How effectively had Japan modernized itself by 1914? -- Introduction Not until the 1800's did Tokugawa realize how powerless they were. Since the early 1600's, Japan completely isolated itself from the Western countries. Due to the anti-Christianity attitudes of the Tokugawa Ieyasu, Japan prohibited itself from any contact with the Western countries, and trade was mostly done with the Dutch and Chinese. For the next 200 years, although the Japanese made contact with its trade partners, and …showed first 75 words of 1573 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1573 total…recognized as one of the great powers of the world after the Russo-Japanese War, and was able to take possession over Korea without interference from other countries. Due to the guidance from the west, and the rule of the oligarchs, Japan was successfully able to modernize itself in half a century. From a secluded country, it was magnificent in seeing how Japan changed into one the most powerful countries in the world in around 300 years.