Meiji Japan
What factors led to Prince Mutsuhito
gaining power?
Many people saw the treaties with the Americans as a sign of weakness and began to
openly protest against the government.
The government attempted to control opposition by arresting opposing Daimyo and
samurai.
In 1868, the shogun (Tokugawa Yoshinobu) resigned under mounting pressure and handed
over power to the emperor.
Civil war broke out between forces who favoured the emperor and those who wanted the
shogunate to rule.
In the end troops supporting the emperor would prevail.
Prince Mutsuhito became Emperor of Japan. During the first year of his reign he changed
his name to Meiji (enlightened rule).
What changes occurred in Japanese society during the Meiji Period?
Before this period emperors had been in the background ruling in name
only.
During this time the power of the emperor was emphasized. His reign would
last until his death in 1912.
The samurai who had led the fight to restore the emperor became his
advisors (oligarchy). They were unelected and ruled Japan in the Emperor's
name.
The set out to create a Japan with a strong military and economy that could
rival western powers.
They had two main goals: 1) Create a strong central government. (2)
create government similar to western democracies.
Why was it important for the Emperor to abolish the feudal system?
In 1871 the old feudal structure was abolished.
Daimyo were retired and the samurai system
abolished.
They created a strong unified state and
declared social equality.
Freedom of movement was allowed.
The goals of the news regime were laid out in
the Five Charter Oath(pg.338)
Commoners could now choose where they
would live and their occupations.
Rules about dress were no longer enforced
and peasants could own their own land.
Laws were passed to end discrimination
against outcasts.
Education was set up similar to American
and French systems but quickly shifted to
promote traditional customs and centered
around respect to the Emperor.
How did Japan borrow from other societies to modernize their
country?
Japan wanted a powerful state to rival western
powers.
Modern navy was created and mandatory 3 year
military service was put in place.
Japan borrowed rapidly from western science and
technology and adapted it to their own needs.
People were encouraged to study abroad and
government paid large salaries to attract foreign
experts. These experts were strictly controlled and
replaced by trained Japanese as soon as possible.
What might some consequences of rapid industrialization?
Industrialization moved the making of products
from people's homes, where they were made by
hand, into factories. These factories used
machines that worked faster and more
effectively.
Industries that were seen as essential were
planned built and paid for by government and
than sold off at low prices to family firms.
In 1877, the new Japanese army crushed a rebellion by
feudal elements that were protesting change.
Others felt that too much tradition was being given up to
appear western.
Laws were passed by the government to curb practices
that westerners saw as distasteful, such as public baths
and clothing worn by workers.
Many people felt they had been made to feel
embarrassed about there traditions. The government
recognized this and changed there approach from,
"Civilization and enlightenment" to "Western science,
Japanese essence."