The Meiji Restoration began in 1868 to 1912 which transformed Japan society with western influence but . In 1866, the Tokugawa Shogun was overthrown by the feudal lords and samurai. It is at this time that Japan was controlled by the Samurai and daimyo who had received power transition from Tokugawa era. We've received widespread press coverage since 2003, Your UKEssays purchase is secure and we're rated 4.4/5 on reviews.co.uk. 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. Then, in 1853, United States commodore Matthew Perry sailed into Tokyo Bay with four war ships and massive guns. 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. Most of the change occurred during the Meiji period. This overlapped into the Meijis era hence forming the big banking facilities that were seen during the Meijis era. What were the causes and effects of the Meiji Restoration? Modernization of the education system was one of the main goals of the new Meiji government. 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. However, the Meiji government believed that having a strong military was essential to be a nation like the U.S. or European countries. 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. What were some political effects of the Meiji Restoration? What were the effects of the Meiji Restoration? 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. The Japanese had no weapons to match the American firepower, so they had to agree with Perry's demand. This meant that Japan was controlled by the Genro a part of the Oligarchy. This called for a more technical force that would deal with the different forms of technology (Ebrey 550). First, the capital was moved from Kyoto to Edo, which became known as Tokyo. There were some negatives effects of Meiji Restoration as Japan abolished many traditional things which would be loved by the people in the 21st century. 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. They employed a sense of honor in their duties hence accomplished their work with diligence. lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. Also, national holidays were created, such as "National Foundation Day," which celebrated the foundation of Japan as well as the idea of all Japanese people as a member of the Japanese nation-state. These businesses provided a lot of income that was used in purchasing most intensives used for development. The constitution was presented as a gift from the emperor, and it created a two-house parliament called the Imperial Diet. The Meiji governance was one organized group that had one main common goal of revolution. As the Edo period continued and enter it's later years, the stability of the system was sha. This led to the loss of many Buddhist artifacts of historical and cultural value. Meiji period was a form of historical transition in Japan. China had a more reluctant response which led to their defeat. The whole of Japan became interested in Western culture and began actively adopting it. The Meiji Restoration was a time for change and life of women was changing. This was seen in different sectors of the government. Steamship Japans leading shipping company today, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, wasfounded in 1885. Why is the Meiji Restoration important? 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. There were radical changes that took place during the Meiji transformation. Economic Effects of Meiji Restoration. The basis for education was to make the citizens learned and also to counter the rapid changes that occurred in the modern world. -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 7 chapters | The early goals of the new government were expressed in the Charter Oath (April 1868), which committed the government to establishing deliberative assemblies and public discussion, to a worldwide search for knowledge, to the abrogation of past customs, and to the pursuit by all Japanese of their individual callings. Universal education and industrialization helped build an educated populace with better transportation and communication technology. 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. Japan began mass-producing silk, coal, and other resources. 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. 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. Economic Effects of Meiji Restoration. Japan watched China get pummeled and humiliated by the British for trying to prevent the Brits from selling opium. Effects of this event include the immense growth of the Japanese and expansion of the railroads during the period of 1840 to 1920. For modernization to be effective, the government thought it was necessary to raise the peoples level of education. 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. Also in 1871 a national army was formed, which was further strengthened two years later by a universal conscription law. Updates? It is often described as the time when Japan took 'its first step to the modernization through reformation of the fundamental systems of the nation based on interactions with other countries'. The Meiji Emperor represented a mixture of West and East. The Meiji Restoration (, Meiji Ishin), referred to at the time as the Honorable Restoration (, Goisshin), and also known as the Meiji Renovation, Revolution, Regeneration, Reform, or Renewal, was a political event that restored practical imperial rule to Japan in 1868 under Emperor Meiji.Although there were ruling emperors before the Meiji Restoration, the events restored . Initially, Japan was also biased in choosing the country to trade with. View history. It ended the roughly 700-year period of "samurai . 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. 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. 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. Finally, in 1889, the Meiji Constitution was officially promulgated. When the Meiji era began, many changes occurred which affected Japan's social structure and foreign relationships. All work is written to order. She has a bachelor's degree in History, and a master's degree in International Relations. The emperor, at the time, was a figurehead. Disclaimer: This is an example of a student written essay.Click here for sample essays written by our professional writers. For example, Japan changed from a feudal system to a more structured government. This issue eventually led to the creation of an opportunity for revolution in the labor force. Here you can choose which regional hub you wish to view, providing you with the most relevant information we have for your specific region. What followed was a procession of abrupt changes and internal battles that quickly changed the formerly isolated and peaceful Japan into an emerging power in Asia. Disgruntled samurai participated in several rebellions against the government, the most famous being led by the former restoration hero Saig Takamori of Satsuma. 