Why did the meiji reformers want to modernize japan? a. to colonize weaker nations in southeast asia b. to allow western nations to protect them in trade negotiations c. to compete with the economies and military of western nations d. to replace traditional practices with western culture

C. to compete with the economies and military of Western nations

The Meiji Reformers wanted to modernize Japan in order to make it competitive in a changing world so as to compete with Western powers. Consequently, Tokugawa shôgun who ruled Japan in the feudal period was deposed and the emperor was restored to the supreme position.