HIS 377-01 - From Samurai to Soldiers: Japan At War (Spring)

4 credits (Spring)

This seminar follows Japan’s military conflicts from the “opening” of the country by US gunboats in 1853 through to the country’s demobilization and disarmament at the end of WWII in 1945. During this century, Japan rapidly modernized its military, became the first Asian nation to defeat a Western power, and expanded its empire to encompass much of East and Southeast Asia. The lectures, discussions, and readings in this class will focus on the social, cultural, economic, and political impact that the phenomenon of modern military mobilization had on Japan during this pivotal period.

Prerequisite: Any 100-level history course and any 200-level East Asian History course.
Instructor: Mayo