Why did Japan decide it needed to industrialize

Answer 1

There were several reasons why Japan decided to industrialize:

1. Economic development: Japan wanted to improve its economy and increase its wealth by modernizing its industries and infrastructure.

2. National security: Industrialization would make Japan less dependent on imported goods and technologies, thereby improving its self-sufficiency and ability to defend itself against foreign threats.

3. Competition with Western powers: Japan saw the rapid industrialization and colonization efforts of Western powers, particularly during the 19th century, and realized the need to catch up in order to assert its own power and independence on the global stage.

4. Social and political stability: Industrialization was seen as a way to improve the living standards of the Japanese people, reduce poverty, and maintain social order through job creation and economic development.

5. Desire for modernization: Many Japanese leaders and intellectuals believed that industrialization was essential for Japan to become a modern, advanced nation that could compete with Western countries in terms of technology, military power, and economic strength.