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The Meiji Restoration refers to the top-down, capitalist-like comprehensive Westernization and modernization reform movement that Japan carried out in the 1860s against the backdrop of the impact of Western capitalist industrial civilization. This reform began in 1868 when Emperor Meiji established the
Under the new government, the Japanese government carried out modern political reforms and established a constitutional monarchy; economically, it promoted "colonization and industry development", learned European and American technology, and carried out a wave of industrialization; it also advocated "civilization and enlightenment", Europeanization of social life, and vigorous development of education and other measures.
This reform made Japan one of the world's powerful countries and was the beginning of Japan's modernization. However, it also put Japan on the path of militarism of foreign aggression and expansion, causing heavy disasters to its Asian neighbors.
By 1891, Japan had experienced rapid development for more than 20 years. It had gradually gotten rid of the backwardness it had experienced when the United States opened its doors, and had gradually moved ahead of other Asian countries.
There is a trace of the development trend of emerging powers. Now Japan has established a new army based on Europe and the United States. The navy is also being established. However, it is still far away from the Beiyang Fleet, which is the first in Asia and the sixth in the world.
The gap. However, with the concerted efforts of the whole country, this gap is shrinking rapidly.
In addition, due to its small land area and lack of resources, Japan's economic and national development has been severely restricted. For example, Japan's main export product is raw silk. However, after the rise of Western Sichuan, the raw silk exported by Western Sichuan has become more high-quality and affordable.
Low prices have seriously squeezed the export space of Japanese products. Gradually, the Japanese government has discovered that the economic development rate in recent years has gradually slowed down.
Tokyo in August is unbearably hot even on the seaside. Countless Japanese people are busy making a living even in such a hot summer. The growing national power has not allowed these ordinary people to enjoy anything.
Benefits. The only satisfaction is probably their growing abnormal self-esteem and self-confidence.
In the cabinet meeting room of the Prime Minister's Office in Nagatacho, Tokyo, four old Japanese men are kneeling on the tatami. However, their expressions are a bit serious. These four old men are the four most important people in the Japanese cabinet. They are performing the Five Phases
The meeting discussed the just-ended war between Western Sichuan and the Manchu Qing Dynasty, and what impact this war would have on the Far East and even Japan. At the same time, the telegram sent back by Taro Kawaguchi, the Japanese Minister to China, was also discussed a few days ago.
Circulated in the hands of an old man.
The current Prime Minister of Japan is the 56-year-old Masayoshi Matsukata. This is also the first time he has taken office to form a cabinet. While serving as Prime Minister, he also serves as the Tibetan Prime Minister, that is, the Minister of Finance. Also participating in this meeting were
There are Foreign Minister Enomoto Takehiro, Land Minister Takashima Tomonosuke, and Marine Minister Shiki Kawasaki.
"Everyone, you have all read the telegram sent back by Taro Kawaguchi! The Qing Dynasty suffered a disastrous defeat in this war, and their national power has dropped to a freezing point. However, Western Sichuan has gained more than two million square kilometers of land and
An indemnity of almost 400 million yen. Western Sichuan's economic strength has already surpassed that of the empire, and now it is tantamount to adding more power to a tiger. It can be seen that they will leave the empire far behind. So, the future of the empire lies in
Where?" said Prime Minister Masayoshi Matsukata.
"Your Majesty Prime Minister, the Qing army is almost completely destroyed now, leaving only less than 200,000 defeated soldiers. I think we can launch an attack on the Qing immediately. With the current strength of our army, we can definitely defeat the Qing again. By then.
At that time, we will get a large territory and a large amount of war reparations. The empire's development speed will also take off again!" Prime Minister Takashima Tomonosuke said immediately. Since the Meiji Restoration, Japan's new army has added six field divisions.
A Guards Division with a total strength of more than 130,000 troops.
"No, it's not the time yet. Although the Qing's army has been completely lost, their navy is still the most powerful in Asia. In addition, in this war between Western Sichuan and the Qing, the Western powers are obviously supporting the Qing.
.If we use force against the Qing Dynasty, I am afraid it will cause the Western powers to be hostile to us!" Foreign Minister Takehiro Enomoto said.
"Isn't our navy capable of defeating the Qing navy? Although our strength is weaker than theirs, we have the spirit of Bushido and we can definitely defeat the strong with the weak!" Prime Minister Takashima Tomonosuke said. After the Meiji Restoration, Japan began to concentrate
The nationwide effort to develop the navy enabled the Japanese navy to develop rapidly from scratch. However, it also resulted in a land-sea dispute between the military.
Immediately, after hearing these words, the face of the Prime Minister of the Sea Kawasaki Shiki became a little ugly. Starting from 1883, Japan began an eight-year shipbuilding plan. It was decided to invest 3.3 million yen per year and planned to build a large ship.
There are five warships, eight medium ships, seven small ships and torpedo gunboats, a total of 32 ships. During this period, Japan has increased its naval military expenditures several times. In 1887, the Japanese Navy already had 22 ships of various types.
