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Compare Meneliks II response to European Imperialism with that of China or Japan. What similarities or differences do you notice? Explain.

User Jaryd
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Menelik II, the Emperor of Ethiopia during the late 19th century, responded to European imperialism by modernizing and strengthening his army and negotiating treaties with European powers to maintain Ethiopia's independence. China and Japan, two other major Asian powers during this time period, also responded to European imperialism in different ways.

China initially tried to resist European imperialism through military means, such as the Boxer Rebellion, but ultimately failed to prevent European colonization and the carving up of China into spheres of influence. Japan, on the other hand, responded to European imperialism by rapidly modernizing its economy, military, and political system, and by seeking to establish itself as a strong and respected global power.

One key difference between the responses of Ethiopia and China/Japan is the level of success that each had in resisting European imperialism. While Ethiopia was ultimately successful in maintaining its independence and sovereignty, China and Japan both experienced significant periods of colonization and foreign domination. Another difference is the specific strategies employed by each country: Ethiopia negotiated treaties and modernized its military, while China initially attempted military resistance and Japan rapidly modernized its society.

A similarity between these responses is the recognition that the European powers posed a threat to their respective countries' sovereignty and independence. All three countries recognized the need to respond to this threat, and took various actions to try to mitigate its effects. Additionally, all three countries recognized the importance of modernizing and adapting to the changing global political and economic landscape.

In summary, while Ethiopia, China, and Japan all responded to European imperialism in different ways, they shared a common recognition of the threat posed by European powers and the need to modernize and adapt to changing circumstances. The varying degrees of success in resisting European imperialism can be attributed to a range of factors, including each country's specific geopolitical situation, the specific strategies employed, and the nature of their interactions with European powers.

User Jtbandes
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