They added coffee to milk as if it were a spice. I feel like its a lifeline. The effect was to vault Japan into the ranks of the world's great powers. 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. 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. Japanese people readily accepted such drastic social changes. Railroad In 1872, the railroad between Shimbashi and Yokohama was opened and steam locomotives began to operate. This involved the formation of a completely new government that had new rules and regulations. In 1885 a cabinet system was formed, and in 1886 work on the constitution began. 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. The feudal system was decaying, and factions were growing. This sounds like an urban legend, but these stories were recorded. This acted as prerequisite for the excellent learning methods that were employed during the Meijis period. 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. World History 1600-1900: Lesson Plans & Resources, Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses. Japan thought that they had been left behind in terms of modernization. The era involved a complete change to that which had never existed before. 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. View history. The Meiji Restoration was a major revolution that brought an end to over 260 years of feudal government. This reduces the incentive to improve one's land (investment), the very thing which creates growth and . Western-style architecture Brick architecture. Draw students' attention to clothing, architecture, utilities, transportation, and other details. Finally, the Japanese began to democratize its people, leading to a nationalistic fervor that combined them into a people and not simply servants of their daimyo. It explained for the success of the Meiji Modernization. Another reform was in the area of education. 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. China had a more reluctant response which led to their defeat. There was no military in Japan during the Edo Period. He graduated with a Masters in English from Mississippi College and has a JLPT N1 pass. 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. Also, the Meiji Emperor's father, the west-suspicious Komei, had died in 1867, leading to his more liberal son Meiji taking the throne. Education, social class, and women's roles changed drastically when Japan began to modernize. Since the opening of Japan to the outside world, Japanese customs and practices have been reported from a curious perspective by foreigners who visited Japan. First, the capital was moved from Kyoto to Edo, which became known as Tokyo. Most of the change occurred during the Meiji period which began in 1868 and lasted until 1912. This therefore meant that the Japanese had the most powerful transformation which occurred within a single generation. Also, Japan was preparing itself for future incapacities that could arise due to lack of better preparation. Western-style clothing The first Japanese to wear clothes were the imperial family and the military personnel. So it is significant to go over the Five Articles of the Charter Oath, to analyse the aims of the Meiji Modernization from the articles, and to discuss how these aims were achieved in the reforms. This included education and learning which resulted into a stronger generation in the time of the Meijis era. [Formulate historical questions] Grades 5-12: Analyze the goals and policies of the Meiji state and their impact on Japan's modernization. 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). In 1868 the political uprising that ended the military government of the Tokugawa shogunate is known as Meiji Restoration. 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 Meiji Era that followed the Meiji Restoration in 1868 marked the formation of a new gender structure in Japan. Looking for a flexible role? This inequality left Japan with a big chip on its shoulder. In addition, Japan made revisions of treaties within the Asian boarders hence having a more strengthened bond. Omissions? A strong national army and navy became a main priority. Japan and its people did not like this feeling of helplessness. There were many forms of transitions that took place (Craig 150). In addition, the military adopted more westernized weapons and guarding tactics. All rights reserved. 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'. Grades 5-12: Analyze the internal and external causes of the Meiji Restoration. Therefore, it resolved to first settle on financial matters. The population in the city of Tokyo was distributed evenly. Furthermore, the new Japanese education . Lots of things were modified in during. laws and a constitution. 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. 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. It was led by young samurai who saw the need for change. The second major slogan was Fukoku Kohei, or enrich the country, strengthen the army. The town area urbanized progressively during the Togukuwa era. This was seen in different sectors of the government. For modernization to be effective, the government thought it was necessary to raise the peoples level of education. What were the effects of the Meiji Restoration? While a much more populated China had fallen into bloody civil wars and confrontations with the West, Japan's rise was markedly peaceful and successful, leading to further imperialistic expansion in the lead up to World War II. Modernization of the education system was one of the main goals of the new Meiji government. They gained fame for this all over the Pacific area. Japan's goal of achieving fukoku kyohei, "rich country; strong military", fuelled major political, economic and social changes during the Meiji Restoration. Drinking milk People started drinking milk. These businesses provided a lot of income that was used in purchasing most intensives used for development. This change included major transition in the military, foreign relations, economy, social structure and internal politics. A nation-state is a country where the population shares a common national and cultural identity. Japan's Cabinet Secretariat has the overall responsibility for the implementation of the framework. What changes did the Meiji restoration bring about in japan? Postal system The postal system was started in 1871, running between Tokyo and Osaka. They were subordinate to the shogun and nominally to the emperor and the kuge.In the term, dai () means 'large', and my stands for myden ( . Gakusei, the First National Plan for Education, formalized the future of education in Japan and focused on modeling Japanese education after Western . 