The abolition of the feudal system and all feudal class privileges. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of UKEssays.com. Japan first started out as an isolated nation, but soon it would become one of the most powerful countries during WWII. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. What were the causes and effects of the Meiji Restoration? The Gregorian calendar (solar calendar) was adopted and implemented from January 1, 1873. The second major slogan was Fukoku Kohei, or enrich the country, strengthen the army. Politically, the Meiji Restoration of the mid-1800s to the early 1900s set the stage for the growth that took place to make Japan an Empire, including the transformation of the views on the emperor. As the Japanese modernized and formed a national identity, the ideas of Bunmei Kaika (civilization and enlightenment) and Fukoku Kohei (enrich the country and protect the military) combined with the newly created Meiji Constitution to shape Japan into a strong, militaristic country. This effort alternatively was reflected in the economy of the country. The basis for education was to make the citizens learned and also to counter the rapid changes that occurred in the modern world. China had a more reluctant response which led to their defeat. It was at the time of the era that Japan started emerging as a big international trade country. These major transitions created a more clear foundation for exercising democracy in the Japanese government. During the Edo period, children in Japan learned to read, write, and use the abacus at schools called Terakoya (temple school). In addition, the privileges of the Samurai were declined as other groups such as burakumin had legalized discrimination imposed against them. 2. The whole of Japan became interested in Western culture and began actively adopting it. Western-style clothing The first Japanese to wear clothes were the imperial family and the military personnel. Establishment of a rapidly growing industrial sector based on the latest technology. These views on the emperor helped to create a social change: the anger of the Japanese government and people about the. The Meiji Restoration also saw a dramatic increase in Westernisation, as Japan rapidly industrialised and adopted many Western technologies and ideas. An error occurred trying to load this video. Furthermore, their genuine interest in progress economically also boosted the country in terms of economic development. Study for free with our range of university lectures! But rather, they were the victims of a violent outburst of a feeling of imperialist entitlement by a country that had created a narrative about its own role in Asia, which its Chinese neighbors resolutely did not share. Postal system The postal system was started in 1871, running between Tokyo and Osaka. Therefore, a revolution was started that was geared to more of advancement and revolution. Both the sources of these changes and the way in which they made Japan "modern" provide the material for one of human history's more dramatic stories. A quick skirmish led to other provinces breaking away from the shogunate and announcing their loyalty to the emperor alone. The war ended in the northern island of Hokkaido after the remaining forces of the shogunate tried to create a breakaway empire and were quashed. It got rid of the feudal system and created the Meiji Constitution establishing a bureaucratic, centralized government. The Meiji Reforms led to an educated and industrial Japan, which expanded into several imperialistic wars in which several foreign countries were defeated. Rickshaw The jinrikisha is a vehicleinvented in Japan, based on the Western horse-drawn carriage. 7 chapters | Meijis era had a nonfunctional parliament at its inception. After the shogunate's power had been removed, it was handed over to the Meiji Emperor to exact certain changes that the Japanese people were beginning to admire in the West. This was seen in different sectors of the government. In addition, the military adopted more westernized weapons and guarding tactics. Meiji Restoration, in Japanese history, the political revolution in 1868 that brought about the final demise of the Tokugawa shogunate (military government)thus ending the Edo (Tokugawa) period (16031867)and, at least nominally, returned control of the country to direct imperial rule under Mutsuhito (the emperor Meiji). In addition, Japan made revisions of treaties within the Asian boarders hence having a more strengthened bond. They also began to copy the West's expanding imperialism. This involved the formation of a completely new government that had new rules and regulations. The brief Boshin War, from 1868-1869, pitted shogunate-supporting samurai against a smaller group of breakaway provinces that were armed with rifles and other weapons. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. But in 1867, the 15th Tokugawa shogun resigned, and by 1868, the Meiji Restoration had begun. Western technology was impressive, and the Japanese were eager to copy and match what they had seen in Western cities. This inequality left Japan with a big chip on its shoulder. The attacks by the made the country remained complacent hence its tactics were futile. Railroad In 1872, the railroad between Shimbashi and Yokohama was opened and steam locomotives began to operate. Western ships were interacting with China and thus were frequently asking for port supplies from Japanese ports, culminating in the Nagasaki incident of 1808, in which a British ship took local Dutch sailors captive in exchange for supplies. In addition, the country had gained a higher level of literacy at the time the Meijis era was about to begin. