A Professor describes Japan's imperialistic nature during the Meiji Period, Arirang TV, 40 seconds
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"After the 1880's European international relations entered a phase of colonial expansion and imperialist rivalries... [this] makes the conclusion inescapable that Japan joined the ranks of imperialist states... establishing spheres of dominance over Korea, Taiwan, and parts of China." |
"Korea, once the Hermit Kingdom, is apparently about to pay the penalty of her position, a defenseless peninsula separating mighty and progressive nations..."
-from the New York Times, 1898, on the state of Korea
China and Japan began vying for control over Korea, which culminated into the Sino-Japanese War. Japan's victory forced China to recognize Korea's independence and Japan's influence over Korea.
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Original footage of a naval battle during the Sino-Japanese War, 1894, Commons Database, 20 seconds
Japan's military and naval dominance overwhelmed the Chinese forces. |
"China recognises the full and complete independence and autonomy of Korea, and... the payment of tribute and the performance of ceremonies and formalities by Korea to China... shall wholly cease for the future." Note: Up until 1895 Korea traditionally served as a vassal state towards the Chinese Government.
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"[Russia], acknowledging that Japan possesses in Korea paramount political, military and economical interests engages neither to obstruct nor interfere with measures for guidance, protection and control which the Imperial Government of Japan may find necessary to take in Korea."
-Article II of the Porstmouth Treaty which ended the Russo-Japanese War, 1905