At first, many supporters of the emperor were also very critical of Western influence. The emperor was reinstated as sovereign, and he took the name Meiji. 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). It signed treaties with America, Russia, Canada and many countries in Europe. 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). This was followed in 1898 by the adoption of the same surname for married couples under the Civil Code. These included educational achievements, rapid economic development and common cultural and social background. They wanted to unite the country under a new, centralized government in order to strengthen their army to defend against foreign influence. 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'. These effects were brought about by the appreciation of modern technology. Therefore, the Meijis era opted to create a solution for the need at hand. What were the effects of the Meiji Restoration? The growth in trade consequently led to the creation of modern communication lines and railway line. These were the Russo-Japanese war and Sino-Japanese war. World History 1600-1900: Lesson Plans & Resources, Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses. The modernization resulted into Japan being rated as the most developed in the whole of Eastern Asia. 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 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. It got rid of the feudal system and created the Meiji Constitution establishing a bureaucratic, centralized government. This rule was termed as the enlightened rule because it was to transform Japan from its nave nature to a more modernized society. As a result, the shoguns lost credit, and the Meiji leaders came to power. 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 involved the formation of a completely new government that had new rules and regulations. The formation of a national army. 645 Words. What were the causes of the Japanese industrial revolution? The entrepreneurs in Japan became more enlightened and powerful. Allowing people to move between strict financial groups. Many learning institutions were built that mostly related to business management studies. That was followed, after the end of the fighting, by the dismantling of the old feudal regime. More narrowly, was the character of Meiji institutions determined by the social composition of the anti-Tokugawa movement, or did it derive from a situation that took shape only after the Bakufu was overthrown? Japanese people readily accepted such drastic social changes. It led to a new era of militarism in Japan, but it also created unity. The abolition of the feudal system and all feudal class privileges. To add to these, there was education for both boys and girls in the society. In addition, the country had gained a higher level of literacy at the time the Meijis era was about to begin. All along, the Meiji Restoration used a combination of Japanese tradition and new Western ideas to transform the country. In 1866, the Tokugawa Shogun was overthrown by the feudal lords and samurai. Parallel to this was the Land Tax Reform, or chisokaisei, which removed the feudal regions owned by the regional lords and placed them back in the hands of the people. These included the Simutomo, Mitsui and Konoike family lines. A military dictator, or shogun, ruled over everyone. Japan was compromised by a feudal system of military warlords that forbade any foreign exposure with the threat of execution. However, the Meiji Restoration was a total reinvention of Japan. 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. 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. But before Japan was a powerful Nation, it needed to modernize. So all of a sudden, Japan had a highly educated population with more social mobility. These industrial towns created a need for lodging areas, food reserves and goods that could provide travelers or tourists with accommodation services. 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. Learn when the Meiji Restoration began, its main goal, what caused it, and how it changed Japan. Japan also built a strong navy. The major challenges that affected the Meijis rule were born by the negative effects of the Shogunate. This was very tactful as it was significant for a new revolution. If your specific country is not listed, please select the UK version of the site, as this is best suited to international visitors. But in 1867, the 15th Tokugawa shogun resigned, and by 1868, the Meiji Restoration had begun. Why did the Meiji reformers want to modernize Japan? In July 1853, Perry sailed his steamer, the Mississippi, and as it chugged past Japanese boats in Yokohama Harbor, fired blank charges from her superior cannons, and then presented the Japanese Shogunate with a white flag with which to surrender. Japan's Cabinet Secretariat has the overall responsibility for the implementation of the framework. Dissolving of the Shogunate, creation of a constitution, creation of a democratic Diet. This made the Japanese government look a little bit like a Western-style government. They were collectively known as Tsusho-no-kuni. 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. 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. 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. 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. We've received widespread press coverage since 2003, Your UKEssays purchase is secure and we're rated 4.4/5 on reviews.co.uk. There are three factors that led to the smooth transformation of Meiji era. This led to the loss of many Buddhist artifacts of historical and cultural value. Eligible Japanese voters elected the members of the Diet. This was seen in the massive doubling in the infrastructure and production industry. Chinese military group were not prepared to the great modernization that had taken placed. 7 chapters | Corrections? The Meijis rule or era had a lot of trade relations with the international countries. The result of these changes was a drafted constitution in 1989 that transformed Japan to be turned into a constitutional monarchy. First, the capital was moved from Kyoto to Edo, which became known as Tokyo. 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. 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. The aim was to restore imperial power under Mutsuhito, this was the decline of the Edo (Tokugawa) era 1603-1867 in Japanese history (the emperor Meiji). Japan accelerated industrial revolution was as a result of 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. There were many forms of transitions that took place (Craig 150). He demanded that Japan open itself up for international trade. Those uprisings were repressed only with great difficulty by the newly formed army. What happened during the Meiji Restoration quizlet? It was later converted into a train transportation system. Japan utilized the weapons in war times that enabled them to secure their territory. Japan was beaten by Russia in the Russo-Japanese War. We'll look closely at the causes, the major accomplishments, and the effects of the Meiji Restoration. As the Edo period continued and enter it's later years, the stability of the system was sha. 2. A strong national army and navy became a main priority. Postal system The postal system was started in 1871, running between Tokyo and Osaka. Horse-drawn carriage (street car) Railroad cars pulled by horses traveled over the railroad tracks. This inequality left Japan with a big chip on its shoulder. As the Japanese modernized and formed a national identity, the ideas of Bunmei Kaika (civilization and enlightenment) and Fukoku Kohei (enrich the country and protect the military) combined with the newly created Meiji Constitution to shape Japan into a strong, militaristic country. 