The rule that existed in the Meijis period wanted a collaboration of views that would integrate both western ways to traditional values. 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. Updates? In today's world, social mobility is largely. It was later converted into a train transportation system. But before Japan was a powerful Nation, it needed to modernize. The constitution was presented as a gift from the emperor, and it created a two-house parliament called the Imperial Diet. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. During the Edo period, children in Japan learned to read, write, and use the abacus at schools called Terakoya (temple school). Creation of a well-developed communication system. The government enforced local ordinances in various regions but it was not until the end of the Meiji Era, which was nearly 40 years later, that mixed bathing was diminished. Effects of Tokugawa's period Meiji period was characterized by rapid change and modernization. The Emperor of Meiji and other high-ranking government officials also had their hair cut short. The development of industries during the Togukawa period resulted into the subsequent growth of many industries during the Meiji era. 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. 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. The merchants who existed in the previous era gained financial and entrepreneual knowledge that would be used in the subsequent period which was the Meiji period. This was seen in the massive doubling in the infrastructure and production industry. There was no military in Japan during the Edo Period. All along, the Meiji Restoration used a combination of Japanese tradition and new Western ideas to transform the country. A military dictator, or shogun, ruled over everyone. Consequently, Japan expanded the trade to even powerful countries. However, this trade was nonexistent in the past or it only existed in a limited form (Ebrey 405). The Tenpo calendar (lunisolar calendar) was used until December 2, 1872, after which the solar calendar was adopted. Though the emperor was considered the highest position in feudal Japan, the shogun and their military establishment kept him from wielding any real power. The Essay Writing ExpertsUK Essay Experts. Scientific Revolution Lesson Plans & Resources, Revolutions in Latin America Lesson Plans, Oliver Cromwell, Hero or Villain? The new change of democracy and governance resulted to the signing of a charter oath by Emperor Hironto which was done with the Humanity Declaration Committee. But in 1867, the 15th Tokugawa shogun resigned, and by 1868, the Meiji Restoration had begun. The rise of Japan, beginning in the Meiji Restoration, is an amazing story of modernization over a quick half-century. The forms of productions were iron smelting, shipyards and spinning meals that were sold to connected consumers of the products. Even today, there is a law controlling the possession of swords in Japan. The abolition of the feudal system and all feudal class privileges. lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. Additionally, the feudal system increasingly weakened, England and other western countries were engaging with China, which also affected Japan, and many in Japan were tired of the class system. This gave the emperor more powers as he would preside over all state business proceedings in the entire area of Japan (Shimposha 289). The reason for this was that; there was no way a former leader would rule an enlightened environment. For modernization to be effective, the government thought it was necessary to raise the peoples level of education. Updates? This acted as prerequisite for the excellent learning methods that were employed during the Meijis period. Ginza Ginza was the center and symbol of the Bunmeikaika. Secondly, there were countries that were grouped for trading. This was also adopted for police and postal uniforms. This effort alternatively was reflected in the economy of the country. Their goal first included the formation of deliberative assemblies; secondly was reviewing the customs and replacing the old and evil customs with new ways. The kind of education the Japanese acquired enabled them to manufacture powerful weapons that were used for the territory security. More narrowly, was the character of Meiji institutions determined by the social composition of the anti-Tokugawa movement, or did it derive from a situation that took shape only after the Bakufu was overthrown? You know, like old cars polished and souped-up to look like new again. Examples of these companies are Toshiba, Noritake, Yamaha, Nippon Express, Hitachi, Shiseido and Nintendo. Japan accelerated industrial revolution was as a result of Meijis era. Shintoisms were the only religions in Japan until the arrival of Buddhism in the 6th century CE. What were the effects of the Meiji Restoration? First, the capital was moved from Kyoto to Edo, which became known as Tokyo. Lastly, there were those countries that acted in partnership with Japan in terms of trade. The factors that show that the Meiji era was a transformation to a new era points out the issue of constitutional promulgation, a highly developed communication and transport system, a well established industrial system that employed modern technology with a refurbished military system and lastly an established democratic government. [] It ended the roughly 700-year period of "samurai . In which country does the sun rise first? In 1852, President Millard Fillmore sent Matthew C. Perry to negotiate with the Japanese about opening ports to American trade. Meiji continued with reforms, cutting the samurai off from their exalted status by conscripting every male in Japan to the military for four years at age 21 in 1873. However, the Western countries were still unwilling to accept Japan as a great power. In a wider context, however, the Meiji Restoration of 1868 came to be identified with the subsequent era of major political, economic, and social changethe Meiji period (18681912)that brought about the modernization and Westernization of the country. By the 20th century, Japan had a modern constitution and national parliament, though it was not truly democratic. The shogun was a member of the Tokugawa clan, so this time was known as the Tokugawa shogunate. The Japanese phrase sonno joi, or "praise the emperor and expel the barbaric West," was present until the anti-Western movement was quickly quashed. This put an end to the policy of banning Christianity, which had been in place since the early Edo period. Corrections? Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. In 1866, the Tokugawa Shogun was overthrown by the feudal lords and samurai. Big family enterprises did develop during Togukawa era. Moreover, Japan started to import raw materials which were manufactured into finished products and then were sold to other countries. Causes of the Meiji Restoration. This was seen in different sectors of the government. confiscation. Our academic experts are ready and waiting to assist with any writing project you may have. 205 lessons. The modernization resulted into Japan being rated as the most developed in the whole of Eastern Asia. Knowledge was to be sought in the West, the goodwill of which was essential for revising the unequal treaties that had been enacted and granted foreign countries judicial and economic privileges in Japan through extraterritoriality. It got rid of the feudal system and created the Meiji Constitution establishing a bureaucratic, centralized government. As a result, there were 20,000 schools nationwide. Moreover, new government did not allow the Samurai males to carry along with them weapons that would act as a form of identification for them. On the other hand, Japan had a different mindset that had been impacted by the revolution in the Meijis era. The result of these changes was a drafted constitution in 1989 that transformed Japan to be turned into a constitutional monarchy. By the end of the Meiji Era, these situations were less common. There were many forms of transitions that took place (Craig 150). During this period, Japans first factory, the Tomioka Silk Mill, was built. Then, in 1853, United States commodore Matthew Perry sailed into Tokyo Bay with four war ships and massive guns. The second major slogan was Fukoku Kohei, or enrich the country, strengthen the army. The government forced people to change their hairstyle because the chonmage was seen as a barbaric custom in the eyes of Westerners. The Meiji period that followed the Restoration was an era of major political, economic, and social change in Japan. Eligible Japanese voters elected the members of the Diet. 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. In addition, the military adopted more westernized weapons and guarding tactics. The Meiji Restoration stands as one of the turning points of Japanese history. *You can also browse our support articles here >. In 1885 a cabinet system was formed, and in 1886 work on the constitution began. The feudal system was swept away, along with its strict class system. 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 . Perry then ventured to Hong Kong and returned a year later, signing the Convention of Kanagawa with the Japanese, leading to many other treaties later signed with other Western powers. This change included major transition in the military, foreign relations, economy, social structure and internal politics. While many of these industrial ideals were Western, they were implemented in a Japanese way, with Japanese traditions taking precedence over everything. This was like an assurance to the Meijis era because by the time the transition was taking there would be great achievements. The revolutionary changes carried out by restoration leaders, who acted in the name of the emperor, faced increasing opposition by the mid-1870s. The growth in trade consequently led to the creation of modern communication lines and railway line. (The school attendance rate in England at that time was 20% and the literacy rate was 10%). Japan expanded into the Ryukyu Islands and invaded Taiwan in the 1870s, which a very weak China did not repel. ChristianityIn 1873, the government removed the ban on Christianity. 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). The era resulted into the introduction of boarder line trading. 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. Those uprisings were repressed only with great difficulty by the newly formed army. In which country does the sun never rise? Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. This modernization was spread to almost all economic sectors in the country. The new national army put down early challenges from peasants and samurai rebelling in the countryside. Introduction. The modernization resulted into Japan being rated as the most developed in the whole of Eastern Asia. Learn when the Meiji Restoration began, its main goal, what caused it, and how it changed Japan. The emperor, at the time, was a figurehead. The feudal system was decaying, and factions were growing. One of the main contributing factors to Japans modernization was the emulation of Togukawa society and the Togukawa beliefs (Craig 150). Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals from one socio-economic strata to another, followed by a change in their social status. She has a bachelor's degree in History, and a master's degree in International Relations. Therefore, it called for the former governor or leaders to step down and give way for the new leaders. It was the first time an Asian nation had beaten a Western power, and everybody took note. Age of Marriage in Japan -Legal and average ages. 645 Words. Postal system The postal system was started in 1871, running between Tokyo and Osaka. Major contributors to economic development were road construction networks that led to developments of central business district. At first, many supporters of the emperor were also very critical of Western influence. The Meiji government built Western-style buildings and used the media to promote them to the public. The development resulted into Japan becoming a powerful industrial country. We're here to answer any questions you have about our services. They wanted to unite the country under a new, centralized government in order to strengthen their army to defend against foreign influence. Zangiri-atama is a hairstyle in which the chonmage (topknot) is cut off and kept short. A privy council composed of the Meiji genro, created prior to the constitution, advised the emperor and wielded actual power. Major changes occurred in the roles of the Emperor, Samurai and Peasants during the Meiji period and the modernisation also assisted in fundamental changes such as diet, clothing and education. The latter concern had its origins in the efforts by Western powers to open Japan, beginning in the 1850s after more than two centuries of near isolation, and the fear that Japan could be subjected to the same imperialist pressures that they observed happening in nearby China. There were three main causes of the Meiji Restoration: First, internal problems in Japan made ruling the country too difficult. But in reality, the Meiji Restoration was more of a reinvention. This Meiji restoration has given a lot of positive effects to the Meiji nationalism. The new governance was formed after the abolition of feudalism. 