Modernization of Russia and Japan

Russia and Japan, were among the only dominant powers in Asia, still were states with declining feudal economics and feudal survivals in the middle of 19th century. Feudal system of relations prevented countries from a gradual and progressive development, made unable the development of market relations and establishment of equal opportunities for international trade. The growing class of businessmen or bourgeoisie in both countries felt those limitations and wanted to break outdated system of relations. The contradictions of monarchic governments with the interests of bourgeoisie and common people came to the turning point nearly at the same time in both countries: in Japan in 1867-1868 and in Russia several years earlier in 1860-1861. The Crimean war of Russia against Turkey and coalition of France and Britain showed its inability to resist to the main European powers, showed the failure, bankruptcy and great crisis of the...
[ View Full Essay]