Struggles, Choices, Outcomes: Divergent Responses to Western Pressure in 19th Century China and Japan

Abstract

In the 19th century, both China and Japan faced increasing pressure from the expanding Western powers, yet their responses diverged significantly, resulting to contrasting outcomes. This paper examines the struggles, choices and outcomes of their interactions with the West, highlighting the factor that shaped the national trajectories. While China under Qing dynasty resisted the engagement of Western influence, Japan embraced Westernization during Meiji Restoration. The responses of resisting and embracing of the two states facilitated the divergence, deciding on different destinies of being successful in the following routes and stagnating politically and economically. By analyzing what political decisions the governments have made, what outcomes were brought up having made their political decisions, economic outcomes and international influences. This study argues that the proactive approaches conducted by Japan ensured its strength and sovereignty, whereas the reactive approaches of China led to prolonged social, political and economic instability. This finding also contributes to a broader understanding of the modes of dealing with external pressures and the long-term consequences of different strategic choices.