Synopses & Reviews
The making of modern Japan from the middle of the nineteenth century to the end of the Second World War is a crucial theme in world history. This is a period which, opening with the Meiji Restoration and ending with the Allied Occupation, is central to any understanding of the way in which modern Japan has developed, is developing and is likely to develop in the future.This book provides a wide-ranging, up to date and accessible interpretation of the period presenting both essential narrative and analysis. It describes the major changes that took place in Japanese political, economic and social life, paying attention to the experiences of all the major groups and societies. Key topics include:* Political systems
* Imperialism
* Economic growth
* Education
* Religion
* Family, class and nationJapan, 1868-1945 is an innovative and important history of the country, challenging widely held views concerning the uniqueness of Japanese history and the homogeneity of Japanese society.John Benson is Professor of History at the University of Wolverhampton. Takao Matsumura is Professor of Social and Labour History at Keio University, Tokyo.
Review
'an excellent general introduction for the student of Japanese studies' History
Synopsis
The history of Imperial Japan, from the Meiji Restoration through to defeat and occupation at the end of the Second World War, is central to any understanding of the way in which modern Japan has developed and will continue to develop in the future. This wide-ranging accessible and up-to-date interpretation of Japanese history between 1868 and 1945 provides both a narrative and analysis. Describing the major changes that took place in Japanese political, economic and social life during this period, it challenges widely-held views about the uniqueness of Japanese history and the homogeneity of Japanese society.
About the Author
John Benson is author of a number of economic and social history books under the Longman imprint, most notably The Working Class in Britain, 1850-1939 and The Rise of Consumer Societry in Britain, 1880-1980.
Table of Contents
AcknowledgementsAbbreviationsMaps1. Introduction2. Politics and political systems3. International relations and imperial expansion4. Economic growth, industrial relations, consumption and saving5. Education, religion and the media6. Individual, family, class and nation7. Epilogue: the Allied Occupation, 1945-528. ConclusionAppendicesIndex