Japanese history part 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Japanese history part 2 - Essay Example This regime was in no position to exercise control over its domains, and was incapable of defending the nation from the threat posed by the Western powers (Asia for Educators, Columbia University). Moreover, in the year 1853, the Western threat crystallized with the arrival of Matthew Perry and a US Navy squadron. Their demand was that Japan had to open its shores to commerce from the West. The weakness of the Shogunate compelled it to enter into several inequitable treaties, wherein Japan had to grant special legal and economic privileges to the Western nations (Asia for Educators, Columbia University). Another instance of the effect of Western Imperialism upon weaker Asian nations was China, which was ruthlessly exploited by the European powers. In order to prevent a similar fate, a group of middle-ranking samurai deposed the Shogun in the year 1868. Their aim was to modernize the nation, and they realized that feudalism had to be destroyed for achieving their purpose (Asia for Educators, Columbia University). In addition, this intervention served to place Japan on a course of radical modernization without any bloodshed. The change wrought by this revolution, was perhaps unrivalled in history. This fundamental change was ostensibly aimed at restoring rule to the Japanese Emperor. The latter adopted the reign name Meiji or enlightened rule. As such, the Meiji Restoration proved to be a fundamental revolution (Asia for Educators, Columbia University). Consequently, Japan underwent a transition to a capitalist production system from a pre-capitalist mode, without experiencing a social revolution. The Nipponese example demonstrated that the restructuring of social relations of production, during the shift from a feudal to a capitalist system did not necessitate the active political participation of the lower classes (Barker). However, as shown by several scholars, social revolution is not an essential

Richard Nixon-successes and failures Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Richard Nixon-successes and failures - Essay Example Although started by the Kennedy-Johnson Administration, it was President Nixon who oversaw the peak of the war in Vietnam. This war would lead to loss of hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese lives and 50,000 American lives. Waged on grounds of ideological defense against Soviet Communism, the Vietnam War proved to be a public relations disaster for the American government and depleted its treasury. Eventually, the war was called-off by President Nixon due to mounting public pressure and escalating domestic issues. But the most embarrassing episode in the career of President Nixon was his involvement in the Watergate affair, where he used unethical and illegitimate means to cover-up his wrongdoings. He also used threats and coercive tactics to undermine the Democratic Party who were at the case. When major newspapers in the country broke the news of the Watergate scandal, Richard Nixon had little choice but to resign from office and face trial. He spent the rest of his life in politica l wilderness, only rarely making public appearances, as he was burdened with shame and guilt. In sum, the career and Presidency of Richard Nixon is a mix of limited successes and glaring failures. Reference: John Hollitz, Thinking Through the Past: A Critical Thinking Approach to U.S. History, ISBN 066933488X (0-669-33488-X), published by D C Heath & Co.