Money on the Road to Empire —Japan's Choice for Gold Monometallism

摘要: Matsukata Masayoshi's decision to bring Japan upon the gold standard has often been presented as self-evident result of his insight in some imperfections endemic silver and bimetallism. Turning Marc Flandreau's refutation view that growth toward an international system was preordained, this article inquires its consequences for discussions Japan's late nineteenth century monetary situation. I argue Matsukata's policies should not be discussed terms assumed superiority one over another, but studied a political choice with respect place world, both strategically (as imperialist power) economically (namely economic partner countries).