Japanese leaders wished to quickly industrialize in the 1800s because they a. were attempting to eliminate poverty. b. feared encroaching south american influence. c. were compensating for lacking the population to complete needed farm work. d. feared encroaching european influence.

The correct answer should be D. feared encroaching European influence

They saw what China went through in its encounter with European forces and they didn't want for the same thing to happen to them. They also wanted to implement imperialistic policies as well and this was common at the time when everyone started spreading.

I hope this helps!
Good day to you.
-Niko

The correct answer is D: 
Japanese leaders wished to quickly industrialize in the 1800s because they feared encroaching European influence.