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. Order to abolish swords A law prohibiting the former samurai class from carrying swords was enforced. The nation was closed off to foreigners. One of the these was the virtually bloodless end of the aristocratic warrior class known as the samurai. This was followed by the promulgation of the school system in 1872. The result of these changes was a drafted constitution in 1989 that transformed Japan to be turned into a constitutional monarchy. They employed a sense of honor in their duties hence accomplished their work with diligence. During the Edo period, children in Japan learned to read, write, and use the abacus at schools called Terakoya (temple school). The Meiji period lasted until 1912 and catapulted Japan into the modern era. Most scholars, however, insisted that it was left to Japan to decide at the time of . It ended the roughly 700-year period of "samurai . which began in 1868 and lasted until 1912. Many learning institutions were built that mostly related to business management studies. 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. 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 rule that existed in the Meijis period wanted a collaboration of views that would integrate both western ways to traditional values. 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. When the Meiji era began, many changes occurred which affected Japan's social structure and foreign relationships. This biasness was cut off by the Meijis rule. 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. Meiji Restoration Dbq Essay. 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 completely transformed Japan by modernizing the country. The growth in trade consequently led to the creation of modern communication lines and railway line. It was of much respect to have educated friends during the Togukawas period hence this education extended into Meijis era. The Meiji government built Western-style buildings and used the media to promote them to the public. Updates? On the other hand, restoration would mean that these things existed before which is not the case for the Meijis era. Disgruntled samurai participated in several rebellions against the government, the most famous being led by the former restoration hero Saig Takamori of Satsuma. 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. Following world war two, the emperors in Japan resolved to form a new rule that was democratic in stature. Also in 1871 a national army was formed, which was further strengthened two years later by a universal conscription law. As a result, there were 20,000 schools nationwide. 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 Meiji Restoration replaced the Tokugawa shogunate and reinstated the emperor. 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. An isolated, feudalistic island state in 1850, Japan had become a powerful colonial power with the most modern of institutions when Meiji's son, the Taisho emperor, took the throne in 1912. This is to pose the problem of the relationship between day-to-day politics and long-term socioeconomic change. This emulated the western form of governance hence a modernized government. Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals from one socio-economic strata to another, followed by a change in their social status. These people were better placed in the economic grounds than any other group because of their rich cultural heritage. Therefore, the Meijis era opted to create a solution for the need at hand. The Meiji Emperor represented a mixture of West and East. Furthermore, many feudal lords or daimyo disagreed with the absolute rule of the bakufu or shogunate, and his retainers, as the bakufu continued to isolate Japan while adhering to a feudal caste system of merchants, peasants, samurai, daimyo, shogun, and emporer, ranked respectively from lowest to highest. Meiji period was characterized by rapid change and modernization. There were many causes for the Meiji Restoration, including rice inflation (samurai paid in rice), a decaying bureaucracy, increasing interactions with foreign technology. Initially, Japan was also biased in choosing the country to trade with. It's easy to assume that nation-states have always existed, but they didn't really until the 19th century. Japan had a transition that was nicknamed the enlightened era hence it was very prudent that members of the state act in a more intelligent way to allow modernization. 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. The forms of productions were iron smelting, shipyards and spinning meals that were sold to connected consumers of the products. The emperor was reinstated as sovereign, and he took the name Meiji. There were radical changes that took place during the Meiji transformation. Japan accelerated industrial revolution was as a result of Meijis era. This reign opened a new era for Japan as a country in its social, political and economic aspects. Towards the end of the 19th century, Japan was copying the imperialism that it saw in other Western countries. The Meiji period that followed the Restoration was an era of major political, economic, and social change in Japan. Therefore, Japan overstepped many countries in East Asia to top the ranks of the most powerful countries. The Meiji Restoration was a coup d'tat that resulted in the dissolution of Japan's feudal system of government and the restoration of the imperial system. 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This was very tactful as it was significant for a new revolution. This was seen in the massive doubling in the infrastructure and production industry. Being a very clever lot, they embraced the issue of trade with other countries hence, they greatly improved. 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. By the end, Japan had become a strong new nation with its own kokutai and aspirations to become a world imperial power. Here you can choose which regional hub you wish to view, providing you with the most relevant information we have for your specific region. It was presented as a gift from the emperor to the people, and it could be amended only upon imperial initiative. 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. So all of a sudden, Japan had a highly educated population with more social mobility. In today's world, social mobility is largely. During the Edo Period, mixed bathing in public baths was common. From simple essay plans, through to full dissertations, you can guarantee we have a service perfectly matched to your needs. We've received widespread press coverage since 2003, Your UKEssays purchase is secure and we're rated 4.4/5 on reviews.co.uk. By the end of the Meiji Restoration: Japan became a modern nation-state. Those men were motivated by growing domestic problems and by the threat of foreign encroachment. The Chinese branded themselves with the notion of self superiority. 