.However, after the two ships "Dingyuan" and "Zhenyuan" of the Beiyang Fleet were put into service, Japan once again increased its investment in the navy and built three large ships, Matsushima, Itsukushima and Hashidate.
"Three Scenery Ships" to ensure that the navy can defeat the Beiyang Fleet.
"Your Excellency Prime Minister, our shipbuilding plan has not been completed. The current navy is not a match for the Beiyang Fleet. If we start a war rashly, we are likely to fail. Once we fail, we will never have a chance again!" Huashan
Zi Ji said.
Masayoshi Matsukata nodded. Although Japan has worked hard to develop its navy over the years, its foundation is still too weak after all! As Shiki Kayama said, Japan only has one chance. If it fails, Japan will not have a second chance.
. Therefore, they must ensure that they can win in one go. The navy is the top priority. If the navy fails, no matter how strong the Japanese army is, will they still be able to swim through the Tsushima Strait?
"Let's do this. We will once again increase our investment in the navy and strive to shorten the gap with the Qing Navy as soon as possible to ensure victory in one battle. Gentlemen, the future of the empire is in our hands. You must work hard.
!" Masayoshi Matsukata said seriously.
"Don't worry, Prime Minister, we will be loyal to Japan and His Majesty the Emperor!" The rest of the people also replied one after another.
After finishing his response, Matsukata Masayoshi immediately rushed to the palace and reported the contents of the meeting to Emperor Meiji.
"So, do we have to give up this opportunity?" Emperor Meiji looked a little regretful. This time the Qing army was almost completely wiped out. For Japan, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
"Your Majesty! The Navy cannot guarantee victory. If the Navy cannot win, we will not be able to win this war!" Masayoshi Matsukata said.
"Oh! I know. I just feel a little pity. For the sake of the Imperial Navy and the future of the Empire, I decided to start by saving palace expenses and allocate 300,000 yen from the palace funds every year to support shipbuilding for the navy. Just
I hope the Imperial Navy can surpass the Qing Navy as soon as possible!" Emperor Meiji said.
"Thank you for your Majesty's support for the Navy. With Your Majesty as your example, I will also donate two layers of my salary for the Navy's shipbuilding!" Masayoshi Matsukata also said immediately. Since the Emperor has taken the lead, then those of them who are ministers will
, of course you have to express it.
Subsequently, officials across Japan, including local officials, donated one-tenth of their salaries for naval shipbuilding. At the same time, major financial groups and ordinary people in Japan also donated money and materials to support the navy.
Shipbuilding plan. In 1892 alone, the Japanese people donated 2.2 million yen, and donated goods and materials equivalent to 700,000 yen. The two items totaled 2.9 million yen. This is equivalent to 1/5 of Japan’s financial investment.
At that time, the total population of Japan was more than 41.8 million, and there were more than 6 million households. A total of more than 3 million households donated money. Even some poor people and even children donated their only savings.
With the support of Japan's nationwide efforts, the Japanese Navy has achieved rapid development. This can also be seen that in order to obtain enough living space for the God of War Manchu Qing, the entire Japan, from the emperor to the common people, has gone crazy.
Already.
At the same time, the Manchu Qing Dynasty was still developing slowly. After Prince Gong Yixin became the foreman of military aircraft, he also began to develop Westernization nationwide. However, the Manchu Qing Dynasty was like a terminally ill patient. How could it be so easy?
can be developed.
Gangwa City is located on the south side of Xisi South Street in Beijing. It was named after the city of pottery, pottery and porcelain in history. Prince Ding’s Mansion is located here. However, the current Prince of Ding, Aixinjueluo Puxu, belongs to the Manchu and Qing dynasties.
He was a marginal figure in the clan and had not been working as a official for many years. He only relied on a little salary and the property left by his ancestors to survive, and his life was not very good. Among the Manchu clan, he was considered to be a relatively poor person.
But now, waves of people visiting have almost trampled the threshold of Prince Ding's palace! Although these people are all relatives, they rarely interact with each other. Especially Prince Li Shiduodu
He came to visit in person, which made Pu Xu, the king of Dingjun, very uneasy!
Later, the palace issued an order to choose an auspicious day to marry Aixinjueluo Yuying to Wang Yuze, the marshal of western Sichuan. Only then did Pu Xu understand why so many royal princes showed favor to him. It turned out that it was for
His future son-in-law!
Pu Xu's impression of Western Sichuan has always been that of bandits. However, this time, the Western Sichuan army fought all the way to the capital city, which made him very scared. He was afraid that after the capital was breached, the clan members like them would have a bad end. Which time?
With the change of dynasties, the descendants of the previous clan were not all slaughtered! Fortunately, the Western Sichuan Army did not invade, which made him feel relieved. But he did not expect that just after the battle was over, he became in-laws with the Western Sichuan bandits.
PS: The third update is here! (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to (this site) to subscribe and reward. Your support is my biggest motivation.)