Assignment Question
Select 2 of the following 4 essays and answer them thoroughly. Who were the most prominent challengers/pretenders to European modernity in the late nineteenth century? How did they fare in resisting European domination? What does their success or failure to emulate European industrialization tell us?
Answer
Introduction
The late nineteenth century was a period of significant change and transformation in Europe, characterized by industrialization, colonial expansion, and the spread of Western modernity. However, several regions and countries across the world posed challenges and resisted European domination during this era. This essay will explore two prominent challengers/pretenders to European modernity in the late nineteenth century and examine their success or failure in resisting European domination.
Japan
A Successful Challenger
Japan stands out as one of the most successful challengers to European modernity during the late nineteenth century. The Meiji Restoration, which began in 1868, marked a turning point in Japanese history. Japan embarked on a rapid modernization and industrialization process, drawing inspiration from Western powers, particularly in terms of technology, industry, and military reforms (Beasley, 1995).
Japanese leaders recognized the need to adapt and learn from the West to maintain their sovereignty and independence. Consequently, they successfully modernized their economy and military, enabling Japan to resist European domination effectively. The victory in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) further solidified Japan’s position as a formidable global power (Jansen, 1995).
Ethiopia
A Resilient Pretender
Ethiopia provides an interesting case of resistance to European domination in the late nineteenth century. Despite facing European imperial ambitions, particularly from Italy, Ethiopia managed to remain independent. The Battle of Adwa in 1896 was a pivotal moment when Ethiopian forces under Emperor Menelik II defeated the Italian invasion, preserving Ethiopian sovereignty (Pankhurst, 2017).
Ethiopia’s success in resisting European domination was largely due to its geographic isolation, its skilled military leadership, and the determination of its people. Ethiopia’s ability to maintain its independence during this era is a testament to the resilience and tenacity of its rulers and population.
Conclusion
In the late nineteenth century, Japan and Ethiopia emerged as prominent challengers/pretenders to European modernity. While Japan successfully modernized and resisted European domination, Ethiopia, through its resilience and strategic defense, managed to preserve its independence. These examples shed light on the diverse strategies and outcomes of non-European nations in their efforts to emulate European industrialization and protect their sovereignty.
References
Beasley, W. G. (1995). The Japanese Experience: A Short History of Japan. University of California Press.
Jansen, M. B. (1995). The Making of Modern Japan. Harvard University Press.
Pankhurst, R. (2017). The Ethiopians: A History. Oxford University Press.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who were the challengers to European modernity in the late nineteenth century?
The challengers to European modernity during this period included various countries and regions outside of Europe, such as Japan and Ethiopia.
What made Japan a prominent challenger to European modernity?
Japan’s successful modernization efforts and adoption of Western technology and industry allowed it to challenge European dominance effectively.
How did Japan fare in resisting European domination?
Japan fared well in resisting European domination by modernizing its economy and military and winning key battles, like the Russo-Japanese War.
What were the factors contributing to Ethiopia’s resilience in the late nineteenth century?
Ethiopia’s geographical isolation, skilled military leadership, and the determination of its people played crucial roles in its resilience against European domination.
Was Ethiopia successful in resisting European domination?
Yes, Ethiopia successfully resisted European domination, notably defeating the Italian invasion at the Battle of Adwa in 1896.