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. Registered office: Creative Tower, Fujairah, PO Box 4422, UAE. Moreover, some members who were supporters of daimyo were accepted in the new government and were reappointed as leaders. Responding to those pressures, the government issued a statement in 1881 promising a constitution by 1890. Denmark bans COVID vaccine for under 18-fact check. 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. During the Edo period, children in Japan learned to read, write, and use the abacus at schools called Terakoya (temple school). In addition, the era explained the major aspects of modernism which was more of a transition rather than a restoration era. 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 Japanese phrase sonno joi, or "praise the emperor and expel the barbaric West," was present until the anti-Western movement was quickly quashed. This is to pose the problem of the relationship between day-to-day politics and long-term socioeconomic change. 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. This change included major transition in the military, foreign relations, economy, social structure and internal politics. 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. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. 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. 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. The Meiji Restoration also saw a dramatic increase in Westernisation, as Japan rapidly industrialised and adopted many Western technologies and ideas. On the other hand, restoration would mean that these things existed before which is not the case for the Meijis era. This gave the emperor more powers as he would preside over all state business proceedings in the entire area of Japan (Shimposha 289). This was seen in different sectors of the government. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. A picture of Ginza, now part of Tokyo, in the 1880s. 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. Boxer Rebellion in China | Causes, Summary & Significance, Tokugawa Shogunate in Japan | History, Culture & Unification. "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." Tokugawa Shogunate History & Significance | What was the Tokugawa Shogunate? In addition, the military adopted more westernized weapons and guarding tactics. If you need assistance with writing your essay, our professional essay writing service is here to help! Grades 5-12: Analyze the internal and external causes of the Meiji Restoration. 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. 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. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). These advancements could only apply to a country that has improved. The era resulted into the introduction of boarder line trading. Create your account. Looking for a flexible role? Erin has taught English and History. 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 perpetrators announced the ouster of Tokugawa Yoshinobu (the last shogun)who by late 1867 was no longer effectively in powerand proclaimed the young Meiji emperor to be ruler of Japan. The result for these radical steps was the rise of a very powerful Asian country from a very humble beginning. An error occurred trying to load this video. 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. During this time the city Edo was named Tokyo and the capital city was transferred to Tokyo. Although Japan also had an emperor hanging around, the emperor had little to no power. They gained fame for this all over the Pacific area. What were some political effects of the Meiji Restoration? 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. Abolishing the immobile class system. The development of industries during the Togukawa period resulted into the subsequent growth of many industries during the Meiji era. It was at the time of the era that Japan started emerging as a big international trade country. No plagiarism, guaranteed! 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. This emulated the western form of governance hence a modernized government. 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. This led to production and manufacturing of more sophisticated goods that fitted in the modern revolution. 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. In which country does the sun never rise? The enacting of a constitution and formalization of a parliamentary system of government. The Meiji governance was one organized group that had one main common goal of revolution. The revolutionary changes carried out by restoration leaders, who acted in the name of the emperor, faced increasing opposition by the mid-1870s. Japan was accepted by the Western powers as an equal. First, the army became more refurbished (Tipton 400). She has a bachelor's degree in History, and a master's degree in International Relations. This drastic change in Japanese society and economics led to its role in WWII and its modern place in the world today. 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 ( . They were constantly exploited and denied any freedom. The government forced people to change their hairstyle because the chonmage was seen as a barbaric custom in the eyes of Westerners. This revolution was a transformation from subsistence farming to commercial crops farming. The Japanese disposed of their feudal system for a representational government, copied many Western ideas, and unified into an educated yet imperialistic country. It was led by young samurai who saw the need for change. 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 population in the city of Tokyo was distributed evenly. He graduated with a Masters in English from Mississippi College and has a JLPT N1 pass. Meiji Restoration was a political revolutionthat was marked by the Boshin War that brought an end to Tokugawaimperial rule. The second major slogan was Fukoku Kohei, or enrich the country, strengthen the army. What were three effects of the Meiji Restoration? The Meijis reign was a far-reaching era that was constituted majorly with change. The Meiji Emperor represented a mixture of West and East. 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. Initially, Japan was also biased in choosing the country to trade with. 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 . 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. They were able to create a centralized and bureaucratic government that created the Meiji Constitution in 1889. There were three main causes of the Meiji Restoration: First, internal problems in Japan made ruling the country too difficult. Big family enterprises did develop during Togukawa era. Western technology was impressive, and the Japanese were eager to copy and match what they had seen in Western cities. The basis for education was to make the citizens learned and also to counter the rapid changes that occurred in the modern world. Education was a sure foundation for development as it had been changing from time to time. The cause for the first reinvention, also known as the Meiji restoration, was foreign influence let into the country by the shoguns. These enterprises developed into great banking companies and improved commercial businesses. Moreover, Japan started to import raw materials which were manufactured into finished products and then were sold to other countries. Most of the change occurred during the Meiji period. 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.