Japanese Militarism - Marco... Polo... - ExtraHistory - #5

1. in your post you talk about certain external happenings, mostly in china, that could have maybe been seen as a threat to japan, almost as if youre looking for excuses for japan, as well as implying these things that can only be argued to have a tangential effect on japan were should be viewed as in any way as important to the subject as the internal assassinations.

Hi there. First off, I love the work you do. My kids all watch the videos across all the Extra channels. It has gotten my oldest into history and even to the extent he has started his own podcast. Further, his knowledge of history and real world history (not the Euro centric / Anglo centric I was taught) is expansive and surprising, and it is a of a much more complete view of nations and interests. That said, I am a little concerned that the Japanese Militarism series is not as well balanced as I would have expected from your institution. It is hard to do these episodes, and knowing that they have to be confined in content, tell a story, and work at the many levels of those that consume this, likely from 6 years old to 126, it is a challenge. However, I am concerned this one can be seen with an unnecessary and hopefully non intended racial bias, especially by any whose only source of history is your channel. Japan was facing a world of great external pressures related to its very existence, as evidenced by the The progressive colonization of all their far eastern neighbors for the last few centuries Opium wars displaying China as a main economic and military power in the region British conquest of India through trade and military forces Collusion and alliances of the European great powers in the Boxer Rebelling Seemingly unbalanced treaties to following the SinoRussian war Each of these events posed some level of potential existential threat to Japan. Further, Japan’s requests for changes to the preamble of the League of nations to be non-racial and allow provisions for developing nations were rejected. Finally Japan knew as an island nation, it needed raw materials for its basic survival. Japan conceivable had near if not imminent existential worries. It seems logical, if not necessary for them to prepare for defense. This is not meant to excuse all of their actions and the actions of their military. Many Japanese military actions are terrible and horrific. However, in presenting the rise of the militarism I would have expected a bit more from you on the reasons why it likely rose. Taken as you have presented it, and knowing the audience for your content can be young, the presentation came through as having some racial bias. It may be interpreted as a statement that this generation of Japanese that are more intrinsically militaristic than others, and I don’t believe this is correct or supported by facts. I am sure this was not your intent, but wanted to highlight it for your consideration. Thank you again for your great work.

Christian Williamson

We keep doing it too! It's too cute not to share!

Extra History

and damn, I had to go back and watch the History of Zoey again... Then share it with some others.

Jon Adams

Thanks for this series, folks. I continue to learn new nuggets of important history. Special thanks to Zoey who prolly is really in charge.

Jon Adams

I briefly assumed you meant the fellow who travelled to China in 1275...oh, well...

Martin Verran