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The major challenges that affected the Meijis rule were born by the negative effects of the Shogunate. During the Meiji Restoration, social change was synonymous with modernization and Westernization. These were finally sold to international markets and enhanced trade across borders. These enterprises developed into great banking companies and improved commercial businesses. This sounds like an urban legend, but these stories were recorded. A nation-state is a country where the population shares a common national and cultural identity. In which country does the sun never rise? This involved the people and the physical objects. In addition, most small towns developed in bigger urban areas. (b) Comit Japonais des Sciences Historiques, Le Japon au XI e Congrs International des Sciences Historiques Stockholm, Tokyo, 1960, pp. They adopted the school education system of Europe and the U.S. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Japan thought that they had been left behind in terms of modernization. The emperor was mostly involved in governance issues such as administration and organization of the cabinet. First, the idea of sonno joi, or "revere the emperor and expel the foreigners," took hold with those that were against the decaying power of the shogunate. Japan was losing its feudal system, and the emperor would necessarily replace the shogunate; Foreign powers were technologically centuries ahead of Japan (with the shogunate to blame), something that astounded yet annoyed many Japanese; Japan abandoned its caste system while creating the identity of a. It was of much respect to have educated friends during the Togukawas period hence this education extended into Meijis era. There were many causes for the Meiji Restoration, including rice inflation (samurai paid in rice), a decaying bureaucracy, increasing interactions with foreign technology. This drastic change in Japanese society and economics led to its role in WWII and its modern place in the world today. This eventually led to their expansion. Japanese Imperialism: Territorial Acquisitions & Wars, The Westernization of Japan During the Meiji Era. On the other hand, the samurai still held their heads high since they still remained the most educated of all in the society (More 55). Gas lamps Gas lamps greatly changed the nighttime scenery of cities. For the prime minister, the proud story of the. The reforms enacted during the Meiji emperors rule brought about the modernization and Westernization of the country and paved the way for Japan to become a major international power. Finally, the dual ideals of Bunmei Kaika or "Civilization and Enlightenment" and Fukoku Kohei or "Make the county rich and grow the military" combined Japanese aspirations for not only nationalism but also a forward-looking culture that espoused both technology and militarization. The Meiji Restoration (), also known as the Meiji Ishin, Revolution, or Renewal, was a chain of events that led to enormous changes in Japan 's political and social structure. Towards the end of the 19th century, Japan was copying the imperialism that it saw in other Western countries. There were many forms of transitions that took place (Craig 150). As the Edo period continued and enter it's later years, the stability of the system was sha. Japan's Cabinet Secretariat has the overall responsibility for the implementation of the framework. The Meiji government built Western-style buildings and used the media to promote them to the public. A picture of Ginza, now part of Tokyo, in the 1880s. Today the government of Shinzo Abe is making much of the anniversary. A strong national army and navy became a main priority. Big family enterprises did develop during Togukawa era. Thus, the Meiji Restoration was a combination of Western ideals reconstituted with traditional Japanese mores. This Meiji restoration has given a lot of positive effects to the Meiji nationalism. Adopting the slogan Enrich the country, strengthen the army (Fukoku kyhei), they sought to create a nation-state capable of standing equal among Western powers. Japans economic, political and social stability developed intensely during the Meijis era. Thanks to these changes, the streets became brighter at night and people could stay active until late. The first was Bunmei Kaika, or civilization and enlightenment. The new emperor eliminated the government and reestablished the imperial throne, but the emperor did not have any political power and was seen as a political symbol. Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals from one socio-economic strata to another, followed by a change in their social status. If your specific country is not listed, please select the UK version of the site, as this is best suited to international visitors. Tomioka Silk Mill (started operation in 1872) To promote modernization, the Meiji government also focused on the construction of Western-style factories. Dissolving of the Shogunate, creation of a constitution, creation of a democratic Diet. Introduction. That was followed, after the end of the fighting, by the dismantling of the old feudal regime. We're here to answer any questions you have about our services. Japan's goal of achieving fukoku kyohei, "rich country; strong military", fuelled major political, economic and social changes during the Meiji Restoration. Under the emperor as a symbol of ancient Japanese authority, the people came together, and they began to think of Japan as a great and powerful nation that would be the most powerful country in Asia. The leaders of the restoration were mostly young samurai from feudal domains (hans) historically hostile to Tokugawa authority, notably Chsh, in far western Honshu, and Satsuma, in southern Kyushu. For modernization to be effective, the government thought it was necessary to raise the peoples level of education. He graduated with a Masters in English from Mississippi College and has a JLPT N1 pass. The reason why Meiji reformers wanted to modernize Japan was because they wanted to become equivalent to the Western countries instead of being considered inferior and barbaric. Due to the fact that Western nations were involved in Imperialism prior to and during the same time as the Meiji period, the wealth and power the European nations gained stood out to the Japanese. In which country does the sun rise first? The forms