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 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 . Japan quickly instituted universal education, created a Western-style army and navy, and fell madly in love with something the American sailors were seen playing - baseball. Here you can choose which regional hub you wish to view, providing you with the most relevant information we have for your specific region. (b) Comit Japonais des Sciences Historiques, Le Japon au XI e Congrs International des Sciences Historiques Stockholm, Tokyo, 1960, pp. 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. A quick skirmish led to other provinces breaking away from the shogunate and announcing their loyalty to the emperor alone. First, the army became more refurbished (Tipton 400). The new national army put down early challenges from peasants and samurai rebelling in the countryside. The daimyo rule was later abolished by 1871. Furthermore, their genuine interest in progress economically also boosted the country in terms of economic development. Universal education and industrialization helped build an educated populace with better transportation and communication technology. Steamship Japans leading shipping company today, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, wasfounded in 1885. Second, outside pressure from foreigners convinced the Japanese that they needed to modernize quickly. Consequently, western technology was greatly employed by domestic companies to produce highly sophisticated products. From then on Shinto faiths and traditions took on Buddhist elements, and later, Confucian ones . Introduction. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. However, the Western countries were still unwilling to accept Japan as a great power. 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. 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. It got rid of the feudal system and created the Meiji Constitution establishing a bureaucratic, centralized government. 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. [] A strong national army and navy became a main priority. Japans fame could also be compared to how both China and Japan responded to external invasions. The formation of a national army. Tomioka Silk Mill (started operation in 1872) To promote modernization, the Meiji government also focused on the construction of Western-style factories. What were some political effects of the Meiji Restoration? That was followed, after the end of the fighting, by the dismantling of the old feudal regime. Though the emperor was considered the highest position in feudal Japan, the shogun and their military establishment kept him from wielding any real power. Japan's goal of achieving fukoku kyohei, "rich country; strong military", fuelled major political, economic and social changes during the Meiji Restoration. Their goal first included the formation of deliberative assemblies; secondly was reviewing the customs and replacing the old and evil customs with new ways. Disgruntled samurai participated in several rebellions against the government, the most famous being led by the former restoration hero Saig Takamori of Satsuma. They enforced a lot of new rules for government, education, society, military, and economy. Examples of these companies are Toshiba, Noritake, Yamaha, Nippon Express, Hitachi, Shiseido and Nintendo. 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. However, this triggered a movement to abolish Buddhism, which led to the destruction of temples and Buddhist objects. At the same time, a growing popular rights movement, encouraged by the introduction of liberal Western ideas, called for the creation of a constitutional government and wider participation through deliberative assemblies. Japan also built a strong navy. Scientific Revolution Lesson Plans & Resources, Revolutions in Latin America Lesson Plans, Oliver Cromwell, Hero or Villain? In which country does the sun rise first? 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. 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. Why is the Meiji Restoration important? The Tenpo calendar (lunisolar calendar) was used until December 2, 1872, after which the solar calendar was adopted. confiscation. In areas such as Ginza, gas lamps were installed on both sides of the roads, and lamps became popular in private homes. Economic Effects of Meiji Restoration. This rule was termed as the enlightened rule because it was to transform Japan from its nave nature to a more modernized society. Japan watched China get pummeled and humiliated by the British for trying to prevent the Brits from selling opium. This led to the loss of many Buddhist artifacts of historical and cultural value. We're here to answer any questions you have about our services. 7 chapters | The industrial sector was also transformed to modern manufacturing industry like those that only appeared in the West. Tokugawa Shogunate History & Significance | What was the Tokugawa Shogunate? Bunmei Kaika is a term used to describe a social change and phenomenon that occurred in the process of Japans modernization during Meiji Restoration. The era resulted into the introduction of boarder line trading. The Japanese disposed of their feudal system for a representational government, copied many Western ideas, and unified into an educated yet imperialistic country. Meiji period was a form of historical transition in Japan. The attacks by the made the country remained complacent hence its tactics were futile. The Meiji government did not intend to eliminate Buddhism itself. Thus, the Meiji Restoration was a combination of Western ideals reconstituted with traditional Japanese mores. The abolition of the feudal system and all feudal class privileges. They wanted to wipe out the color ofBuddhism from Shinto shrines by prohibiting the practice of Shinto-Buddhist syncretism and making Shinto shrines places that connected the emperor and the people. Separation of Buddhism and Shintoism The main purpose of the policy of separating Shintoism and Buddhism was to change Japans official religion from Buddhism, which was the dominant religion in the Edo Era, to Shintoism. Education brought a smooth transition to the growth and transition into the Meijis period. It got rid of the feudal system and created the Meiji Constitution establishing a bureaucratic, centralized government. These were finally sold to international markets and enhanced trade across borders. 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! How did the Meiji Restoration change Japan? Japan was beaten by Russia in the Russo-Japanese War. By the 20th century, Japan had a modern constitution and national parliament, though it was not truly democratic. 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. 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. The Meijis rule or era had a lot of trade relations with the international countries.