Between 1895 and 1915, manufacturing grew rapidly, and Japan became a(n) __________ power.

Between 1895 and 1915, manufacturing grew rapidly, and Japan became an industrial power.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japan underwent a period of rapid industrialization and modernization. This era is known as the Meiji Restoration, a time when the country transformed from a feudal society into a modern industrial state. This shift was driven by the government's strong desire to compete with Western powers, which culminated in the successful adoption of Western technologies and industrial processes.

The growth in manufacturing was instrumental in this transformation. Several factors contributed to Japan's industrial growth:

1. The adoption of Western technologies: Japanese leaders and scholars studied Western industries and imported machinery and expertise. This allowed them to quickly modernize their production methods.

2. Infrastructure development: The government invested heavily in infrastructure like railways, ports, and telegraph lines, which facilitated the efficient movement of goods and people.

3. Education reforms: A new education system was introduced, focusing on science, mathematics, and engineering, to develop a skilled workforce capable of supporting and advancing industrialization.

4. Zaibatsu: These were large conglomerates that played a significant role in Japan's industrialization. Companies such as Mitsubishi and Sumitomo had their origins during this period and became influential in sectors like mining, shipbuilding, and banking.

5. Government policies: The Meiji government provided subsidies, helped procure technology from abroad, and even established model factories to encourage industrial growth.

The culmination of these efforts meant that by 1915, Japan had established itself as a significant industrial power, both in Asia and on the global stage. This was demonstrated by its victories in the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), where its industrial strength underpinned its military capabilities. The prosperity brought about by industrialization paved the way for Japan to become one of the leading economies in the world during the 20th century.