of productions were iron smelting, shipyards and spinning meals that were sold to connected consumers of the products. Japans first Ministry of Education was established in 1871 to develop a national system of education; it led to the promulgation of the Gakusei, or Education System Order, in 1872 and to the introduction of universal education in the country, which initially put emphasis on Western learning. The Meiji Restoration was a coup dtat that resulted in the dissolution of Japans feudal system of government and the restoration of the imperial system. The Meiji Emperor represented a mixture of West and East. Members of the ruling samurai class had become concerned about the shogunates ability to protect the country as more Western countries attempted to open Japan after more than two hundred years of virtual isolation. Others mistakenly thought they could deliver parcels to distant places by telegraph and therefore hung parcels on the tower. In addition, the new government carried out policies to unify the monetary and tax systems, with the agricultural tax reform of 1873 providing its primary source of revenue. Within a few decades of Perry's arrival, Japan created something akin to the Bill of Rights or Constitution, the Meiji Constitution, which was presented to the emperor by the Diet, an analog to America's Senate and House of Representatives, and this created a formal two-house parliament that voters selected. Answer (1 of 2): 1. The most affected government sectors were the social, political, economic oriented institutions. Their goal first included the formation of deliberative assemblies; secondly was reviewing the customs and replacing the old and evil customs with new ways. Finally, in 1889, the Meiji Constitution was officially promulgated. It gave the government further motivation to become an imperial power in Asia, ultimately setting the gears in motion for Japan's actions in World War II. The reforms enacted during the Meiji emperor 's rule brought about the modernization and Westernization of the country and paved the way for Japan to become a major international power. Chinese military group were not prepared to the great modernization that had taken placed. One answer is found in the Meiji Restoration itself. The government played a huge role in social change by creating new. These included educational achievements, rapid economic development and common cultural and social background. This group was highly equipped in terms of security. Consequently, catching up with the newest forms of technology according to that era would have been a great challenge incase a former leader retained the office. The adoption of universal education. In July 1853, Perry sailed his steamer, the Mississippi, and as it chugged past Japanese boats in Yokohama Harbor, fired blank charges from her superior cannons, and then presented the Japanese Shogunate with a white flag with which to surrender. The Meiji Restoration had two major slogans: Fukoku Kyohei and Bunmei Kaika. The industrial sector was also transformed to modern manufacturing industry like those that only appeared in the West. How Did the Meiji Restoration Change Japan? Eligible Japanese voters elected the members of the Diet. Updates? Most of the change occurred during the Meiji period. Effects of Tokugawa's period Meiji period was characterized by rapid change and modernization. This overlapped into the Meijis era hence forming the big banking facilities that were seen during the Meijis era. Consequently, Japan expanded the trade to even powerful countries. In the days of the Meiji Restoration, it was believed that the way to modernization and Westernization was to deny the old things of the previous era, which were regarded as barbaric and uncivilized. laws and a constitution. All rights reserved. When they heard that messages traveled through the wires, some people thought that the telegrams were delivered physically through the wires. Why did the Meiji reformers want to modernize Japan? Finally, Japan allied with Britain against Russia, culminating in Japan's attack at Port Arthur and the destruction of an overconfident Russian fleet coming to save the city in the Battle of Tsushima. The first Diet was convened the following year, in 1890. Furthermore, the fiefdoms that had fought against the Tokugawa shogunate centuries before (including the Choshu, Satsuma, and Tosa) at the Battle of Sekigahara in 1603 were now united and ready to overthrow the shogunate and instill the emperor into power. The constitution was presented as a gift from the emperor, and it created a two-house parliament called the Imperial Diet. In its place, a democratic social and political system was established based on constitutional law over the course of about 20 years, and it led to significant economic reforms and growth. The labor force in Japan was mainly unskilled and did not recognize the new technologies. Japan's goal of achieving fukoku kyohei, "rich country; strong military", fuelled major political, economic and social changes during the Meiji Restoration. The town area urbanized progressively during the Togukuwa era. The feudal system was decaying, and factions were growing. This revolution was a transformation from subsistence farming to commercial crops farming. As a result, the shoguns lost credit, and the Meiji leaders came to power. To maintain the firm economic foundation, the Japanese had to form institutions that could be used to harness knowledge that would assist in continuity of knowledge gained during the Togukawas era. There were countries which were segregated and repelled to an extent that they could not form partnerships with Japan. The Meiji Restoration used some Western ideas, like liberalism, but it infused them with ancient Japanese philosophy and culture, resulting in the blossoming of art, literature, and even technology. Omissions? The new governance was formed after the abolition of feudalism. . This led to production and manufacturing of more sophisticated goods that fitted in the modern revolution. To provide