However, the fact is: no country will be strong because of a geography book!
"Atlas of the Ocean" is only a comprehensive book that introduces science and technology of western countries and knowledge of world geography and history, and this introduction is only superficial and brief.
For example, in Wei Yuan's eyes, westerners have three specialties: the first warship, the second firearm, and the third method of training troops-this sentence is actually the core of the whole National Chart. Wei Yuan has not seen anything deeper than military in western countries, such as economy, politics and culture. Actually, these things are more important
The Japanese side did accept Wei Yuan's point of view at the beginning. 184 1 at the beginning of the opium war, Japanese shogunate officials wrote that the failure of the Qing dynasty was "a foreign affair, which was a lesson for China". Wei Yuan's Atlas of the Sea just met this need, so it sold well when it was introduced into Japan. Even many private schools in Japan choose "Atlas of the Ocean" as teaching materials. At that time, in order to gain a better understanding of Britain, Samoan bought the Atlas of the Ocean for later use. Shortly after the outbreak of the Sa-Ying War, The Chart became a must-read for Samoans.
Kimura Takashi, Ito Bowen and Noue Kaoru, modern Japanese celebrities, are all familiar with them. Their teacher, Yoshida Shōin, is a reader of Atlas of Sea Countries, and he teaches students a revised version of Wei Yuan's theory of "learning from foreigners".
Therefore, Wei Yuan is indeed a historical figure who inspired the Japanese to take the first step. But that's all.
At that time, there was a Japanese named Sakamoto Ryoma. He is good at using Kodak, but his friends are impressed by it. He never wanted to see the dragon horse again, but he pulled out his pistol: "This is more powerful than Godach." While slowly accepting western weapons, this friend has made new changes. He took out a book introducing western civilization: "pistols can only kill enemies, and this book can revitalize Japan!" " "
This is the real progress of Japan. It should be said that we should not only look at foreign guns, but also look at the western civilization behind them, and learn everything from politics, economy and culture. This is the fundamental reason why Japan can successfully defeat the Qing Dynasty and even become one of the world powers in the future.
(Look at this picture and you will understand that Li Hongzhang is still wearing ancient costumes, and Ito Bowen is completely modern. Dress, to some extent, reflects the inner world view)
Wei Yuan's role is to let the Japanese know the power of western weapons-warships, firearms, and training methods. But what Japan has learned is all about western civilization, even including details such as suits and restaurants. Facts have also proved that it is not enough to study the military alone. Why did the Westernization Movement in Qing Dynasty lose to the Meiji Restoration in Japan? That's the point.
So, don't think that just because you have guns and cannons in your hand, you can let the Great Qing Dynasty lead you by the nose. It's just superficial. Don't even think that when the Japanese read Atlas in the early days of reform, they would give birth to: "After all, it is still a cow of the Qing Dynasty. The reason why Japan can be strong is nothing more than reading books written by the Qing Dynasty. "
If you think so, you are basically the brain of the Qing people.