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A privy council composed of the Meiji genro, created prior to the constitution, advised the emperor and wielded actual power. These were all possible thanks to the nation's modernized military and industrialization systems as Japan adapted from Western nations as it aimed to become a world power. This sounds like an urban legend, but these stories were recorded. For example, Japan changed from a feudal system to a more structured government. The Meijis reign was a far-reaching era that was constituted majorly with change. Japan was compromised by a feudal system of military warlords that forbade any foreign exposure with the threat of execution. No plagiarism, guaranteed! Japan before the Meiji restoration In 1839 and 1856 Asian nations were shocked by Britain's crushing victories over China in the two Opium Wars. How Did the Meiji Restoration Change Japan? Japan had reverted back to a shogunate. 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. The formation of a national army. They were able to create a centralized and bureaucratic government that created the Meiji Constitution in 1889. These were the Russo-Japanese war and Sino-Japanese war. 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. Moreover, some members who were supporters of daimyo were accepted in the new government and were reappointed as leaders. Titles of land ownership were issued to farmers, as were demands for taxation. By the end, Japan had become a strong new nation with its own kokutai and aspirations to become a world imperial power. 205 lessons. 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. Matthew Hodge has taught English and Japanese at the high school level for 15 years and college for five. As a result, there were 20,000 schools nationwide. These aspects were key elements in the characterization of a developed nation. They believed that the West depended on constitutionalism for national unity, on industrialization for material strength, and on a well-trained military for national security. This was followed in 1898 by the adoption of the same surname for married couples under the Civil Code. Although the actual events of 1868 constituted little more than a shift of power within the old ruling class, the larger process referred to as the Meiji Restoration brought an end to the ascendancy of the warrior class and replaced the decentralized structure of early modern feudalism with a central state under the . Introduction. There was no military in Japan during the Edo Period. Lastly, there were those countries that acted in partnership with Japan in terms of trade. The atrocities that were committed against the Chinese people in Nanjing, and the deaths of so many people, were not the product of a cold, calculated plan. laws and a constitution. Reinstating the emperor legitimized the movement by connecting it to an old tradition that encouraged everyone to unify. Education brought a smooth transition to the growth and transition into the Meijis period. Second, outside pressure from foreigners convinced the Japanese that they needed to modernize quickly. [] Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. This therefore meant that the Japanese had the most powerful transformation which occurred within a single generation. Decent Essays. Dissolving of the Shogunate, creation of a constitution, creation of a democratic Diet. It's easy to assume that nation-states have always existed, but they didn't really until the 19th century. Japan through Western Eyes A collection of diaries, journals and letters of Western visitors and residents in Japan. Do you have a 2:1 degree or higher? This acted as prerequisite for the excellent learning methods that were employed during the Meijis period. Erin has taught English and History. Japan utilized the weapons in war times that enabled them to secure their territory. Modernization of the education system was one of the main goals of the new Meiji government. Grades 5-12: Analyze the internal and external causes of the Meiji Restoration. However, the Western countries were still unwilling to accept Japan as a great power. The attacks by the made the country remained complacent hence its tactics were futile. She has a bachelor's degree in History, and a master's degree in International Relations. 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). Japan was so powerful that it ended up being transformed from a mere island nation to an imperial power by its own right and might. Updates? The arrival of foreigners and the decay of shogunate leadership accelerated their slowly deteriorating power structure. The result for these radical steps was the rise of a very powerful Asian country from a very humble beginning. Then, in 1904, Japan shocked the world by humiliating Russia in the Russo-Japanese War. The emperor was reinstated as sovereign, and he took the name Meiji. Meat-eating (sukiyaki, beef hot pot) In the Edo period (1603-1868), Japanese people were not in the habit of eating meat, but beef hot pot became popular. Wholesale land reform has costs and inequities that make righting South Africa's central injustice through such a process inappropriate. Thus, the Meiji Restoration was a combination of Western ideals reconstituted with traditional Japanese mores. This reduces the incentive to improve one's land (investment), the very thing which creates growth and . 