Meiji Restoration Background of Tokugawa Social Hierarchy The
Meiji Restoration
Background of Tokugawa Social Hierarchy • The Tokugawa Era was a feudal society • Daimyo – The equivalent of a feudal baron – The samurai enforced the will of the Daimyo – Most of the men that made up the Daimyo were former Samurai
Events Leading to the Meiji Restoration • Tokugawa Government – 18 th Century Decline…end of feudalism – Dismal financial situation led to unusually high taxes – Famine and natural disasters caused riots – Social hierarchy was breaking down…the merchant class grew – Too much government corruption
. . . Continued • In 1853 the U. S. sends a fleet of ships commanded by Commodore Matthew Perry • His goal was to force Japan to end its isolation policy and begin trading. • Japan is forced to sign Unequal Treaties – In 1854 the Shogun signs the Kanagawa Treaty: Treaty this granted the U. S. the power to use Japanese ports • All of this caused Japanese people of all classes to become unhappy with Tokugawa rule
Meiji Restoration • 1868 - The Shogun is forced to step down – This restored the emperor to power – He called is reign Meiji, meaning ‘enlightened rule’ • Ultimately the emperor's goal was to modernize so that Japan could keep up with the westerners – The first step he took was to send missionaries to observe western government, industry, and military organization
Observations of the Missionaries – Lack of strict social class – Informal presidency – Manners and customs – Modern Industry *Felt that Americans lacked etiquette
Government Under the Meiji • Wanted a strong central government • Wrote a constitution that adapted western ideas to Japanese needs • Ordered the Daimyo to return their land to the gov’t.
Tokugawa vs. Meiji Government
Economic Modernization • Japan quickly realized the only way that it could compete with western powers was by industrializing – Government improved ports, built weapons factories, and set up modern transportation and communications – Zaibatsu: Large family organizations that controlled large parts of the economy (many were former samurai that were willing to modernize) – Gov’t urged cooperation NOT competition
Social Changes • Abolishment of the feudal class system – When the Daimyo were forced to return their lands in 1871 it caused major social problems – In 1876 the samurai were forbidden to wear swords and top knots were unacceptable – All men were required to serve in the military • Fukoku Kyohei… ‘enrich the country, strengthen the military’ – Urbanization – Women work in factories – Men now had the right to vote – People wearing more westernized clothing
Satsuma Rebellion 1877 • 40, 000 samurai vs. 60, 000 imperial troops • This was a clash between ancient and modern technology… feudalism vs. modern world • Takamori committed seppuku
Takamori • Even though Takamori lost the Satsuma Rebellion to the imperial army he is still revered today • He is considered to embody the Japanese concept of ‘Wa’, which means fullness of Japanese character and spirit
Overview of Meiji Restoration • The Restoration was intended to level the playing field with western powers both politically and economically • Reformed Education – Huge emphasis on science and technology – Educational opportunities free of feudal class restrictions • Reformed Military • New Constitution • Industrialization
Japanese Expansion in Asia • By 1900 Japan had become industrialized • Rapid success was due to strong national unity • Example: Rivalry over Korea – Following the example set by western nations, Japan wanted to gain power overseas (Imperialism) – They competed with China and Russia for influence in Korea – Also gained Taiwan – Japan defeated Russia in the Russo-Japanese War 1904 -1905
Benefits of Expansion • Japan sought equal political standing with western powers • In 1894 the Unequal Treaties were revised for Japan • They gained raw materials for industry • During WWI Japan took over Germany’s holding in China, thus setting the stage for further expansion
- Slides: 16