The Meiji Restoration replaced the Tokugawa shogunate and reinstated the emperor. Consequently, Japan expanded the trade to even powerful countries. The industrial sector was also transformed to modern manufacturing industry like those that only appeared in the West. For the prime minister, the proud story of the. The first was Bunmei Kaika, or civilization and enlightenment. By the 20th century, Japan had a modern constitution and national parliament, though it was not truly democratic. The population in the city of Tokyo was distributed evenly. Our academic experts are ready and waiting to assist with any writing project you may have. Meiji Era Change or Continuity? | TEA Online Curriculum Projects From 1603 to 1868 Japan was a feudal society with a hierarchy of lords, samurai, and peasants. 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. The Origin of Japan's Modernization: - Government of Japan 430 Words; 2 Pages; Open Document. Wholesale land reform has costs and inequities that make righting South Africa's central injustice through such a process inappropriate. Consequently, western technology was greatly employed by domestic companies to produce highly sophisticated products. The nation was closed off to foreigners. First, they had to expand the boarders to allow other traders to interchange their goods with them. The constitution was presented as a gift from the emperor, and it created a two-house parliament called the Imperial Diet. Conscription system (draft system) The government also called this the blood tax.. You know, like old cars polished and souped-up to look like new again. Therefore, Japan overstepped many countries in East Asia to top the ranks of the most powerful countries. The Meiji Restoration and Modernization | Asia for Educators | Columbia 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. These views on the emperor helped to create a social change: the anger of the Japanese government and people about the. In its place, a democratic social and political system was established based on constitutional law over the course of about 20 years, and it led to significant economic reforms and growth. 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. 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. READ: What happens if the law is impossible to follow? to modernize. Communism in China Factors & Rise | How Did China Become Communist? Japan underwent a vast array of changes after the Meiji Restoration. China had a more reluctant response which led to their defeat. Meiji Restoration was a political revolutionthat was marked by the Boshin War that brought an end to Tokugawaimperial rule. Disgruntled samurai participated in several rebellions against the government, the most famous being led by the former restoration hero Saig Takamori of Satsuma. How did the Meiji Restoration change Japan? 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 . There were many causes for the Meiji Restoration, including rice inflation (samurai paid in rice), a decaying bureaucracy, increasing interactions with foreign technology. Create your account. By the end of the Meiji Era, these situations were less common. The purpose of this in vivo study was to evaluate and compare the dentin-pulp complex response following occlusal and cervical restorations in rat molars restored with nano-hydroxyapatite silica glass ionomer cement (nano-HA-SiO2-GIC) and conventional glass ionomer cement (c-GIC). While many of these industrial ideals were Western, they were implemented in a Japanese way, with Japanese traditions taking precedence over everything. One of the main contributing factors to Japans modernization was the emulation of Togukawa society and the Togukawa beliefs (Craig 150). Telegraph When the telegram system first started, many people didnt understand what it was. Under the emperor as a symbol of ancient Japanese authority, the people came together, and they began to think of Japan as a great and powerful nation that would be the most powerful country in Asia. 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. 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. The feudal system was swept away, along with its strict class system. Among those were: The Meiji period that followed the Restoration was an era of major political, economic, and social change in Japan. 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. 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. If your specific country is not listed, please select the UK version of the site, as this is best suited to international visitors. 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. Japanese Imperialism: Territorial Acquisitions & Wars, The Westernization of Japan During the Meiji Era. Universal education and industrialization helped build an educated populace with better transportation and communication technology. As a result, there were 20,000 schools nationwide. During early industrialisation, women were worked in factories under poor conditions. Japan also built a strong navy. This led to the Boshin War. During the Edo period, children in Japan learned to read, write, and use the abacus at schools called Terakoya (temple school). Major contributors to economic development were road construction networks that led to developments of central business district. However, the Meiji Restoration was a total reinvention of Japan. Therefore, between 1894 and 1895, Japan was in a great position to defend itself against any external attacks by any external military forces. Though the emperor was considered the highest position in feudal Japan, the shogun and their military establishment kept him from wielding any real power. First, the capital was moved from Kyoto to Edo, which became known as Tokyo. Many merchants gained financial knowledge that would be used during Meijis period. Social Change - Meiji Period Many companies known worldwide were founded during Meiji Era. History of Japan: Meiji Period (1868-1912) - Japan Wonder Travel Blog 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. A picture of Ginza, now part of Tokyo, in the 1880s. This included education and learning which resulted into a stronger generation in the time of the Meijis era. