alternatehistory.com

With a POD between 1853 and 1900, your challenge is to do exactly that.

Some guiding thoughts:

1. Japan had just opened up after 200 years of isolation due to fear of European colonization.

2. The view that seems to have powered the Meiji Restoration was, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em".

3. Martial arts philosophy: The best way to win a fight is to avoid it in the first place. Strong self-defense, yes; unprovoked aggression, no.

4. Perhaps when the Meiji government sets out to copy European ways to improve themselves, they are smart enough to decide that expansionism and colonialism are flaws in the European way of thinking, not positive features.
Top