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). This is known as the General Principles and Strategic Framework for the Conservation and Management of the Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution: Kyushu-Yamagachi and Related Areas. The new leaders in Japan resorted to reform the work system of the major territories by daimyo (Shimposha 289). The reason for this was that; there was no way a former leader would rule an enlightened environment. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Education was a sure foundation for development as it had been changing from time to time. laws and a constitution. Chinese military group were not prepared to the great modernization that had taken placed. It was presented as a gift from the emperor to the people, and it could be amended only upon imperial initiative. This was seen in different sectors of the government. 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. Do you have a 2:1 degree or higher? 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. Japan first started out as an isolated nation, but soon it would become one of the most powerful countries during WWII. Also, Japan sent ad hoc ambassadors to the West, like Yukichi Fukuzawa, to analyze, write about, and ultimately mimic the Industrial Revolution powering the West. From 1603 to 1868 Japan was a feudal society with a hierarchy of lords, samurai, and peasants. This oath was to act as a sign of treaty for change to more democratic governance. The reforms enacted . On the other hand, restoration would mean that these things existed before which is not the case for the Meijis era. Around the same time, it was decided that formal wear for government officials must be western-style clothing. The Japanese phrase sonno joi, or "praise the emperor and expel the barbaric West," was present until the anti-Western movement was quickly quashed. The new governance was formed after the abolition of feudalism. These people were better placed in the economic grounds than any other group because of their rich cultural heritage. The result of these changes was a drafted constitution in 1989 that transformed Japan to be turned into a constitutional monarchy. For the prime minister, the proud story of the. The Meiji Restoration replaced the Tokugawa shogunate and reinstated the emperor. Our academic experts are ready and waiting to assist with any writing project you may have. All rights reserved. The Meiji Restoration had far-reaching effects on Japanese society. It was a representation of a first half of the Japanese government or empire that consisted of a complete transition from the so called feudalism which was more of an isolation form of government as compared to the current modern government. The effect was to vault Japan into the ranks of the world's great powers. Also, Japan was preparing itself for future incapacities that could arise due to lack of better preparation. It explained for the success of the Meiji Modernization. The Imperial Hotel, currently one of the most prestigious hotels in downtown Tokyo, was opened in 1887. In concert with a national identity devoted in service to the emperor, this created an educated working class that could match Western industry in only a few generations. The formation of a national army. His downfall led to so many positive dramatic changes. One of the main contributing factors to Japans modernization was the emulation of Togukawa society and the Togukawa beliefs (Craig 150). If your specific country is not listed, please select the UK version of the site, as this is best suited to international visitors. A privy council composed of the Meiji genro, created prior to the constitution, advised the emperor and wielded actual power. Besides, these aims were greatly achieved by carrying out reforms. Railroad In 1872, the railroad between Shimbashi and Yokohama was opened and steam locomotives began to operate. Meiji is the name of a period in time in the Japanese history that started in 1868 with the Meiji Restoration and lasted until 1912. A strong national army and navy became a main priority. 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. Another major contribution to modernization was the agrarian revolution. Grades 5-12: Analyze the internal and external causes of the Meiji Restoration. Others mistakenly thought they could deliver parcels to distant places by telegraph and therefore hung parcels on the tower. These effects were brought about by the appreciation of modern technology. Moreover, Japan started to import raw materials which were manufactured into finished products and then were sold to other countries. 'Restoration' sounds like you're going back, making things look how they used to look. The West was then forced to acknowledge the former little island of Asia as a comparative power. These included the Simutomo, Mitsui and Konoike family lines. This last group of countries was invited to major Japanese events like celebrations and in big festivals. Meiji Restoration was a political revolutionthat was marked by the Boshin War that brought an end to Tokugawaimperial rule. This reign opened a new era for Japan as a country in its social, political and economic aspects. Abolishing the immobile class system. The grouped countries were Netherlands and China. This event had a domino effect on the whole of Japan, as various clan heads and prominent politicians, including Samurais, realized the urgency to modernize the country. It was the first time an Asian nation had beaten a Western power, and everybody took note. It was of much respect to have educated friends during the Togukawas period hence this education extended into Meijis era. All along, the Meiji Restoration used a combination of Japanese tradition and new Western ideas to transform the country. 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. Japan's goal of achieving fukoku kyohei, "rich country; strong military", fuelled major political, economic and social changes during the Meiji Restoration. Two breakaway provinces of Choshu and Satsuma, which had been shunned by the shogunate over the last few centuries, supported the rule over the emperor instead of the shogunate. At the same time, universal education was introduced to Japan. Age of Marriage in Japan -Legal and average ages. How did the Meiji Restoration change Japan? Japan was compromised by a feudal system of military warlords that forbade any foreign exposure with the threat of execution. 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. It was led by young samurai who saw the need for change. The Meiji Restoration also saw a dramatic increase in Westernisation, as Japan rapidly industrialised and adopted many Western technologies and ideas. However, the Western countries were still unwilling to accept Japan as a great power. Their goal first included the formation of deliberative assemblies; secondly was reviewing the customs and replacing the old and evil customs with new ways. to modernize. They wanted to unite the country under a new, centralized government in order to strengthen their army to defend against foreign influence. How did the Meiji Restoration change Japan? 