Although many other lines were built by private enterprise, the main network of railways in the hands of the government." "The government.opened the first railway between Tokyo and its port at Yokohama in 1872. EdwinReischauer, Japan, Past and Present (New York: Alfred A.The railroad had an enormous impact on Meiji society, revolutionizing the overland transport of people and goods and helping engineer a sense of nationhood. "For the Japanese of Meiji, as for their contemporaries in the West, the steam locomotive was the quintessential symbol of progress and civilization, the very epitome of modern industrial power. Putiatin had brought with him just half a year earlier and operated on board his flagship to the astonishment of a few Japanese officials, but the American model had a much greater impact, viewed as it was on shore by hundreds of people." A note on the presence of trains in Japan: "This was not the first model train to be seen in Japan- that honor belonged to the miniature alcohol-driven locomotive that the Russian admiral E.V. "As the rider himself, an official in the shogunate's neo-Confucian academy, described the experience in his diary: "Swiftly, as though it were flying, circled repeatedly. Ericson, The Sound of the Whistle (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1996), 4. Robert Tomes, The Americans in Japan: An Abridgment of the Government Narrative of the U.S.Noel Busch, The Horizon Concise History of Japan (New York: American Heritage Publishing Co., Inc., 1972), 107.Nations and takes a significant place here in the scroll. 8 Thus the train was an important and influential gift for both This direct exposure to such technology was a major influence in modernizing the countryĪnd opening it to the West. 7 It would beĪpproximately twenty years before a substantial amount of track was laid in Japan, but System could help modernize, unify, and strengthen their nation. The technology impressed the Japanese who soon began to realize how a train Perry's train was extremely influential with regard to Japan's view of foreign goods and Interaction between the countries while also demonstrating their scientific superiority and power. For the Americans, the train revealed their interest in trade and Hope for a powerful, technological and modern Japan, but it also represented the end ofĪncient traditions. For the Japanese, this train may have embodied their Message are the same: the Japanese were impressed, yet apprehensive, about theĪmericans and their technology. Train-riding samurai with more dignity than the American writer, yet the basic image and As he clung with a desperate hold to theĮdge of the roof grinning with intense interest." 5 The Japanese artist portrayed the Both the Japanese scrollĪnd the American written accounts described the train and the samurai passenger in muchįrom the American point of view, "it was a spectacle not a little ludicrous toīehold a dignified mandarin whirling around the circular road at the rate of twenty milesĪn hour, with his loose robes flying in the wind. In the building, a sailor stole a quick drink. Seemed to be a boiler to two Japanese officials, possibly an explanation of the conceptīehind steam power. Oversaw the operation of the train, a sailor carried a tool, and another demonstrated what On the right half of the panel, American officers He gripped the roof of the car with his right Miniature train driven by an American sailor. 4 The main focus of the panel was a Japanese noble riding the Officer interacted with Japanese officials, one of whom appeared to describe hisĮxperience on the train. Behind the Japanese artist, an American naval captain and In the left corner, a samurai recorded the scene while others admired This panel showed many friendly interactions between the Americans and Officials, some of whom rode by sitting on top of the car. Reception hall, the Americans assembled and operated the locomotive for the Japanese Of civilization" 2 which Perry used to influence the Japanese. This fully operational Norris Works, one-fourth scale model train, complete withģ50 feet of 18-gauge track, 1 engine, tender, and car, represented one of these "triumphs as well as its technological and cultural Japan by displaying the goodwill of the U.S. ![]() Perry's gifts aimed to foster trade and good relations between America and The seventh panel of the scroll focused on the model train Perry brought for the
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |