

The First Sino-Japanese War: Rising and Dying Empires w/ Andrew Morgado
Aug 12, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Colonel Andrew Morgado, a seasoned military leader with over 30 years of experience, delves into the First Sino-Japanese War. He reveals how this conflict rewired the balance of power in Asia, paving the way for modern tensions. Morgado contrasts China's stagnation with Japan's rapid modernization and explores the war's implications for contemporary geopolitics. He also highlights the significance of learning from history to tackle present-day military challenges and the strategic importance of Korea in U.S. alliances.
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Steam, Rifles, and Reform
- Japan industrialized fast and rearmed, changing social orders into modern military power.
- Bill Murray highlights steam, rail, and samurai adopting rifles as decisive shifts.
Small Slights, Big Future Wars
- Minor diplomatic slights can seed long-term resentment and future wars.
- Bill Murray warns Japan "remembered and it swore next time it would not be denied."
Reform As National Survival
- Japan reformed rapidly to avoid colonization and secure a larger role in Asia.
- COL Andrew Morgado explains they "decided to take a more proactive stance and kind of carve out their niche" in the region.