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. Tokugawa Shogunate History & Significance | What was the Tokugawa Shogunate? Japan created an efficient rail system, improved communications technology, and started mechanizing industry. 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. Decent Essays. This led to a powerful military rise in the year 1905. The Chinese branded themselves with the notion of self superiority. In addition, the country had gained a higher level of literacy at the time the Meijis era was about to begin. That was followed, after the end of the fighting, by the dismantling of the old feudal regime. Japan replaced its feudalistic government, led by the Tokugawa Shogunate, with representative government; they copied Western ideas, including those of the nation-state and technology, with amazing successes and unified into a cohesive, educated, and aggressively expanding country. When they heard that messages traveled through the wires, some people thought that the telegrams were delivered physically through the wires. Japan became a modern nation-state. Japans economic, political and social stability developed intensely during the Meijis era. Daimyo (, daimy, Japanese pronunciation: ()) were powerful Japanese magnates, feudal lords who, from the 10th century to the early Meiji period in the middle 19th century, ruled most of Japan from their vast, hereditary land holdings. Read about the Meiji Restoration and its effects. The Gregorian calendar (solar calendar) was adopted and implemented from January 1, 1873. They also began to copy the West's expanding imperialism. The Meiji period that followed the Restoration was an era of major political, economic, and social change in Japan. It's easy to assume that nation-states have always existed, but they didn't really until the 19th century. Japan's success in modernization has created great interest in why and how it was able to adopt Western political, social, and economic institutions in so short a time. 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. Schooling combined Western ideas with Japanese culture. 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. 430 Words; 2 Pages; Open Document. During the Edo period, children in Japan learned to read, write, and use the abacus at schools called Terakoya (temple school). 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! This focus led to Japan having one of the most highly educated populations in the world. READ: What happens if the law is impossible to follow? It got rid of the feudal system and created the Meiji Constitution establishing a bureaucratic, centralized government. 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. The Meijis rule or era had a lot of trade relations with the international countries. Japan also built a strong navy. What changes did the Meiji restoration bring about in japan? Likewise, the educators of Meiji Japan (especially early on) were largely drawn from the shizoku. Consequently, Japan expanded the trade to even powerful countries. The Shogunate Before From 1603 to 1868 Japan was a feudal society with a hierarchy of lords, samurai, and peasants. Japan then expanded its operations into the First Sino-Japanese War, invading Korea and neighboring Chinese areas in the 1890s, which quickly developed into their invasion of Manchuria, where it would remain a Japanese possession for 50 years. Western-style architecture Brick architecture. This was followed in 1898 by the adoption of the same surname for married couples under the Civil Code. 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. The government played a huge role in social change by creating new. The change occurred in their dressing style which became more western in style. One answer is found in the Meiji Restoration itself. In the event to counteract the issue, there arose a very powerful regime that resulted into a more of enlightened governance. . Education brought a smooth transition to the growth and transition into the Meijis period. Another reform was in the area of education. This group was highly equipped in terms of security. A nation-state is a country where the population shares a common national and cultural identity. Their main slogan during the regime was Strengthen the military as a result of enriching the power. 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. To promote the adoption of Western culture, Bunmei Kaika became a slogan during this period. Get unlimited access to over 88,000 lessons. 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. 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. The Meiji Restoration turned the mostly agricultural Japanese feudalistic economy to a laissez-faire capitalist and industrialist society, which copied and ultimately matched many countries in the West. This emulated the western form of governance hence a modernized government. As a result, there were 20,000 schools nationwide. This was in terms of business knowledge advancements. This reduces the incentive to improve one's land (investment), the very thing which creates growth and . Then, in 1904, Japan shocked the world by humiliating Russia in the Russo-Japanese War. Today the government of Shinzo Abe is making much of the anniversary. Western-style clothing The first Japanese to wear clothes were the imperial family and the military personnel. This was commendable because it brought a lot of advancement not only in labor force but also in areas of research and creation of educational institutions. 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. 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. To add to these, there was education for both boys and girls in the society. A strong national army and navy became a main priority. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. It signed treaties with America, Russia, Canada and many countries in Europe. Looking for a flexible role? It got rid of the feudal system and created the Meiji Constitution establishing a bureaucratic, centralized government. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. 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. This rule was termed as the enlightened rule because it was to transform Japan from its nave nature to a more modernized society. This sounds like an urban legend, but these stories were recorded. Eligible Japanese voters elected the members of the Diet. A recognition that Japan needed western technology to prevent itself from being colonized. The modernization resulted into Japan being rated as the most developed in the whole of Eastern Asia.