The new governance was formed after the abolition of feudalism. We've received widespread press coverage since 2003, Your UKEssays purchase is secure and we're rated 4.4/5 on reviews.co.uk. . The Meiji era was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people moved from being an isolated feudal society at risk of colonization by Western powers to the new paradigm of a modern, industrialized nation state . Meiji Restoration Dbq Essay. The nation was closed off to foreigners. This was in terms of business knowledge advancements. What were some 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. These views on the emperor helped to create a social change: the anger of the Japanese government and people about the. In addition, Japan made revisions of treaties within the Asian boarders hence having a more strengthened bond. There were many causes for the Meiji Restoration, including rice inflation (samurai paid in rice), a decaying bureaucracy, increasing interactions with foreign technology. Likewise, the educators of Meiji Japan (especially early on) were largely drawn from the shizoku. This effort alternatively was reflected in the economy of the country. 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. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. They adopted the school education system of Europe and the U.S. The era involved a complete change to that which had never existed before. 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. Our academic experts are ready and waiting to assist with any writing project you may have. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. All feudal class privileges were abolished as well. Thanks to these changes, the streets became brighter at night and people could stay active until late. The abolition of the feudal system and all feudal class privileges. The most affected government sectors were the social, political, economic oriented institutions. She has a bachelor's degree in History, and a master's degree in International Relations. Why is the Meiji Restoration important? 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[Formulate historical questions] Grades 5-12: Analyze the goals and policies of the Meiji state and their impact on Japan's modernization. Lastly, there were those countries that acted in partnership with Japan in terms of trade. During the Edo Period, mixed bathing in public baths was common. Grades 5-12: Analyze the internal and external causes of the Meiji Restoration. A strong national army and navy became a main priority. Allowing people to move between strict financial groups. The result of these changes was a drafted constitution in 1989 that transformed Japan to be turned into a constitutional monarchy. The industrial sector was also transformed to modern manufacturing industry like those that only appeared in the West. Corrections? 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 , also known as the Meiji Ishin, Renovation, Revolution, Reform or Renewal, was a chain of events that restored practical imperial rule to Japan in 1868 under Emperor Meiji. He is certified in South Carolina to teach both. 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. The Meiji Restoration replaced the Tokugawa shogunate and reinstated the emperor. To promote the adoption of Western culture, Bunmei Kaika became a slogan during this period. Japan and its people did not like this feeling of helplessness. This period had been a form of generation that was more enlightened compared to the former era. In order not to be misunderstood about the new Japan, the new Meiji government, which was aiming at westernization, called Japans indigenous customs and beliefs evil and old customs and adopted policies to enlighten the peoples lost mongrel In accordance with the policy of the new government, local governments took the initiative to eliminate traditional lifestyle culture and folk customs, and many folk customs have been reduced or discontinued due to the effects of the policy of civilization. During this time the city Edo was named Tokyo and the capital city was transferred to Tokyo. Education, social class, and women's roles changed drastically when Japan began. Creation of a well-developed communication system. The population in the city of Tokyo was distributed evenly. Dissolving of the Shogunate, creation of a constitution, creation of a democratic Diet. What were the causes of the Japanese industrial revolution? The first Diet was convened the following year, in 1890. Though the emperor was considered the highest position in feudal Japan, the shogun and their military establishment kept him from wielding any real power. Being a very clever lot, they embraced the issue of trade with other countries hence, they greatly improved. The rule that existed in the Meijis period wanted a collaboration of views that would integrate both western ways to traditional values. This revolution was a transformation from subsistence farming to commercial crops farming. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Finally, industrialization became a major focus after seeing Commodore Perry's powerful ships and weapons. On the other hand, Japan had a different mindset that had been impacted by the revolution in the Meijis era. However, this trade was nonexistent in the past or it only existed in a limited form (Ebrey 405). 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. Horse-drawn carriage (street car) Railroad cars pulled by horses traveled over the railroad tracks. Therefore, they resorted to make a complete enlightenment to every aspect of governance that existed. The Meiji Restoration transformed Japan into something new: a modern nation-state. For modernization to be effective, the government thought it was necessary to raise the peoples level of education. 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. [] From then on Shinto faiths and traditions took on Buddhist elements, and later, Confucian ones . However, this triggered a movement to abolish Buddhism, which led to the destruction of temples and Buddhist objects. This involved the formation of a completely new government that had new rules and regulations. 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 led to production and manufacturing of more sophisticated goods that fitted in the modern revolution. 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. Towards the end of the 19th century, Japan was copying the imperialism that it saw in other Western countries. Western-style architecture Brick architecture. Free resources to assist you with your university studies! 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. Disclaimer: This is an example of a student written essay.Click here for sample essays written by our professional writers. It explained for the success of the Meiji Modernization. Japan utilized the weapons in war times that enabled them to secure their territory. The feudal system was swept away, along with its strict class system. Their main slogan during the regime was Strengthen the military as a result of enriching the power. By the end, Japan had become a strong new nation with its own kokutai and aspirations to become a world imperial power. I feel like its a lifeline. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Meijis reign was a far-reaching era that was constituted majorly with change. Order to abolish swords A law prohibiting the former samurai class from carrying swords was enforced. 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. This put an end to the policy of banning Christianity, which had been in place since the early Edo period. Japan's Meiji Restoration of 1868 had many effects on Japan and the world from 1840 to 1920. 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. Politically, the Meiji Restoration of the mid-1800s to the early 1900s set the stage for the growth that took place to make Japan an Empire, including the transformation of the views on the emperor. These industrial towns created a need for lodging areas, food reserves and goods that could provide travelers or tourists with accommodation services. The abolition of the chonmage was also an important policy showing that Japan was aiming to become a modern and civilized nation. The Meiji Era that followed the Meiji Restoration in 1868 marked the formation of a new gender structure in Japan. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. The whole of Japan became interested in Western culture and began actively adopting it. The basis for education was to make the citizens learned and also to counter the rapid changes that occurred in the modern world. The new government was very tactical. Also in 1871 a national army was formed, which was further strengthened two years later by a universal conscription law. The Japanese had no weapons to match the American firepower, so they had to agree with Perry's demand. 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. Social changes during the Meiji Restoration are expressed through a special and generic term in Japan: Bunmei Kaika. Its literal translation is blooming of civilization but it was actually coined by Fukuzawa Yukichi as the translation of the English word civilization.. But in reality, the Meiji Restoration was more of a reinvention. Therefore, a revolution was started that was geared to more of advancement and revolution. Also, the Meiji Emperor's father, the west-suspicious Komei, had died in 1867, leading to his more liberal son Meiji taking the throne. 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. These aspects were key elements in the characterization of a developed nation. Japan accelerated industrial revolution was as a result of Meijis era. Postal system The postal system was started in 1871, running between Tokyo and Osaka. The Essay Writing ExpertsUK Essay Experts. One of the main contributing factors to Japans modernization was the emulation of Togukawa society and the Togukawa beliefs (Craig 150). The Meiji regime had a well established administration that included a prime minister. Abolishing the immobile class system. In which country does the sun never rise? This made the Japanese government look a little bit like a Western-style government. 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. In 1882, the first horse-drawn carriage railroad opened in Tokyo. In 1875, an ordinance was promulgated, requiring all people to use surnames. This allowed Japan to maintain a connection to its past while aggressively looking toward the future. Economic Effects of Meiji Restoration. They were collectively known as Tsusho-no-kuni. The reforms enacted . The attacks by the made the country remained complacent hence its tactics were futile. In some ways, the worship of Western civilization created a sense that Japanese traditional culture was inferior, consisting of old habits. Why did the Meiji reformers want to modernize Japan? A picture of Ginza, now part of Tokyo, in the 1880s. The government played a huge role in social change by creating new. Updates? The major challenges that affected the Meijis rule were born by the negative effects of the Shogunate. By the end of the Meiji Restoration: Japan became a modern nation-state. The Meiji Restoration had two major slogans: Fukoku Kyohei and Bunmei Kaika. To add to these, there was education for both boys and girls in the society. Drinking milk People started drinking milk. Therefore, the Meijis era opted to create a solution for the need at hand. 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 . One of these major effects of the event was the fact that the previously feudal country was transformed into an empire that was entirely capable of competing with many of the greatest powers of the time. Titles of land ownership were issued to farmers, as were demands for taxation. The leaders of the restoration were mostly young samurai from feudal domains (hans) historically hostile to Tokugawa authority, notably Chsh, in far western Honshu, and Satsuma, in southern Kyushu. The collection includes accounts of daily life in Japan, material about missionary activities, and the writings of diplomats and long-term residents of Japan discussing the impact of Westerners on Japanese society, as well as the history of the foreign communities in Japan. 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. The West was then forced to acknowledge the former little island of Asia as a comparative power. If your specific country is not listed, please select the UK version of the site, as this is best suited to international visitors. Western technology was impressive, and the Japanese were eager to copy and match what they had seen in Western cities. 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 Meiji Restoration had far-reaching effects on Japanese society. An order was issued to cut off samurai-style hair. The feudal system was decaying, and factions were growing. Examples of these companies are Toshiba, Noritake, Yamaha, Nippon Express, Hitachi, Shiseido and Nintendo. This strong nature led to the rule and discrimination of traditional monarchies that surrendered at the end. 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. Moreover, some members who were supporters of daimyo were accepted in the new government and were reappointed as leaders. Erin has taught English and History. 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. The emperor, at the time, was a figurehead. The Tenpo calendar (lunisolar calendar) was used until December 2, 1872, after which the solar calendar was adopted. It was not going to be pushed around. Learn when the Meiji Restoration began, its main goal, what caused it, and how it changed Japan. Many companies known worldwide were founded during Meiji Era. 430 Words; 2 Pages; Open Document. Tomioka Silk Mill (started operation in 1872) To promote modernization, the Meiji government also focused on the construction of Western-style factories. You know, like old cars polished and souped-up to look like new again. Most of the change occurred during the Meiji period which began in 1868 and lasted until 1912. The entrepreneurs in Japan became more enlightened and powerful. Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals from one socio-economic strata to another, followed by a change in their social status. During the Edo period, children in Japan learned to read, write, and use the abacus at schools called Terakoya (temple school). It was presented as a gift from the emperor to the people, and it could be amended only upon imperial initiative. 