete