HISTORY
The Rise and Fall of Imperial Japan 1868 - 1945
SPRING HN262
Wednesdays
Michael Doran
In 1868, a new political era began in Japan when the Emperor Mutsohito reasserted imperial control to create a centralised and unified state. This political change ushered in great economic and social changes as Japan was transformed from a feudal society into a modern state. These changes also saw the end of centuries of isolation as Japan saw to assert itself in Asian affairs. This would lead to the gradual extension of the territory of the Japanese Empire. As militarist influences grew, Japan would adopt a course that would see it invade China, ally itself with Nazi Germany and attack the United States. Japan’s entry into the Second World War would lead to the downfall of Imperial Japan. A new Japan would emerge from this defeat.
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BLACKROCK |
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8 Wednesdays |
Jan 30, Feb 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar 6, 13, 20 |
2.00pm - 4.00pm |
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FEE €155 |
Print Open Learning Application Form 2012.13 or ring (01) 716-7123 for Laser/credit card payment |
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Tutor Bio
Michael Doran graduated from UCD in 1987 with a B.A. in History and Economics. He has been involved with UCD Adult Education since 1993 offering a range of courses. He is also the author of a Leaving Certificate text-book ‘Movements for Political and Social Reform, 1870 – 1914’.
Provisional list of key topics to be covered:
- - The nature of Japanese society
- - The role of the Emperor and the Meiji Restoration
- - The economic & social changes of the late 19th & early 20th century
- - The expansion of Japan into Korea
- - The Russo-Japanese War
- - Japan and World War One
- - The growing influence of the military
- - An aggressive foreign policy – The invasion of China 1937
- - The war in China
- - Pearl Harbor – Japan enters World War 2
- - The defeat of Japan and the end of Imperial Japan
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for any person who has a general interest in history and wants to know the historical background to one of the most influential of modern states.
Reading List:
Books will be recommended throughout the course. Many recent books on World War Two now give more attention to the role and actions of Japan in that conflict.