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. Japan utilized the weapons in war times that enabled them to secure their territory. It led to a new era of militarism in Japan, but it also created unity. A strong national army and navy became a main priority. The Meiji Restoration was a time for change and life of women was changing. The basis for education was to make the citizens learned and also to counter the rapid changes that occurred in the modern world. There were many causes for the Meiji Restoration, including rice inflation (samurai paid in rice), a decaying bureaucracy, increasing interactions with foreign technology. These also had a collective name which was Tsushin-no-kuni. The Meiji Restoration had far-reaching effects on Japanese society. He demanded that Japan open itself up for international trade. 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. 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 national army was created in 1871, and universal conscription meant that every Japanese man needed to serve in the military. Previously, the children of nobles and samurai were the only ones allowed education by the bakufu, but this was changed to universal and free education. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. This last group of countries was invited to major Japanese events like celebrations and in big festivals. The Japanese had no weapons to match the American firepower, so they had to agree with Perry's demand. This strong nature led to the rule and discrimination of traditional monarchies that surrendered at the end. Second, outside pressure from foreigners convinced the Japanese that they needed to modernize quickly. This therefore meant that the Japanese had the most powerful transformation which occurred within a single generation. 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. This is to pose the problem of the relationship between day-to-day politics and long-term socioeconomic change. Being a very clever lot, they embraced the issue of trade with other countries hence, they greatly improved. 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). Many merchants gained financial knowledge that would be used during Meijis period. These were the Russo-Japanese war and Sino-Japanese war. In areas such as Ginza, gas lamps were installed on both sides of the roads, and lamps became popular in private homes. The government played a huge role in social change by creating new laws and a constitution. It was led by young samurai who saw the need for change. which began in 1868 and lasted until 1912. One more major purpose for the formation of new government was to search for international knowledge that would be helpful in strengthening the rule of imperialism. Order to abolish swords A law prohibiting the former samurai class from carrying swords was enforced. Mixed bathing at public baths was surprising in the eyes of Westerners, and the Meiji government attempted to ban it in the early Meiji Era. Japan made rapid strides to industrialize after the Meiji Restoration of 1868, boosting its transportation and communication networks and revolutionizing its light industry by the turn of the century. Western-style clothing The first Japanese to wear clothes were the imperial family and the military personnel. Following world war two, the emperors in Japan resolved to form a new rule that was democratic in stature. 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. The era involved a complete change to that which had never existed before. One of the these was the virtually bloodless end of the aristocratic warrior class known as the samurai. Education, social class, and women's roles changed drastically when Japan began. These advancements could only apply to a country that has improved. During the Meiji Period, which ended with the emperor's death in 1912, the country experienced significant social, political and economic change-including the abolition of the feudal system and. One of the most significant changes was the end of feudalism in Japan. Bunmei Kaika is a term used to describe a social change and phenomenon that occurred in the process of Japans modernization during Meiji Restoration. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Why is the Meiji Restoration important? To export a reference to this article please select a referencing stye below: If you are the original writer of this essay and no longer wish to have your work published on UKEssays.com then please: Our academic writing and marking services can help you! The overall effect of the Meiji Restoration on Japan was that it brought Japan from isolation to a more modernized power. Therefore, a revolution was started that was geared to more of advancement and revolution. The aim was to restore imperial power under Mutsuhito, this was the decline of the Edo (Tokugawa) era 1603-1867 in Japanese history (the emperor Meiji). In some ways, the worship of Western civilization created a sense that Japanese traditional culture was inferior, consisting of old habits. By the end, Japan had become a strong new nation with its own kokutai and aspirations to become a world imperial power. Disgruntled samurai participated in several rebellions against the government, the most famous being led by the former restoration hero Saig Takamori of Satsuma. There were three main causes of the Meiji Restoration: First, internal problems in Japan made ruling the country too difficult. Effects of this event include the immense growth of the Japanese and expansion of the railroads during the period of 1840 to 1920. The Meiji Restoration turned a feudalistic Japan into an educated, technological, and expansionistic nation that was intent on conquering Asia. Led by Saigo Takamori, Kido Takayoshi, and other great leaders, the Satsuma-Choshu Alliance saw light. The Meijis restoration brought about a fundamental aspect of the society which was industrial growth. It was at the time of the era that Japan started emerging as a big international trade country. For example, Japan changed from a feudal system to a more structured government. Also, the Meiji Emperor's father, the west-suspicious Komei, had died in 1867, leading to his more liberal son Meiji taking the throne. 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.
