‘Westernisation’ and ‘Tradition’
At the beginning of the 19th century, China was dominated by the Qing dynasty and appeared secure, while Japan was isolated. Over the next few decades, China faced turmoil from colonial challenges, losing political control amid civil wars, whereas Japan modernized rapidly, establishing an industrial economy and a colonial empire. This section outlines how the Chinese initially struggled to redefine traditions to cope with modernization, culminating in the Communist Revolution of 1949. In contrast, Japan’s swift modernization was marked by the adoption of Western capitalist principles and a strong nationalism rooted in tradition. The early intellectual movements in both nations reflect varying attitudes towards modernization, with Japanese thinkers like Fukuzawa Yukichi advocating for the complete adoption of Western culture and values, while others emphasized national pride grounded in indigenous traditions. Ultimately, the section encapsulates the distinct paths to modernity that shaped both nations' historical trajectories.