... threats, specifically, a hypothetical Russian war (which eventually became reality) which enabled the Japanese to solidify a central army against a central external threat. The Chinese, however, with their focus on local disputes could mobilize provincial forces but not unite them. The first clash between China and Japan took place on Korean soil with the Japanese overcoming military numerical superiority with ... swiftness and surprise. Only European intervention prevented Japan from gaining a network of colonies that would most likely put Japan in the dominate Asian position for an in...

• Word Count: 1826
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: Undergraduate