Japan: Meiji Restoration — Modernize or Isolate (1868)
by Anonymous
After Commodore Perry forced Japan open, the country faced a choice: rapidly modernize along Western lines or resist foreign influence. The Meiji reformers chose radical modernization, transforming Japan in a generation.
Rapid Westernization (Meiji)
1868
year
Adopt Western technology, military, law, education
approach
Revolutionary — decades not centuries
speed of change
Japan became a world power by 1905
outcome
Continued Isolation (Sakoku)
1868
year
Maintain traditional society
approach
None
speed of change
Rejected — would have led to colonization
outcome
Selective Adoption
1868
year
Technology yes, culture no
approach
Moderate
speed of change
Attempted (wakon yosai) but full reform won
outcome
Like this comparison? Make it your own.
Sign up to use as templateMore in History
William the Conqueror: Invade England or Stay in Normandy (1066)
Invade England vs Press Diplomatic Claim vs Accept the Situation
Spanish Armada: Philip II's Invasion Plan (1588)
Combined Naval-Army Invasion vs Direct Naval Assault vs Postpone and Blockade
GPS: Open to Civilians or Military Only (1983-2000)
Open to Civilians (Full Accuracy) vs Military Only
Lincoln: Fort Sumter — Reinforce, Abandon, or Resupply (1861)
Resupply Only (Food, Not Arms) vs Reinforce with Troops vs Evacuate the Fort
Hannibal's Route to Rome (218 BCE)
Cross the Alps vs Coastal March through Gaul vs Naval Invasion
Netflix: Streaming vs DVD-by-Mail (2007)
Streaming (Netflix Pivot) vs DVD-by-Mail (Status Quo) vs Brick-and-Mortar Rental (Blockbuster)