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. The rise of Japan, beginning in the Meiji Restoration, is an amazing story of modernization over a quick half-century. 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. 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. This system had also reduced many of its samurai warlords to glorified office clerks, forced to reside in Tokyo with the feudal lords they served. Japan's goal of achieving fukoku kyohei, "rich country; strong military", fuelled major political, economic and social changes during the Meiji Restoration. During the Meiji Restoration, social change was synonymous with modernization and Westernization. What were the effects of the Meiji Restoration? There were many forms of transitions that took place (Craig 150). Third, Japan started building kokutai, which means national essence. It occurred during a three-year period from 1866 to 1869 that traversed the end of the Edo period (often called Late Tokugawa shogunate) and beginning of the Meiji Era. These enterprises developed into great banking companies and improved commercial businesses. 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. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. 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 ( . The most affected government sectors were the social, political, economic oriented institutions. Moreover, Japan started to import raw materials which were manufactured into finished products and then were sold to other countries. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. The government forced people to change their hairstyle because the chonmage was seen as a barbaric custom in the eyes of Westerners. Copyright 2003 - 2023 - UKEssays is a trading name of Business Bliss Consultants FZE, a company registered in United Arab Emirates. 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 . Education, social class, and women's roles changed drastically when Japan began to modernize. The shogun was a member of the Tokugawa clan, so this time was known as the Tokugawa shogunate. 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! Therefore, the expansion of towns provided a good basis for innovation. The modernization resulted into Japan being rated as the most developed in the whole of Eastern Asia. The Meiji period that followed the Restoration was an era of major political, economic, and social change in Japan. Effects of Tokugawa's period Meiji period was characterized by rapid change and modernization. Consequently, Japan expanded the trade to even powerful countries. The Meiji Restoration turned a feudalistic Japan into an educated, technological, and expansionistic nation that was intent on conquering Asia. 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. Japan was beaten by Russia in the Russo-Japanese War. Many learning institutions were built that mostly related to business management studies. This was seen in the massive doubling in the infrastructure and production industry. Japanese Imperialism: Territorial Acquisitions & Wars, The Westernization of Japan During the Meiji Era. 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 first action, taken in 1868 while the country was still unsettled, was to relocate the imperial capital from Kyto to the shogunal capital of Edo, which was renamed Tokyo (Eastern Capital). How did the Meiji Restoration change Japan? Following are the social changes brought about during the period of the Meiji Restoration. This was very tactful as it was significant for a new revolution. Also, Japan was preparing itself for future incapacities that could arise due to lack of better preparation. For example, Japan changed from a feudal system to a more structured government. Corrections? Another reform was in the area of education. Chinese military group were not prepared to the great modernization that had taken placed. The reason for this was that; there was no way a former leader would rule an enlightened environment. Japans economic, political and social stability developed intensely during the Meijis era. Japan had reverted back to a shogunate. It signed treaties with America, Russia, Canada and many countries in Europe. The daimyo rule was later abolished by 1871. The Meiji period that followed the Restoration was an era of major political, economic, and social change in Japan. At the same time, universal education was introduced to Japan. 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 constitution was presented as a gift from the emperor, and it created a two-house parliament called the Imperial Diet. In today's world, social mobility is largely. When the Meiji era began, many changes occurred which affected Japan's social structure and foreign relationships. Most scholars, however, insisted that it was left to Japan to decide at the time of . 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. 7 chapters | Omissions? The Japanese emperors in that time knew well that for them to make it through the wars that were foreseen, they were to be well armed as the imperial superpowers. However, the Western countries were still unwilling to accept Japan as a great power. A strong national army and navy became a main priority. Furthermore, their genuine interest in progress economically also boosted the country in terms of economic development. This Meiji restoration has given a lot of positive effects to the Meiji nationalism. This oath was to act as a sign of treaty for change to more democratic governance. These major transitions created a more clear foundation for exercising democracy in the Japanese government. Even today, there is a law controlling the possession of swords in Japan. This was seen in different sectors of the government. Secondly, there were countries that were grouped for trading. Looking for a flexible role? 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. A privy council composed of the Meiji genro, created prior to the constitution, advised the emperor and wielded actual power. Second, outside pressure from foreigners convinced the Japanese that they needed to modernize quickly. If you need assistance with writing your essay, our professional essay writing service is here to help! Gas lamps Gas lamps greatly changed the nighttime scenery of cities. 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). 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 difference between the new governance and the former Samurai one was that, every male was allowed to serve in the armed forces and the right to the bear arms. 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. After this, the Japanese quickly sent "observers" to the West to understand its culture while copying much of the technology they had missed over the previous centuries: the steamboat, the railroad, guns, and artillery. 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. (b) Comit Japonais des Sciences Historiques, Le Japon au XI e Congrs International des Sciences Historiques Stockholm, Tokyo, 1960, pp.