Compare and contrast the programs of defensive modernization implemented by China, the Ottoman Empire, and Japan in the nineteenth century.

Your main posting this week is a short essay of 400-450 words. Typically, a short essay has an introductory paragraph, three paragraphs or so of main points with supporting evidence, and a concluding paragraph. Don’t forget to cite the course textbook a minimum of two times.
See the grading guide in Course Documents (in the left navigation pane) for more details.
Choose ONE of the following topics for your main discussion posting for the week. Remember to provide a reference if you used a source other than your textbook for information. Also, remember not to copy and paste from any sources – summarize and analyze in your own words.
Compare and contrast the programs of defensive modernization implemented by China, the Ottoman Empire, and Japan in the nineteenth century.
In what ways did the reforms implemented in the Ottoman Empire in the nineteenth century transform the Ottoman Empire from an Islamic to a secular state?
What factors contributed to the collapse of the Qing dynasty, and what factors contributed to the rise of Japan as a new colonial power?
Compare and contrast the responses to Western culture in China, the Ottoman Empire, and Japan in the nineteenth century.
In the nineteenth century, how did China’s confrontation with Britain compare to Japan’s confrontation with the United States?
What did Japan’s victory in the Russo-Japanese War mean for Japan, Russia, Western powers, and colonial subjects around the world?
Creative option: The Last Emperor is a feature movie about Chinese history. A trailer is available at The Last Emperor and you can find a copy to watch in various places. Tell us about the movie, and tell us if it is historically accurate. A suggestion: If you bring in a source or two that talk about its historical accuracy, then your task is much more manageable.

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