Title: Burdens of Empire: Army Minister, 1898–1900
Abstract: The confused origins of Japan's first foray into imperialism became exposed between 1898–1900. During these years, the army focused not on Taiwan but entirely on northeast Asia and the possible threat from Russia. However, contrary to the simplistic historiography which presents Japan as unswervingly intent on war first with China then Russia, in fact its military at this time went to great lengths to avoid conflict with St Petersburg; this was to be most evident in the handling of tensions over Korea. The army's desire for negotiation instead of confrontation was strengthened by unwelcome shifts in international relations following Japan's first victory in war: China moved closer to Russia, while racial fears of Japan emerged in nominally friendly powers, including a United States newly assertive in the Pacific. The Meiji army's lack of control over these events led it to adopt a more conciliatory line also with its domestic opponent, the parliamentary parties, and the result was modern Japan's first extended period of accommodation politics. Between 1898–1900, the cabinet attempting to deal with these various problems was led by General Yamagata, taking over as prime minister for the second and final time of his career. His distaste for politicking, however, meant that negotiation with the parties was left to his army minister, General Katsura Tarō, and it was during these years that Katsura was first to reveal the full extent of his political talent and demonstrate how the army might profit within a constitutional system.
Publication Year: 2000
Publication Date: 2000-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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