For Japan to Overturn the Unequal Treaties, They Had to Westernise and They Westernised Their Societal Structures and Processes

In the 1880s, Japan started what many still believe in 2004 to be one of the most successful and indeed rapid transformations in history. Essentially, Japan was revolutionised from a small closed-economy state to one that would be an industrial powerhouse. Japan overtook its former "uncle" China to become the major power within the Asian region. Much of this power and success, according to many, was brought about by Japan's willingness to Westernise in order to achieve better diplomatic relations. Japan's Westernisation was brought about with many facets which revolutionised Japanese society and provided the cornerstone for change.
Upon the return of Japan's contingent to the West, the Japanese began to see the gross importance of political institutions in Western culture and thus, a number of very important reforms were drafted that would bring Japan into line with the West. …