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Looking for a flexible role? 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. Creation of a well-developed communication system. Nikita Khrushchev Career & Destalinization | Who was Nikita Khrushchev? The overall effect of the Meiji Restoration on Japan was that it brought Japan from isolation to a more modernized power. First, the army became more refurbished (Tipton 400). These enterprises developed into great banking companies and improved commercial businesses. At first, many supporters of the emperor were also very critical of Western influence. Meijis era had a nonfunctional parliament at its inception. The education was introduced to Japan. Schooling combined On the other hand, restoration would mean that these things existed before which is not the case for the Meijis 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. These industrial towns created a need for lodging areas, food reserves and goods that could provide travelers or tourists with accommodation services. During this time the city Edo was named Tokyo and the capital city was transferred to Tokyo. 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 second major slogan was Fukoku Kohei, or enrich the country, strengthen the army. Scientific Revolution Lesson Plans & Resources, Revolutions in Latin America Lesson Plans, Oliver Cromwell, Hero or Villain? 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. This was also adopted for police and postal uniforms. Japan expanded into the Ryukyu Islands and invaded Taiwan in the 1870s, which a very weak China did not repel. PDF The Five Articles of the Charter Oath - Chinese University of Hong Kong In areas such as Ginza, gas lamps were installed on both sides of the roads, and lamps became popular in private homes. According to document 1, Japan was isolated from 1635-1853.1853 to 1854.This was . These businesses provided a lot of income that was used in purchasing most intensives used for development. 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. 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. There were radical changes that took place during the Meiji transformation. The Causes And Effects Of The Meiji Restoration In Japan All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Gas lamps Gas lamps greatly changed the nighttime scenery of cities. All along, the Meiji Restoration used a combination of Japanese tradition and new Western ideas to transform the country. Finally, in 1889, the Meiji Constitution was officially promulgated. 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. 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). which began in 1868 and lasted until 1912. She has a bachelor's degree in History, and a master's degree in International Relations. Causes of the Meiji Restoration. 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. 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. How did the Meiji Restoration change Japan? 7 chapters | 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. Study for free with our range of university lectures! Updates? 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. Railroad In 1872, the railroad between Shimbashi and Yokohama was opened and steam locomotives began to operate. These effects were brought about by the appreciation of modern technology. The change occurred in their dressing style which became more western in style. It got rid of the feudal system and created the Meiji Constitution establishing a bureaucratic, centralized government. Japan began mass-producing silk, coal, and other resources. The Meiji regime had a well established administration that included a prime minister. These advancements could only apply to a country that has improved. The foresight by the Japanese to embrace modernizing was a great stepping stone into their winning strategies. This resulted to the promulgation of a new charter that was accomplished in 1968. As a result, the shoguns lost credit, and the Meiji leaders came to power. The reason for this was that; there was no way a former leader would rule an enlightened environment. The cause for the first reinvention, also known as the Meiji restoration, was foreign influence let into the country by the shoguns. 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. ChristianityIn 1873, the government removed the ban on Christianity. 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. Japan created an efficient rail system, improved communications technology, and started mechanizing industry. A quick skirmish led to other provinces breaking away from the shogunate and announcing their loyalty to the emperor alone. Free resources to assist you with your university studies! A strong national army and navy became a main priority. 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. Effects of Tokugawa's period Meiji period was characterized by rapid change and modernization. The Meiji Restoration began in 1868 to 1912 which transformed Japan society with western influence but . This was very tactful as it was significant for a new revolution. Lastly, there were those countries that acted in partnership with Japan in terms of trade. Those men were motivated by growing domestic problems and by the threat of foreign encroachment. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Japans fame could also be compared to how both China and Japan responded to external invasions. The result for these radical steps was the rise of a very powerful Asian country from a very humble beginning. In addition, Japan made revisions of treaties within the Asian boarders hence having a more strengthened bond. They also began to copy the West's expanding imperialism. This called for a more technical force that would deal with the different forms of technology (Ebrey 550). 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. 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. There were three main reasons for this war and the resulting changes: This minuscule period of a half-century began with a technologically stunted Japanese shogunate in the 1860s that quickly changed and grew into an imperialistic power that would later defeat the Russian Navy.