Comparison of Tokugawa and Manchu - 831 Words

Although the Manchus in China and the Tokugawa in Japan during the 17th and 18th centuries consolidated power into a central authority differently, their reasons for doing so were relatively similar, both being due to a certain internal conflict and their location relative to other empires. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Chinese and Japanese faced much internal conflict, but while China faced a combination of economic setbacks and political weakness, the Japanese were riddled with wars along their countryside. First, the Chinese emperor was too weak in comparison to his bureaucracy, which ended up making most of the decisions for the last Ming dynasty emperor. This was due to the emperor’s realization that having a title as Son†¦show more content†¦China was part of the mainland, accessible by both land and sea. This exposed China’s borders greatly as there was much land and coast to protect, leading to consequent invasion. On the other hand, Japan was isolated as an island, only accessible by sea. This protected Japan by leaving only the coast to protect from invaders, and almost a lack of invaders. They did not have to deal with nomads in the north and west or rising empires in the south, but rather shared a common awareness with China for Russia. Both feared Russia and Europeans as well because of the new rise of their empires and their expeditions to China and Japan. Japan feared the Russians because they were pressing hard to engage in trade with them. In contrast, China feared the Russians because of their new expansion and political power after several wars and conquests. Both also greatly feared the Europeans because of their behavior at ports they were at and their aggressive style of trade and Christianity. The Chinese despised the Europeans because they were rowdy and obnoxious at port cities like Macao, while the Japanese feared the Europeans because of their aggressive conversions of Christianity that sparked some up risings. All in all, the Japanese and Chinese had vastly different locations and geography which led to different problems arising, butShow MoreRelatedThe Relationship Between Japan And Japan During The Modern Era2253 Words   |  10 Pagesknown as the Meiji Ishin, Renovation Revolution, Reform, or Renewal, was a series of events that restored imperial rule to Japan in 1868. â€Å"Meiji Restoration, In Japanese history, the political revolution that brought about the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate and returned control of the country to direct imperial rule under the emperor Meiji, beginning an era of major political, economic, and social change known as the Meiji period (1868-1912). This revolution brought about the modernizationRead MoreEssay on Change Analysis Chart Postclassical (600-1450 C.E.)8730 Words   |  35 PagesHeaven (Natalie) Direct Comparison: †¢ As seen by the examples of Emperor Yang Jian and Hongwu, who reigned almost eight centuries apart, the Mandate of Heaven was used as a means to create a centralized bureaucracy, and construct a more controlled, yet efficient rule. Analysis: †¢ The continued use of the the Mandate of Heaven as a means of justification of rule and primacy of leadership throughout multiple centuries of Chinese dynastic rule demonstrates the Direct Comparison: Between the years