some clarity as to how the Meiji Era occurred, one must know two things: one, the term Meiji is named after the Meiji Emperor, who lived from 1852 to 1912 C.E., and reigned over the modernization of Japan; and two, Japan had existed for hundreds of years in relative peace with little contact from the outside world thanks to the Tokugawa Shogunate, or the military leadership that had been in charge of Japan since the early 1600s. The Meiji Era that followed the Meiji Restoration in 1868 marked the formation of a new gender structure in Japan. Wholesale land reform has costs and inequities that make righting South Africa's central injustice through such a process inappropriate. They saw that they needed to strengthen themselves to stand up to the Western powers - and with China humiliated, there was an opportunity to become the new big dog in Asia. Western-style architecture Brick architecture. The Japanese had no weapons to match the American firepower, so they had to agree with Perry's demand. 645 Words. This period had been a form of generation that was more enlightened compared to the former era. Japan began mass-producing silk, coal, and other resources. Then, in 1904, Japan shocked the world by humiliating Russia in the Russo-Japanese War. One of the most significant changes was the end of feudalism in Japan. They added coffee to milk as if it were a spice. Education, social class, and women's roles changed drastically when Japan began to modernize. His downfall led to so many positive dramatic changes. - Facts & Timeline, The English Civil War and the Rise of Cromwell's Theocracy, The Glorious Revolution of 1688: Events and Significance, Glorious Revolution Lesson Plan for Elementary School, What Is the English Bill Of Rights? Therefore, Japan overstepped many countries in East Asia to top the ranks of the most powerful countries. The entrepreneurs in Japan became more enlightened and powerful. What changes did the Meiji restoration bring about in japan? Those men were motivated by growing domestic problems and by the threat of foreign encroachment. Creation of a well-developed communication system. Then, the leaders of the restoration really went to work. This was very tactful as it was significant for a new revolution. Japan increased the number of steamships from 26 in 1873 to 1,514 in 1913 and 18 miles of train track in 1872 to over 7,000 in 1914. There were three main reasons for this war and the resulting changes: This minuscule period of a half-century began with a technologically stunted Japanese shogunate in the 1860s that quickly changed and grew into an imperialistic power that would later defeat the Russian Navy. This political revolution "restored" the emperor to power, but he did not rule directly. This was seen in different sectors of the government. What were the causes of the Japanese industrial revolution? The new government was very tactical. This biasness was cut off by the Meijis rule. Here you can choose which regional hub you wish to view, providing you with the most relevant information we have for your specific region. This meant that Japan was controlled by the Genro a part of the Oligarchy. The Meiji Restoration (1868-1890) was named after the emperor, who took the name Meiji, which means 'enlightened rule.' The emperor and a new ruling class decided it was time to remodel Japan on a . Looking for a flexible role? Reinstating the emperor legitimized the movement by connecting it to an old tradition that encouraged everyone to unify. Economic Effects of Meiji Restoration. Meiji Restoration was a political revolutionthat was marked by the Boshin War that brought an end to Tokugawaimperial rule. This reduces the incentive to improve one's land (investment), the very thing which creates growth and . They were constantly exploited and denied any freedom. Here you can choose which regional hub you wish to view, providing you with the most relevant information we have for your specific region. Japanese people readily accepted such drastic social changes. The Chinese branded themselves with the notion of self superiority. Japans fame could also be compared to how both China and Japan responded to external invasions. This aspect was going to be very crucial but the leaders were dedicated to bring change in Japan. Therefore, the Meijis era opted to create a solution for the need at hand. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Great collaboration with the government and passion for development were the main contributors of the improved economy (Tipton 456). Conscription system (draft system) The government also called this the blood tax.. Because Japan had been a closed country since the 1600s, excluding one island in Nagasaki exclusively used by the Dutch, the shogunate reacted by declaring death to anyone who aided foreigners. The administrative reorganization had been largely accomplished by 1871, when the domains were officially abolished and replaced by a prefecture system that has remained in place to the present day. Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you The Meijis restoration brought about a fundamental aspect of the society which was industrial growth. Secondly, there were countries that were grouped for trading. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. In Japanese military history, the modernization of the Japanese army and navy during the Meiji period (1868-1912) and until the Mukden Incident (1931) was carried out by the newly founded national government, a military leadership that was only responsible to the Emperor, and with the help of France, Britain, and later Germany . This put an end to the policy of banning Christianity, which had been in place since the early Edo period. Get unlimited access to over 88,000 lessons. In 1875, an ordinance was promulgated, requiring all people to use surnames. 160 -61Google Scholar, 'It has long been recognized that the Meiji Restoration was influenced and motivated by foreign relations beginning with the Opening of Japan.

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