Chapter 19 (pp. 931-957)

Chapter 19 (pp. 931-957)

Chapter 19 discuss the changes that occurred in the Empires that were still standing. I took a look at the section focusing on the modernization of Japan. The first important fact is that the modernization that took place in Japan was defensive in nature and was a result of their fears that Japanese independence was seriously in danger. One of the first ways that the Japanese headed for more modern styles was through national unity they put an end to the unchecked power and privilege of the daimyo and the samurai. This led to all being legally commoners. Another way that Japan modernization was through a fascination with knowledge about the West, primarily America and Europe. They sought out mission trips by sending hundreds of students to study.  Women took this fire for modern times as an opportunity to modernize their roles in the household and society. According to the Constitution of 1889, women's political rights were not discussed anywhere and the Civil Code of 1898 gave absolute authority to the male head of the family, while grouping all of the wives with the cripples and disabled.