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. Disgruntled samurai participated in several rebellions against the government, the most famous being led by the former restoration hero Saig Takamori of Satsuma. Evidence that shows that Japans military team was strengthened was the victory which was seen in two wars. This inequality left Japan with a big chip on its shoulder. The Meiji Restoration replaced the Tokugawa shogunate and reinstated the emperor. ChristianityIn 1873, the government removed the ban on Christianity. Among other accomplishments, during the Meiji period Japan adopted a constitution and a parliamentary system, instituted universal education, built railroads and installed telegraph lines, and established strong army and navy forces. In addition, advancement in technology impacted the following areas; the military, political system and lastly the social aspect. This led to a powerful military rise in the year 1905. Following world war two, the emperors in Japan resolved to form a new rule that was democratic in stature. Here you can choose which regional hub you wish to view, providing you with the most relevant information we have for your specific region. There were countries which were segregated and repelled to an extent that they could not form partnerships with Japan. Therefore, a revolution was started that was geared to more of advancement and revolution. These major transitions created a more clear foundation for exercising democracy in the Japanese government. https://www.britannica.com/event/Meiji-Restoration, Asia for Educators - The Meiji Restoration and Modernization, The abolition of the feudal system and all feudal class privileges, The construction of transport and communication systems. There were radical changes that took place during the Meiji transformation. By the 20th century, Japan had a modern constitution and national parliament, though it was not truly democratic. Abolishing the immobile class system. The era resulted into the introduction of boarder line trading. (The school attendance rate in England at that time was 20% and the literacy rate was 10%). The industrial sector was also transformed to modern manufacturing industry like those that only appeared in the West. 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. Effects of Tokugawa's period Meiji period was characterized by rapid change and modernization. The system spread nationwide in 1872. What were some effects of the Meiji Restoration? If you need assistance with writing your essay, our professional essay writing service is here to help! Therefore, they resorted to make a complete enlightenment to every aspect of governance that existed. The Gregorian calendar (solar calendar) was adopted and implemented from January 1, 1873. From 1603 to 1868 Japan was a feudal society with a hierarchy of lords, samurai, and peasants. This rule was termed as the enlightened rule because it was to transform Japan from its nave nature to a more modernized society. Worried by internal problems and outside pressures and inspired by the rise of nation-states, Japan became modernized and Westernized through its slogans of Fukoku Kyohei and Bunmei Kaika. The rule that existed in the Meijis period wanted a collaboration of views that would integrate both western ways to traditional values. Why is Japan called the Land of the Rising Sun? During early industrialisation, women were worked in factories under poor conditions. Unlike a tax at a defined rate per year, land reform creates the possibility of losing all one's land and the improvements in one go, i.e. But before Japan was a powerful Nation, it needed to modernize. Allowing people to move between strict financial groups. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The most affected government sectors were the social, political, economic oriented institutions. In addition, the Japanese went to an extent of winning a war against Russia a super powerful country. How did the Meiji Restoration change Japan? View history. 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. Also, Japan was preparing itself for future incapacities that could arise due to lack of better preparation. The whole of Japan became interested in Western culture and began actively adopting it. The Meiji Restoration had two major slogans: Fukoku Kyohei and Bunmei Kaika. How did the Meiji Restoration change Japan? Boxer Rebellion in China | Causes, Summary & Significance, Tokugawa Shogunate in Japan | History, Culture & Unification. Secondly, there were countries that were grouped for trading. This strong nature led to the rule and discrimination of traditional monarchies that surrendered at the end. This revolution was a transformation from subsistence farming to commercial crops farming. -Reforms in other fields were far reaching: education was made compulsory, all restrictions were lifted on Japanese going abroad, Christianity was permitted, vaccinations, postal service, telegraphs, and steamships were introduced, torture was abolished, European dress was prescribed for officials (with the Emperor China had a more reluctant response which led to their defeat. Then, in 1853, United States commodore Matthew Perry sailed into Tokyo Bay with four war ships and massive guns. We're here to answer any questions you have about our services. Some even thought that telegrams were delivered through the power lines in the form of letters; thus, they waited at the nearby transmission tower all day for telegrams to arrive, bringing their lunch, laying out a mat, and sitting there. Consequently, Japan expanded the trade to even powerful countries. In today's world, social mobility is largely. 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. Initially, Japan was also biased in choosing the country to trade with. Why is the Meiji Restoration important? That was followed, after the end of the fighting, by the dismantling of the old feudal regime. All along, the Meiji Restoration used a combination of Japanese tradition and new Western ideas to transform the country. From simple essay plans, through to full dissertations, you can guarantee we have a service perfectly matched to your needs.