"If Japan had been near to either England or France, war would have broken out long ago"

The quote by Townsend Harris, "If Japan had actually been near to either England or France, war would have broken out long earlier", shows the geopolitical truths and mindsets of the 19th century. Townsend Harris was the very first U.S. Consul General to Japan and played an important role in opening Japan to foreign trade and relations. This quote is embedded in the context of Western imperialism and colonial expansion during the 1800s.

At its core, the statement highlights the aggressive expansionist policies of European powers like England and France throughout this period. Both nations were at the forefront of European imperialism and were associated with international colonization, driven by the desire to broaden their empires, access new resources, and spread their impact. The quote recommends that if Japan's physical proximity to England or France were better, it would have ended up being a target for colonial aspirations much sooner.

This remark points to the significance of geographical range in historic interactions. Japan's isolationist policies, under the Tokugawa Shogunate, had protected it from substantial foreign influence and dispute for centuries. However, its geographical position in the Far East, at a considerable range from Europe, acted as a barrier against immediate colonization or direct military confrontation. Instead, Japan was able to preserve its sovereignty while selectively engaging with foreign countries on its own terms for a substantial duration.

Harris's quote also means the pragmatic nature of global relations, where proximity frequently related to vulnerability. The history of manifest destiny consists of numerous instances where proximity permitted European powers to put in control over far-off lands, improving them financially, politically, and culturally.

In addition, the quote suggests that Japan's ultimate introduction as a modern-day power in the later 19th and early 20th centuries was partly due to its capability to prevent early European colonization, enabling it to enhance internally and change its society and governance. This change set the stage for Japan to end up being a considerable international power in its own right.

In summary, the quote by Townsend Harris highlights the role of geographic range in shaping historic events, especially in the context of 19th-century imperialism, where distance typically resulted in conflict and control. It speaks with the nature of international relations at the time and Japan's unique position in successfully navigating these challenges to preserve its sovereignty.