Fukuzawa Yukichi

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In Fukuzawa Yukichi’s writings, “A Discussion of our National Independence” (1874) and “Escape from Asia” (1884) both examine Japan’s position/role in the world and the need for Japan to gain independence and become civilized. His ideas about Japan’s position in the world stay consistent in both of writings and it is demonstrated by the three key points. His writings illustrate why Japan should be independent and separate from Asia and become more civilized by proving major solutions such as becoming more westernized and by foregoing its old ways. Key point A focuses on Japan not being independent; and the need to gain independence for its advancement in the world. Key point B focuses on how Japan is not civilized (non-advanced). Japan must be civilized through westernization. Key point C focuses on how the people in Japan are …show more content…
Kukuzawa Yukichi’s wirtings depict how Japan is not independent and it needs to gain independence for it to advance itself. In the 1st document, Fukuzawa Yukichi states that some countries are more advanced than others and it is natural for the advanced to control the less advanced and the less advance to be controlled by the advanced. This idea illustrates that due to the advancement of other countries, the lesser non-independent can eventually be controlled by the advanced countries. Due to the influence of the advanced countries, the lesser advanced countries can gain more advancement and become a more independent nation because the advance countries can provide knowledge, technology and innovations. The advanced countries, specifically the United States, brought over the telegraph system, locomotives, advanced ships, guns etc. In the 1st document, Fukuzawa Yukichi also discusses the question of a country’s independence from foreign countries is no more than one small part in complete theory of civilization. There are levels of
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