The Tasks of the Era – “Modernization” and “Enlightenment Thought” in China and Japan
Abstract
In the 19th century, the clash between Eastern agricultural civilizations and Western industrial capitalism framed the urgent tasks of modernization and enlightenment for China and Japan. Modernization, defined by democracy, capitalist economics, and cultural pluralism, originated in the West through gradual self-renewal. For China and Japan, however, modernization was externally pressured by Western imperialism, intertwining with struggles for national independence. Both nations faced the dual challenge of adopting Western advancements while resisting colonization.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Japanese History and Culture
Chinese history and philosophy
Global History
Politics
and Ideology
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Routledge eBooks
- Pages
- 16–56
- Publication date
- 13 March 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter